Objective: More than 30,000 gynaecological ultrasound scans were performed annually by a group of sonographers with various experiences in sonography in my department. We developed a new score-based method for quality control (QC) of gynaecological ultrasound images and share our 22 months experiences.
Methods: A new score-based method was developed based on 18 criteria. 20-30 randomly selected gynaecological ultrasound scans per month were analyzed by QC team with sonographer’s name blinded. Each scan was scored by two reviewers. Average score was obtained. The scan was rated as “Very Good”, “Good” or “Poor” based on the score. The percentage of “Very Good” cases was calculated monthly. The target was set as “Equal to or more than 85% of cases are rated as ‘Very Good’”. QC result and common problems were shared monthly. Feedback and training were given.
Results: A total of 540 gynaecological ultrasound scans were scored. The percentage of “Very Good” cases was 95% in the first month (Jan 2007). Then it fluctuated from 30% to 75% in following 4 months. Subsequently it showed significant improvement with the result maintained at equal to or more than 85% for the rest of 17 months, except for Sep 2007 and March 2008. It took us 5 months to meet the target.
Conclusion: Our experiences show that the score-based method is effective for QC of gynaecological ultrasound images.