Portable Ultrasound Machine: The Best Buyer's Guide
November 09 2020A portable ultrasound machine is a small and lightweight medical imaging device. Many healthcare facilities benefit from the mobility and size of this equipment. Unlike traditional console machines, portable ultrasound systems are easy to transport.
This makes them irreplaceable in a variety of applications. Portable ultrasound has also made medical imaging more versatile and accessible. These systems are much more affordable than traditional options. They are also easy to store.
The compact size of the portable ultrasound machine allows for quicker diagnosis and treatment. Because of their multi-functionality, there are many different types of portable machines available. Choosing the right one for your practice is incredibly important.
Find a portable ultrasound machine that fits you and your patients’ needs today. UltrasoundQuotes is committed to helping you make a smart decision. We’ve created this all-inclusive buyer’s guide to help you choose the best portable ultrasound machine for your practice.
Use these tips to find the equipment you need. Then, use our free price comparison tool to get the best deal on a portable ultrasound machine for sale.
Portable Ultrasound
Portable ultrasound has taken the medical imaging industry by storm over the past few decades. When the first portable machine was released in 1975, it weighed 25 pounds. Today, portable devices can weigh less than a pound.
There are three main types of portable ultrasound machines: laptop, fold-down, and handheld.
Laptop systems are about the size of a laptop, with an average 13 to 15-inch monitor. These portable sonography machines typically weigh between 7 and 14 pounds. Fold-down devices are similar, but they have two transducer ports. This bumps their average weight up to 10 to 20 pounds.
Handheld ultrasound systems often weigh less than a pound. The viewing monitor is the size of a tablet or phone screen. Some handheld ultrasound devices are designed with the transducer and screen together, while others connect (sometimes wirelessly) the transducer to a tablet or smartphone.
Best Portable Ultrasound Machine
The best portable ultrasound machine is specific to every practice. Here are some things to consider:
1. Applications
Portable ultrasound is useful in practically every medical field, but not every device has what you need. Choose a portable ultrasound machine that fits your specific applications.
Some healthcare segments that can really benefit from portable ultrasound include OB-GYN, musculoskeletal, veterinary, cardiac, vascular, pain management, emergency, and critical care.
2. Size
One of the best qualities of a portable ultrasound machine is size. As previously mentioned, there are different types of portable ultrasounds: laptop, fold-down, and handheld. Handheld ultrasound can fit in the pocket of a lab coat, which is especially useful for emergency point-of-care situations.
The incredible lightness of a handheld ultrasound sometimes results in limited features or capabilities. That’s why the size you choose will depend on your individual needs. Weigh your options (pun intended) before choosing a portable sonography machine.
3. Features
Features are the most important aspect to consider. If the equipment can’t accomplish what you need it to, there’s no reason to invest. Ask yourself what a portable sonography machine can do for you. Then, determine what features will help you accomplish these tasks.
4. Budget
If you’ve already started looking for a portable ultrasound machine for sale, you might’ve noticed that these machines have a huge price range. Portable ultrasound machine cost ranges from about $1,000 to over $50,000.
A new Butterfly iQ handheld ultrasound machine is as little as $2,000. On the other hand, the lowest portable ultrasound machine cost you’ll find for a GE model is around $16,000. Top GE machines are typically priced between $20,000 and $45,000.
Of course, used or refurbished equipment is more affordable. Used portable ultrasound machine costs can save you thousands of dollars. Also, there are high-end, mid-range, and economy options available. The type you choose will impact the portable ultrasound machine cost.
5. Warranty
The biggest perk of purchasing new equipment is that it typically comes with a warranty. Before purchasing a portable sonography machine, check for a warranty and service contract.
Also, check that the safety requirements and certifications of the equipment meet the standards of your region. Consider whether replacement parts would be easily accessible or affordable.
Finding a Portable Ultrasound Machine for Sale
Once you have a better idea of the equipment you need, find the best deal on a portable ultrasound machine for sale with UltrasoundQuotes. UltrasoundQuotes is a free price comparison tool designed to help you compare your options before you buy.
We carry the largest inventory of ultrasound machines for sale nationwide. Simply answer a few questions to let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll send you pricing and information on the best portable ultrasound machines in your area.
Take time to compare your options. If you find equipment that is a good fit, that’s great! If not, don’t worry. You didn’t waste any time or money.
Browse a variety of portable ultrasound machines for sale from industry-leading manufacturers. Find the best portable ultrasound machine for your practice today.