Ultrasound Probe Problems: Identify Damaged or Broken Ultrasound Probe (Guide)

Article Main Topics:

1. Precautions when Working with Probes
2. The Most Common Defects on Probes
3. Ultrasound Probe Maintenance – FAQ
4. Sum Up – Broken Ultrasound Probe

This article has been updated 09-05-2025

Have you got a broken ultrasound probe?

Or do you need to identify the error on your ultrasound probe so you can fix it?

Ultrasound transducers are, without a doubt, a vital part of a fully functional ultrasound machine.

In this post, we map out common ultrasound probe damages due to misuse, with pictures and descriptions of the failures and defects.

You might be able to fix the probe yourself.

If not, our team of specialists is ready to help you.

At DirectMed, we can repair broken ultrasound probes and also provide you with new or used ones.

First of all, remember to handle ultrasound transducers with care to ensure they keep working at their best.

You should consider a set of precautions when working with ultrasound probes.

Precautions When Using Ultrasound Probes:

• Use protective bags around the transducer head or attach safety wires to prevent dropping it on the floor.

There are some precautions you should not only consider but also strictly follow:

• Never use disinfectant fluids containing alcohol, as they will dry out the probe’s lens.
• Avoid bending and twisting the cable, as it contains 128-320 small wires connected to crystals. If these wires tear, the signal will be greatly reduced or even completely disappear.

And remember, rough and careless treatment of equipment is never covered by any warranty.

Broken Ultrasound Probe – Identify Ultrasound Probe Damage

In the table below, you can see examples of the most common ultrasound probe defects:

Crack in Housing of the Ultrasound Probe

Most probably, the probe has been dropped or hit by another object.

Dried-out Ultrasound Probe Lens

Using disinfectants unsuitable for transducer lenses, especially those containing alcohol, can dry out the ultrasound probe lens. If this occurs, sometimes you can restore it by using a proper gel.

Crack in the Ultrasound Probe

A crack in the ultrasound probe can cause noise, missing connections, or lines in the image. This issue often stems from a hole in the lens, which may result from an impact, a fall, wear and tear of the wires, or a sharp object like a scalpel cutting the wire.

Damaged Crystal in the Probe

This defect indicates dead, damaged, or weak crystals, often caused by dropping the probe on the floor or hitting the lens with a gel bottle.

Broken Ultrasound Probe Cable

A broken cable can cause noise, missing connections, or lines in the image. This is often due to a cart/system running over the cable, causing wear and tear. Prolonged exposure to pressure or impact can also cause the wires to stack together, distorting the cable’s shape and affecting its functionality.

Ultrasound Probe Artifact

Artifacts like noise or missing connections can occur if the strain relief breaks due to bending, a system runs over the cable, or the connector is dropped.

Sum Up – Ultrasound Probe Problems

Have you learned more about broken ultrasound probes and how to prevent their defects?

Please note, the explanations for broken ultrasound probes are not 100% definitive causes but are based on our technical department’s experience.

This is a list that our technical department has provided us with.

It contains the defects they commonly see on probes and a logical explanation of why they have appeared.

We always recommend treating your ultrasound transducers with care.

Moreover, we encourage you to only use them the way the manufacturer of the transducer proposes.

Finally, would you like to find out what kind of ultrasound probes are on the market?

Read our blog post about ultrasound transducer types and how to select the right transducer.

And if you are looking for the perfect ultrasound, do not miss our extensive guide to ultrasounds. Also, check out the many used ultrasounds we have in stock.

Check out our wide selection of ultrasound probes from top brands such as Philips, GE, Toshiba, and Siemens, and do not hesitate to contact our sales department with your inquiries, or questions at [email protected]

What is next?

If you would like to learn even more about ultrasounds, you can sign up below to receive an e-book: ‘How to pick your next ultrasound’ and become part of our ultrasound e-mail course.

In multiple e-mails, this course will guide you through several themes related to your next ultrasound purchase.