A Comparison of Different Ultrasound Machine Form Factors
Ultrasound machines use sound waves to create images of internal structures and organs. They are widely used in medicine for various purposes, such as diagnosis, monitoring, guidance, and therapy. Ultrasound machines come in different shapes and sizes, depending on their intended use and portability. This blog post will compare some common form factors of ultrasound machines, including handheld devices, portable, cart-based, tablet, and laptop-style systems.
Handheld Ultrasound Devices
Handheld devices are the smallest and lightest form of ultrasound machines. They are designed to fit in a coat's palm or pocket. They usually consist of a wireless transducer that connects to a smartphone or tablet via an app. Some examples of handheld devices are Sonostar, Lumify, Clarius, Butterfly IQ, and Vscan.
GE Vscan, Butterfly IQ, Sonostar C5PL, Philips Lumify, and Clarius Handheld Ultrasounds (shown above from left to right).
Pros
- Handheld devices are very convenient and easy to use. They can be carried anywhere and used in any setting, such as in the ambulance, at the bedside, or in the field.
- Handheld devices are very affordable compared to other form factors. Depending on the features and quality, they can cost as low as $1,000 to over $5,000.
- Handheld devices are compatible with various disinfecting methods and can be easily cleaned between uses.
- Handheld devices can leverage the power and functionality of smartphones and tablets, such as high-resolution displays, data storage, image sharing, telehealth, and voice controls.
Cons
- Handheld devices have limited battery life and may need frequent charging or external power sources.
- Handheld devices have limited image quality and functionality compared to other form factors. They may not be able to perform advanced imaging modes or measurements.
- Handheld devices may not be compatible with all smartphones or tablets and may require specific apps or software updates.
- Handheld devices may not be suitable for deep or complex applications that require more extensive or specialized transducers.
- Handheld devices may require annual subscription fees.
Portable Ultrasound Systems
Portable systems are larger and heavier than handheld devices but still compact enough to be carried by one person or on a small trolley. They usually consist of a central unit with a built-in display and keyboard and one or more detachable transducers. Some examples of portable systems are Sonosite Edge II, Mindray MX7, Philips CX50, and GE NextGen Logiq E.
SonoSite Edge ii, Mindray MX7, GE NextGen Logiq e, Philips CX50 Portable Ultrasounds (shown above shown above from left to right).
Pros
- Portable systems offer better image quality and functionality than handheld devices. They can perform various imaging modes and measurements, such as Doppler, elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and 3D/4D imaging.
- Portable systems have longer battery life and more storage capacity than handheld devices. They can also be connected to external power sources or monitors if needed.
- Portable systems are more versatile and adaptable than handheld devices. They can support a wide range of transducers for different applications and depths.
- Portable systems are more durable and reliable than handheld devices. They can withstand harsh environments and frequent use.
Cons
- Portable systems are more expensive than handheld devices. Depending on the features and quality, they can cost $10,000 to over $50,000.
- Portable systems are less convenient and easier to use than handheld devices. They require more space and setup time and may not be suitable for some settings or situations.
- Portable systems may not be compatible with some disinfecting methods and may require special cleaning procedures between uses.
- Portable systems may not have the same connectivity and functionality as smartphones or tablets, such as image sharing, telehealth, or voice controls.
Cart-Based Ultrasound Systems
Cart-based systems are the largest and heaviest form of ultrasound machines. They are designed to be mounted on a wheeled cart that can be moved around within a facility. They usually consist of a main unit with a large display and keyboard, a control panel with various buttons and knobs, and multiple transducer ports. Some examples of cart-based systems are Philips Epiq Elite, Siemens Acuson Sequoia, and Canon Aplio i-series.
Philips Epiq Elite, Siemens Acuson Sequoia, and Canon Aplio i700 Ultrasounds (shown above from left to right).
Pros
- Cart-based systems offer the best image quality and functionality among all form factors. They can perform the most advanced imaging modes and measurements, such as shear wave elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, 3D/4D imaging, and fusion imaging.
- Cart-based systems have the most extended battery life and the largest storage capacity among all form factors. They can also be connected to external power sources or monitors if needed.
- Cart-based systems have the most versatility and adaptability among all form factors. They can support the broadest range of transducers for different applications and depths, including specialized transducers such as endocavitary, intraoperative, or transesophageal probes.
- Cart-based systems have the most durability and reliability among all form factors. They can withstand the most intensive use and have the most extended lifespan.
Cons
- Cart-based systems are the most expensive among all form factors. Depending on the features and quality, they can cost $15,000 to over $200,000.
- Cart-based systems are the least convenient and easy to use among all form factors. They require the most space and setup time and may not be suitable for some settings or situations.
- Cart-based systems may not be compatible with some disinfecting methods and may require special cleaning procedures between uses.
- Cart-based systems may not have the same connectivity and functionality as smartphones or tablets, such as image sharing, telehealth, or voice controls.
Tablet-Style Ultrasound Systems
Tablet-style systems are a hybrid form of ultrasound machines that combine the portability of handheld devices with the image quality and functionality of portable systems. They are designed to look like large tablets with touchscreens and built-in transducers. Some examples of tablet-style systems are Mindray TE5, Terason uSmart 3200t, and GE Venue.
Terason uSmart 3200T, Mindray TE5, and GE Venue Go Tablet-Style Ultrasounds (shown above from left to right).
Pros
- Tablet-style systems are very convenient and easy to use.
- Tablet-style systems offer better image quality and functionality than handheld devices. They can perform various imaging modes and measurements, such as Doppler, elastography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
- Tablet-style systems are more affordable than portable or cart-based systems. Depending on the features and quality, they can cost $10,000 to over $30,000.
- Tablet-style systems are compatible with various disinfecting methods and can be easily cleaned between uses.
Cons
- Tablet-style systems have limited versatility and adaptability compared to portable or cart-based systems. They may not support various transducers for different applications and depths.
- Tablet-style systems may not be very durable or reliable compared to portable or cart-based systems. They may not withstand harsh environments or frequent use.
- Tablet-style systems may not have the same level of connectivity and functionality as smartphones or tablets, such as image sharing, telehealth, or voice controls.
Laptop-Style Ultrasound Systems
Laptop-style systems are another hybrid form of ultrasound machines that combine the portability of handheld devices with the image quality and functionality of portable systems. They are designed to look like laptops with foldable displays and keyboards, and detachable transducers. Some examples of laptop-style systems are Philips CX50, Mindray M9, and Sonosite PX.
Mindray M9, SonoSite PX, and Philips CX50 Laptop-Style Ultrasounds (shown above from left to right).
Pros
- Laptop-style systems are very convenient and easy to use. They can be carried anywhere and used in any setting, such as in the ambulance, at the bedside, or in the field.
- Laptop-style systems offer better image quality and functionality than handheld devices. They can perform various imaging modes and measurements, such as Doppler, elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and 3D/4D imaging.
- Laptop-style systems are more affordable than cart-based systems. Depending on the features and quality, they can cost $15000 to over $50,000.
- Laptop-style systems are compatible with various disinfecting methods and can be easily cleaned between uses.
Cons
- Laptop-style systems have limited battery life and may need frequent charging or external power sources.
- Laptop-style systems have limited versatility and adaptability compared to portable or cart-based systems. They may not support a wide range of transducers for different applications and depths.
- Laptop-style systems may not be very durable or reliable compared to portable or cart-based systems. They may not withstand harsh environments or frequent use.
- Laptop-style systems may not have the same level of connectivity and functionality as smartphones or tablets, such as image sharing, telehealth, or voice controls.
Conclusion
Ultrasound machines come in different form factors that vary in size, weight, price, image quality, functionality, versatility, durability, and reliability. Each form factor has its own pros and cons that should be considered based on the intended use and preference of the user.
Not sure which ultrasound form factor is perfect for you? Contact UDS today for a free sales consultation where we can thoroughly discuss your needs before recommending a solution.