Portable ultrasound machines – Types and top choices

Health

There are a bunch of portable ultrasound machines developed by renowned brands that one can select from. Each brand offers different types of portable devices, including cart-based ultrasound systems, laptop-based ultrasound machines, even tablet-based systems. That said, one should consider the machines’ capabilities and the required functionality for their healthcare practice as the prices and features vary across these types. Read on to know what features to expect in a portable ultrasound machine.

High-end portable ultrasound machines
High-end portable ultrasound machines pack all the bells and whistles. That said, when it comes to availability, the high-end segment is a niche as compared to the more cost-effective options in the market. A few popular portable ultrasound machines in this segment are the Mindray M8 Elite, Philips CX50, and GE Vivid iq. These devices combine ease of usage with top-notch features like advanced computing capabilities, premium imaging, and an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio.

Mid-range portable ultrasound machines
One can find a wide variety of mid-range portable ultrasound machines to pick from. And while they are not as good as the high-end systems, even the mid-range systems offer exceptional image quality, quick diagnoses, and simplified workflows in various common scanning applications. These mid-range devices are suitable for hospital departments like radiology and physicians in small practices who need to move the portable machine from one room to another. As for the popular devices in this segment, one can consider taking a look at the Sonosite Edge II, GE Versana Active™, and Mindray M6.

Budget-friendly portable ultrasound machines
Budget-friendly portable ultrasound machines are for those who want to spend less. One can save big bucks by purchasing a refurbished model, given that the device gets the job done. These are great secondary or alternative solutions for practices with more than two offices. These economical devices are also suitable for practices testing the technology and for those using ultrasound scanning occasionally. All in all, these budget-friendly ultrasound machines offer all basic services, especially for point-of-care, veterinary applications, OB/GYN, and general imaging. The Esaote MyLab™Sigma, Mindray DP-30, and the GE LOGIQ V1 are some of the good options in this segment.