How To Choose The Best Portable Ultrasound Machine For Your OB-GYN Practice
Ultrasound scan of a fetal face (shown above) taken using a Mindray DC-70 ultrasound machine.
Having an ultrasound machine is vital for an OBGYN practice. Why? Because women’s health is delicate and can be time-sensitive - especially when it pertains to pregnancy. Sending your patient to another location to have an ultrasound, waiting for the results to be read, and then following up with one another is just not a feasible option. You need a portable ultrasound machine for your OBGYN practice. Choosing the best will allow you to give your patients the care that they deserve.
Ultrasound exam being performed (shown above) on a patient using a GE Voluson S8 ultrasound machine.
Ultrasounds and Your OB-GYN Practice
Working in obstetrics and gynecology, ultrasounds are incredibly important in the diagnosis of certain conditions women face and in monitoring pregnancies.
OBGYN practices rely on ultrasound technology for 2D, 3D, and 4D imaging depending on the situation. After all, there are so many different things that are able to be monitored with the right ultrasound machine. For instance, a 2D transvaginal probe is utilized to gain a closer look at the reproductive system, convex probes are used for abdominal scans, and linear probes are used to gain a closer look at the breasts.
Having an ultrasound machine that can provide all of these things - and more - is a must.
Ultrasound exam being performed (shown above) on a patient using a GE Versana Active portable ultrasound machine.
Why Choose a Portable Ultrasound Machine?
Now that you have been reminded of their value, it is important to consider why you should choose a portable ultrasound machine - and forego the larger, more expensive stationary option.
Portable ultrasound machines allow your patients to stay comfortably right where they are. Lightweight, easily carried or maneuvered, these units can provide the same results as full-size ultrasound machines - without the bulk.
Investing in the best portable ultrasound machine increases the level of quality care you can provide your patients.
A fetal brain ultrasound exam (shown above) is performed on a Mindray MX7 portable ultrasound.
Traits of the Best Portable Ultrasound
For your OBGYN practice, there are a few traits that you want your portable ultrasound to have. To start with, you want it to be easy to use in a tight space. Some exam areas do not always provide a lot of room to move around. Bringing in a cart with a portable ultrasound shouldn’t make everyone feel cramped or inconvenienced. Look for one that is a good fit for your practice in the physical sense.
Another trait is being energy efficient. Nobody wants to invest in a new diagnostic machine only to have to deal with skyrocketing utility bills. The best portable ultrasound will help you save money and be beneficial for the environment, too.
Having a portable ultrasound that is easy to use and doesn’t lead to unnecessary frustration is a great option. You need the results of superior quality 2D/3D/4D imaging in order to best treat your patients. Sometimes adding all the extra bells and whistles of too many advanced features can be more trouble than it’s worth.
A 3D ultrasound scan examination (shown above) of a uterus was taken using a Mindray DC-70 ultrasound machine.
Determine Your Budget
Take a look at your budget. When you are ready to invest in a portable ultrasound, you need to know what your budget can safely handle. The good news is that no matter how much you have to spend, there is a good chance you will find a machine that will work - from entry-level to high-end premium. Used portable ultrasound machines that have been well-maintained are also something to consider.
You will also want to make sure you have funds set aside for an ultrasound maintenance plan. This will help you get the most out of your machine and give you the confidence that it will always be there when you need it.
A pre-owned GE Voluson S8 ultrasound is an excellent, affordable choice for OB-GYN exams.
Benefit From the Right Features
Technology is always evolving and growing. Features that were available yesterday may have been replaced on the ultrasound machines of today. And tomorrow’s portable ultrasounds will likely have even greater features than today.
So, how do you choose? How do you decide what features are must-haves for you? Look for the features that are going to give you what you need. For your OBGYN practice, this means having superior quality and access to key exam operations.
A fetal heart ultrasound scan (shown above) was taken using Mindray MX7 portable ultrasound.
View More Ultrasounds Suitable for OB-GYN Imaging
Learn More at Universal Diagnostic Solutions
If you are looking for the best portable ultrasound for your OB-GYN practice and still aren’t sure which one to choose, talking to the experts at Universal Diagnostic Solutions can help. Contact us at 760-754-3288 to speak with our experienced sales team.