Whether looking for a replacement for outdated ultrasound equipment or buying an ultrasound machine for the first time, choosing the right one is crucial.

The decision is not easy because there are so many different ultrasound machines to choose from and numerous factors for consideration. 

So let’s explore what to look for when buying an ultrasound machine to help you make the best choice.

Purchasing an ultrasound machine is a significant investment, but ideally, you don’t want to pay more than necessary. While cost might be a key factor, there are numerous other considerations when looking for the best ultrasound machine. Let’s take a look at each in turn in our comprehensive ultrasound machine buying guide.

What are the Most Important Factors to Consider when Choosing an Ultrasound Machine?

Imaging Mode

The imaging mode is how ultrasound information is presented to the machine operator. The image mode defines how the image is shown on the screen. Some of the most common types of ultrasound machines use the following image modes:

A-mode

This is by far the simplest type of ultrasound mode. There is no image. Instead, there is a one-dimensional representation of the reflected sound waves. This imaging mode is generally used if you need to measure distances. 

B-mode (brightness)

Also known as 2B mode, the image displayed on the screen is a 2D representation of the body part being scanned. This type of imaging machine is used across a variety of disciplines. 

M-mode

This type of imaging produces a sequence of successive images that allow the user to view and measure movement and its amplitude. 

Real-Time Spatial Compound Imaging

This type of ultrasound equipment uses electronic beam steering of a transducer array to rapidly acquire sonographic information from several angles. It is commonly used for musculoskeletal examinations and breast ultrasounds. 

Color Doppler Imaging

With this imaging mode, users can visualize and analyze the flow of blood, its direction, and vascularization. Color Doppler Imaging is often used in cardiology to help analyze heart conditions.

Elastography

Ultrasound equipment with this mode can measure tissue hardness and diagnose various diseases such as hepatic fibrosis. 

3D / 4D (Real-Time 3D)

This type of ultrasound machine is typically used to examine pregnant women. It provides a three-dimensional image of the woman’s fetus and allows doctors to check movements in utero.

Size

Ultrasound scanners come in a range of different sizes. Some of the best ultrasound machines are now portable if you need such a device. 

Some hand-held models weigh little more than 500 grams. It’s easy to store such an ultrasound device in your pocket or a bag. Some are wireless, or you can connect them to your smartphone. Small, portable ultrasound equipment is very useful in emergency situations and point-of-care medicine.

Size of the screen

Size of the screen

The screen size is as important as the rest of the ultrasound machine. If you’re considering a portable ultrasound device, weigh up whether the size of the screen is sufficient for your needs, as the screen on a portable ultrasound machine tends to be much smaller.

Weight

As already mentioned, some portable ultrasound systems weigh less than a bag of sugar, and many such new ultrasound machines can easily be slipped into a pocket. 

The larger the ultrasound machine, the more cumbersome it is. This isn’t an issue if you don’t need to move it around and it’s located in one space. 

However, if you want an ultrasound machine that you can easily move around and take wherever it’s needed, the lighter and smaller, the better. 

Quality of the image

More and more practitioners are looking for the best portable ultrasound systems. But despite major improvements in the imaging capabilities of the best portable ultrasound machines, a console-based ultrasound machine is likely to offer more effective imaging with better resolution, advanced functionality, and capabilities.

Ultrasound technology allows some portable ultrasound machines to display as many as 250 shades of gray. In addition, some have color screens and improved image quality. However, it’s important to note that these advanced capabilities do not come as standard across all models of portable ultrasound machines. 

Brightness

In addition to color and the number of shades of gray, brightness is another factor that affects image quality. Veterinarians, for example, may need to use their ultrasound machines outdoors. Ideally, you want the brightness to be adjustable without experiencing any compromise in the quality of the image and your ability to read the results.

Types and number of transducers

A transducer or probe is an essential part of the ultrasound imaging process. You can purchase transducers in a range of sizes and shapes, with a diverse array of features, depending on the body parts you want to examine. 

Ultrasound probes can be inserted into the body or passed over the skin’s surface. Probes and transducers differ in terms of design, and there are four basic types frequently used:

• Linear probes: Also known as vascular probes, linear transducers are for imaging superficial structures, vascular examinations, thyroid, breast, orthopedics, and other small parts, and measuring body fat.
• Curvilinear or convex probes: These probes have a wider footprint and operate at a lower frequency. They are often used for transabdominal imaging to achieve a wider field of view. This type of transducer is used in the diagnosis of organs, and abdominal examinations undertaken in obstetrics, gynecology, and urology. Micro-convex probes are another option. Their smaller footprint makes them ideal for pediatrics and neonatal applications.
• Phased array probes: This type of transducer is low frequency and has a small footprint. You would use a phased array transducer to obtain images between ribs, brain, abdominal and transesophageal examinations, and cardiac ultrasound exams. 
• Endocavitary probes: These include transrectal, transvaginal, and transesophageal transducers. Their footprint is small because they are inserted via various cavities to examine organs more closely. 

In addition, there are also 3D and 4D ultrasound probes that allow the user to analyze more detailed imaging. 3D probes allow users to view static 3D images, while 4D ultrasound allows live streaming video images.

Software Required

The software installed can enhance the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound machines. Enhancements include Doppler studies, 3D/4D, Speckle reduction imaging, Auto IMT for vascular, elastography, spatial compound imaging, and many more. 

The software can also improve image quality significantly and might include analytical tools to help the user identify patterns within the image or improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

In addition, you also need to make sure that the ultrasound machine’s software is compatible with the software and hardware you currently use. Software support is another essential element you should consider. 

Battery Life

Another parameter to consider is the life of the battery. This is especially important if you’re looking to purchase a hand-held or portable ultrasound machine. For such devices, you want a battery that will last several hours.

If you think you may have issues with interruptions to the power supply, battery duration and backup are important parameters to check out before you purchase an ultrasound machine. You should also look at the option of having a second battery if you’re purchasing a portable ultrasound system rather than a static one. 

Purpose

How you plan to use your ultrasound system is a significant factor to bear in mind. Factoring in the intended usage of your ultrasound system will also help narrow down your options. In addition, it will ensure you’re not overspending or wasting resources on new or refurbished medical equipment that is too advanced for your practice.

Ultrasound systems can be used for various imaging applications, from obstetrics and gynecology to abdominal studies and imaging of other small parts. Here are some other diagnostic or screening uses you might have to consider:

• Obstetrics: Ultrasound systems are used during pregnancy. The progress of a fetus can be monitored, how many fetuses there are in the womb, the age of the fetus, the placenta’s location, fetal position, movement, heart, and breathing. A Doppler ultrasound can also measure blood flow and can be used if there are concerns about the growth of the fetus. 
• Gynecology: A range of other women’s health-related issues can be detected using an ultrasound system. Examples include ovarian growths or tumors, ovarian cysts, uterine growths, abdominal pain, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and much more. 
• Cardiology: Echocardiography can evaluate the overall functioning of the heart. Ultrasound machines can indicate the volume and flow of blood through the chambers. Doppler ultrasound echocardiography is commonly performed to detect problems with heart valves.
• Blood vessels: Ultrasound machines can be very effective at detecting problems in the larger blood vessels of your body. Blood flow can be observed and measured. Narrowing or widening of blood vessels can be detected. Other ultrasound applications include detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms and blood clots in the veins, both superficial and deep vein thrombosis. 
• Abdominal structures: Various organs within the abdominal cavity can be inspected using ultrasound machines. 
• Testicular issues: Ultrasound systems can diagnose testicular torsion, testicular masses, growths, tumors, imaging of the breasts, and help find foreign bodies that may be lodged in the skin. 
• Anesthesiology: Ultrasound machines are used worldwide in anesthesiology for diagnostic purposes and for carrying out various procedures. 

When you’re looking to purchase an ultrasound machine, you have to know how you intend to use it. Usage will depend on the type of patients you treat and the cases you might refer to others because you don’t have the right ultrasound equipment. 

It would be great if there was an ultrasound machine that did it all, but unfortunately, such a machine doesn’t exist. Even if it did, it would likely be far too expensive. Ultrasound machines are built with a specific use in mind, and each different one has its own strengths and weaknesses. 

Price

The cost of an ultrasound machine can vary considerably. However, if you’re in the market for this type of system, there is usually one that will suit your budget or specialty. 

There’s also the option of buying a refurbished ultrasound machine rather than a new one. Several factors can impact the cost of a new or refurbished ultrasound machine. They include:

• Brand and model: You can choose low or high-tier ultrasound systems. High-tier and more well-known brands tend to be more expensive. 
• Functionality: Compared with a static unit, portable ultrasound machines are less expensive.
• Age: As you might expect, a new machine will cost more than a refurbished model. Older refurbished systems are also lower in price. 
• Applications: The more applications the ultrasound system can perform, the higher the price. 

Low-tier ultrasound systems start at around $5,000 and go up to $10,000. For a mid- to high-range model, you could pay upward of $200,000. On the other hand, a refurbished ultrasound machine ranges from $5,000 to $40,000 for an average model. 

Power Output

Power output is an important consideration. In general, look for a machine with lower power settings, as it will be less likely to burn the epidermis or tissues. 

Frequency

An ultrasound machine’s frequency relates to how deep the ultrasound waves will penetrate. In general, the higher the frequency, for example, 10-16 MHz, the more superficial image it will produce. High-frequency sound waves are better for musculoskeletal examinations such as the hand or foot.

The penetration is much deeper at a lower frequency, for example, 1 or 2 MHz. Low frequencies are better suited for abdominal scans. 

Portability

You have to decide whether a portable ultrasound machine will be the right choice compared with a stationary console. 

To help you decide, consider whether you’ll need to move the ultrasound machine around. A portable ultrasound machine will be better if you want to move it from one location to another. Static ultrasound machines are cumbersome to move around and could get damaged. 

A portable ultrasound does have its limitations in terms of image quality, probe options, limited software features, and a small keyboard and monitor.

Hand-held ultrasound machines are ultra-portable but have been developed for the diagnosis of cardiology emergencies or other uses in emergency departments. They are not really intended for musculoskeletal use as this aspect of their performance is quite poor.

Brand

It is often best to buy ultrasound machines with a reputable brand name, such as Sinosite, Philips, Edan, Toshiba, GE, Mindray Ultrasound, or Sonoscape. These companies have been in business for several years and offer excellent customer service and a range of advanced models.

Level of training required to use the machine

Before you purchase, consider the skill levels of the technicians who will use the new ultrasound machine. Additional training may be required in order for the equipment to be used properly. 

It might be worth asking whether the ultrasound machine provider provides offline or online training. On-site training might also be an option, but there will be an added cost. 

Warranty duration, service contracts, and technical support

When buying your next ultrasound scanner, check the duration of the manufacturer’s warranty. It tends to vary from one manufacturer to another. Once the warranty has expired, there is also the issue of service conditions and contract terms to consider. Things to check include:

• Service contract duration
• Auto-renewal clauses
• Cancellation fees
• Guaranteed response times
• Preventive maintenance
• Parts
• Costs

Technical support is another aspect of your purchase that you shouldn’t forget. While making your purchase, take the time to negotiate alternatives to system updates and technical support. These are often bundled into the terms and conditions, so you want to ensure you get the best deal.

Availability of spare parts and accessories

There may come a time when you need to purchase parts or consumables for your new ultrasound machine. Are they difficult to get or too expensive? 

Ideally, you want an ultrasound machine with readily available parts such as monitors, power suppliers, keyboards, upper control panels, panels, buttons, and keys. 

Condition

One final thing to decide is whether you should opt for a refurbished or new ultrasound system. 

A new ultrasound machine will come with a warranty, so you’ve got to weigh up the trade-off between reliability and price.

If you want a top-of-the-range model without investing too much, try buying a refurbished ultrasound machine. A refurbished system is a used machine that has been restored or upgraded. Generally, they are at massively discounted prices compared to new machines. 

It’s best to approach a reputable supplier of refurbished ultrasound machines, such as Ultrasound Solutions Corp, an ISO 13485:2016 certified, FDA-registered company with more than 20 years of experience in the diagnostic ultrasound equipment industry. It has many happy customers, from hospitals and private practices to imaging centers and educational institutions. 

Other features & parameters

There are several other features you should consider, including:

• Image storage capacity
• Ease of image transfer
• Integration
• Integrated gel warmer
• Connectivity with other peripheral devices
• Printer capabilities

Conclusion

Now that we’ve answered the question: what should I look for when buying an ultrasound machine? – you know how to find the best machine for your needs and make a wise investment. 

Your time and effort in researching suitable ultrasound equipment will help reduce the final cost. Plus, it will ensure you find the best portable ultrasound machines or stationary machines on the market.

Buyer’s Guide for Portable Ultrasound Machines

Whether you’ve never purchased a portable ultrasound or it’s been a while and you need a refresher, this article is for you. Because we specialize in portable ultrasound sales, we have an in-depth understanding of the different brands and models available and the applications they are suited for. Read on for our buyer’s guide for portable ultrasound machines.

Edan AX3 Ultrasound Machine

Understanding Portable Ultrasound Machine Types

Portable ultrasounds encompass different capabilities in terms of application. This should be the starting point when considering a purchase as it is important to find the ultrasound machine that is capable and designed to perform the types of specific imaging that you need. Another important factor to consider is the image quality that each ultrasound system can offer.

Philips CX50 Ultrasound Machine

Below are some examples of the types of portable ultrasound machines:

Economical Ultrasound Machines

These can come in a variety of form factors from handheld units to clamshell design and even laptop styles. Most of the economical options are capable of quick screening, basic Ob/Gyn imaging, vascular access, some MSK (although many prefer better image quality for these studies), small companion animal breeding, large animal breeding, and more.

Some of the most popular within the economical ultrasound category based on our clientele purchases in recent years are:

Mindray DP-50 Expert
Edan U50 Prime
Sonostar Wireless Transducers

Mid-Tier Ultrasound Machines

These systems typically come in a variety of form factors such as clamshell, laptop-style, and even tablet-style. There are a variety of specialty units designed well for specific applications that fall within this category such as vascular access, venous insufficiency, MSK, Ob/Gyn, IMT, Abdominal, and Urology. There are also some within this category that are capable of being shared service systems to fit a variety of needs.

Some of the most popular within the mid-tier ultrasound category based on our clientele purchases in recent years are:

Mindray MX7
GE Logiq e NextGen
Sonosite M-Turbo
Edan Acclarix AX3

Top-End Ultrasound Machines

These systems are typically a laptop-style form factor with a couple of tablet-style systems as well. Some applications such as comprehensive cardiac imaging require more of a scanning engine than the less expensive options can provide. When considering a portable system versus a cart-based or console system it is important to understand that due to the reduced physical size of these portable ultrasound systems they require higher-end materials in order to offer faster frame rates for cardiac imaging as well as others. Oftentimes these systems are also the best options to consider when shared service is needed.

Some of the most popular within the top-end ultrasound category based on our clientele purchases in recent years are:

Philips CX50
GE Vivid IQ
Mindray M8 Elite

Portable Ultrasound Applications

Portable ultrasounds are used extensively throughout medicine but are most heavily relied upon for OB/GYN, MSK, cardiology, pain management, venous insufficiency, and veterinary care.

Understanding how your medical practice or hospital will be using the portable ultrasound you’re buying is perhaps the most important factor in your purchasing decision. Different machines have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, not many systems are capable of performing echo or comprehensive cardiac imaging at an acceptable level, while MSK and pain management require excellent image quality and cutting-edge features like voice commands and needle visualization software.

If you’re purchasing a unit that will be used for a number of different medical specialties, there are also some general, all-purpose models that perform well across a variety of applications. If you’re not sure what you need, our sales team can help you find a match for your application.

Finally, think about the portability factor—just how portable do you need your ultrasound to be for your application? A veterinarian who travels to farms to provide care will need a more portable unit than an OB/GYN practice that is simply wheeling the ultrasound from one examination room to the next.

Mindray M8 Elite Ultrasound Machine

Portable Ultrasound Pricing

Your budget certainly plays an important role in the portable ultrasound you choose. If your facility has a limited budget, you will have to choose a unit very carefully to ensure that it does what it needs to do at a price point that is practical for you. Decide which features are essential and which you can do without.

You may want to consider purchasing a used portable ultrasound or refurbished portable ultrasound, which can allow you to afford more advanced features that you wouldn’t be able to budget for in a new machine. Refurbished units have been repaired and upgraded, so you can be assured that they perform well. The potential downside of a refurbished or used portable ultrasound is that you will not get a manufacturer’s warranty with your purchase.

Many also choose to exchange existing equipment as their needs outgrow the capabilities of the ultrasound machines in order to help offset the cost of the new equipment.

Find the Right Portable Ultrasound for Your Needs

If you’re not sure which are the best portable ultrasounds for your applications, our team of ultrasound experts can help. Contact Universal Diagnostic Solutions today to learn more or request a free quote. UDS relies on you being happy with your purchase for years to come so it is paramount that we focus on your specific needs and not on what is the most expensive option.