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FDA ASCA accredited · TL-114

Ultrasound Acoustic Output Testing

Hydrophone-based acoustic output measurement for diagnostic ultrasound systems and transducers, with a submission-ready report for FDA 510(k) and international approvals.

  • IEC 60601-2-37
  • IEC 62127-1
  • IEC 62359
  • AIUM/NEMA UD 2
Preparing a 510(k)? Consult with a medical device test expert.

Why Sigma

Acoustic output data FDA reviewers recognize

We measure the spatial and temporal characteristics of your ultrasonic field so you can show the system stays within safety limits and FDA preamendment values.

  • FDA ASCA-accredited for IEC 60601-2-37: your report comes with an ASCA summary test report for the 510(k).
  • A2LA ISO/IEC 17025 accredited hydrophone measurements to IEC 62127-1 and IEC 62359.
  • Statistics built in: at least three transducers per imaging mode, with uncertainty analysis, so values near preamendment limits hold up in review.
  • One report, several markets: prepared for submissions to the US FDA, Health Canada, Japan and Europe.
Engineer adjusting the XYZ scanning gantry above the acoustic test tank

What we measure

Every field variable your submission needs

Measured in autoscanning and non-autoscanning modes, for each transducer and imaging mode. See how we measure →

Peak pressuresp+ and p− (compressional and rarefactional)
IntensitiesISPPA, ISPTA, Imax, derated values
Pulse intensity integralPII plots and zsp
Acoustic powerTotal output power per mode
FrequencyCenter frequency and frequency response
TimingPulse duration and pulse repetition frequency
BeamWidth, profile, focal distance; 2D and 3D beam mapping
Safety indicesMI and thermal indices TIS, TIB, TIC

Standards we test to

Standards and accreditation status

Each result is reported under the accreditation that covers it.

StandardScopeAccreditation
IEC 60601-2-37Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of ultrasonic medical diagnostic and monitoring equipmentASCA · A2LA
IEC 62127-1Hydrophones: measurement and characterization of medical ultrasonic fieldsA2LA
IEC 62359Field characterization: test methods for the thermal and mechanical indicesA2LA
AIUM/NEMA UD 2Acoustic output measurement standard for diagnostic ultrasound equipmentA2LA
JIS T 1501Performance of pulse-echo ultrasound imaging equipment (image quality)A2LA
FDA guidance (June 27, 2019)Marketing clearance of diagnostic ultrasound systems and transducersFollowed

Don’t see your standard? Contact us; we will tell you whether we can test to it and how it would be reported.

When you need it

From first submission to post-market

Support across the product life cycle, for new systems and for changes to cleared ones.

01New 510(k) submissionFull acoustic output characterization of a new system and its transducers.
02Design changesRetest only the modes and transducers the change affects.
03New transducerAdd a probe to a cleared system with the data FDA expects.
04Predicate comparisonShow your values against the predicate device, mode by mode.
05Manufacturing & post-marketPeriodic verification that production units stay within limits.

Your challenges, our solutions

What manufacturers ask us most

“Our ISPTA is close to the preamendment limit.”

We test more units to reduce the standard deviation and report the statistics the reviewer needs.

“We have many modes and probes. Where do we start?”

We build a test plan with you that covers the worst-case combinations without testing what is not needed.

“We are filing in several countries.”

One measurement campaign, with a report that cites both FDA guidance and the IEC standards.

Your test report

A report ready to file

Clear tables, the plots reviewers look for, and the traceability behind every number.

  • Maximum field variables per mode
  • Pulse waveform and PII plots
  • Statistical and uncertainty analysis
  • Measurement system and process description
  • Hydrophone calibration
  • ASCA summary test report (within ASCA scope)

Additional tests

Complementary ultrasound tests

Tests that complete your acoustic output program.

Transducer temperature riseSurface temperature of the transducer under use conditions, within IEC 60601-2-37 (FDA ASCA).
Ultrasound image qualityPhantom-based image quality evaluation to JIS T 1501, A2LA accredited.
Ultrasound gelsAcoustic speed, impedance and attenuation of coupling gels.Gel testing →

Accreditation

Accredited where it matters

TL-114FDA ASCA accredited testing laboratory. IEC 60601-2-37 is within our ASCA scope.See our FDA listing →
4896.01A2LA accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for acoustic test methods.Scope of accreditation →
24 hQuote response with scope, price and timeline for your system.Request a quote →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many transducers do I need to send?

At least three units per transducer model and imaging mode. If a value is close to a limit, more units reduce the standard deviation; we tell you before you ship.

Is the report accepted by FDA as an ASCA report?

Testing to IEC 60601-2-37 is within our ASCA scope, so you receive an ASCA summary test report.

What do I need to ship with the system?

The system, the transducers, operating instructions and access to the service or engineering modes needed to drive maximum output. We send a checklist with the quote.

How fast can I get a quote?

Within 24 hours. Tell us the device, the transducers and the modes, and we reply with scope, price and timeline.

Request an acoustic output quote

Tell us about your device and the standards you need. You’ll have a quote within 24 hours.

(305) 239-4441 info@sigmascientific.us 490 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, Suite 130, Sunrise, FL 33325

Request a Quote