Evaluation of a low-cost liquid ultrasound test object for detection of transducer artefacts

Routine quality control of ultrasound scanners and transducers is important for maintaining image quality. Our experience suggests that artefact and uniformity evaluation is the most effective single phantom test for detecting equipment problems. Current methods for assessing ultrasound images for artefacts have important limitations. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a novel, low-cost, liquid phantom with a flexible surface for assessing artefacts. A range of materials were evaluated and the optimal liquid phantom was found to be a water/cornstarch solution contained within a flexible latex balloon. When compared to a rigid tissue-mimicking phantom no deficiencies in overall image appearance or artefact detection for any transducer model was observed for the liquid phantom. With minimal training, reproducible clips were obtained by clinical sonographers with low inter- and intra-operator dependence, for a range of transducers models. The flexible scanning surface of the liquid phantom allows complete rapid coupling of all transducers. Due to its ease of use and low cost this liquid phantom appears superior to rigid phantoms for assessment of non-uniformity artefacts, and should allow clinical practices to perform routine artefact assessments of all ultrasound scanners and transducers.