Feb
When searching for the perfect new portable ultrasound machine for your healthcare practice, you need to know what to look for—especially if you’re buying one for the first time. Consider the following factors when you’re researching so you can feel confident you’re choosing the best portable ultrasound machine that suits your needs.
A wide range of new portable ultrasound machines are available in 2022, and it helps to know the latest trends—from portable to small and hand-held sizes, the latest technologies, and prices ranging from high-end to economy.
Mobile imaging is becoming more and more important for large and small clinics alike. The ability to perform an ultrasound in remote settings is a convenient time-saver, not to mention a life-saving imperative in some circumstances—especially in remote locations. When considering your practice’s needs think of how often a portable ultrasound machine will likely be used, and how easy it will be to move between your exam rooms.
There is new, cutting-edge technology that can be beneficial for any healthcare practice, and some of that is being added every year to new machines. What are some of the latest technology features that make an upgrade to a new ultrasound machine worth the investment?
Check out this year’s trends, price ranges and new features in portable machines so you can be confident the ultrasound machine you buy will best suit the needs of your practice and patients.
Ultrasound Trends of 2021
In 2021, several ultrasound trends took shape. Workflows became more streamlined, eliminating excessive keystrokes and automating steps. Artificial intelligence (AI) was integrated even more into ultrasound machines for enhanced imaging. 4-D technology and the efficiency of the machines improved along with new imaging methods. These innovations helped improve quality, light, contrast, and even speed of blood flow.
An added benefit of ultrasound trends in 2021 was that POCUS systems made immediate imaging available, allowing for earlier diagnoses and even iPhone viewing. For example, the hand-held Butterfly IQ transducer and mobile device application work in tandem to bring further mobility to sonographers around the globe.
Portable Ultrasound Machines to Look For in 2023
As the technology in the medical field advances, it’s more and more imperative to ensure that your practice stays up to date with the latest ultrasound technology.
That being said, prices and features vary across high-end, mid-range, and economy ultrasound machine types so it’s good to consider the capabilities and functionality needed for your specific healthcare practice.
High-End Portable Ultrasound Machines
With high-end ultrasound machines, you’ll get superior computing power and a variety of features like advanced imaging. Though there isn’t a large variety of machines in this category, there are a few standouts. We recommend the Mindray M8 Elite, GE Vivid iq, and Philips CX50.
Mindray M8 Elite
Like the Mindray M7 and M9, the versatile Mindray M8 Elite Portable Ultrasound system provides ideal cardiac image quality. Because of its portability, the M8 can be used across applications including vascular, urology, OB/GYN, abdominal, small parts, anesthesia, and more.
The M8 is based on the company’s new-generation platform, mQuadro, offering advanced digital signal processing quality that raises ultrasound industry standards to new heights—providing superior image uniformity and clarity, enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, deeper penetration, more exam efficiency, increased auto image optimization efficiency, and patient throughput. Discover more Mindray M8 Elite key product features, see reviews, and more.
GE Vivid iq
The high-performance, ultraportable GE Vivid iq is a comprehensive digital cardiovascular and internal medicine ultrasound system in an innovative laptop design. It offers 2D clinical support for cardiac, transesophageal, peripheral vascular, adult cephalic, neonatal cephalic, transcranial, and transvaginal applications using coherent and harmonic image processing and computational power and provides ease of use for imaging and analysis, workflow flexibility, and more.
Operators can maintain focus on both the patient and ultrasound images during an exam thanks to the combination of full-touch screen control and conventional user control panel that provides intuitive controls. Other features include ergonomic continuous viewing angle adjustment and TrackPad design for efficient and intuitive user input. Read more about the GE Vivid iq Ultrasound Machine and see product features to determine if this is the right fit for your clinic.
Philips CX50
Philips CX50 is a portable cardiovascular machine that offers better penetration in harder-to-image patients, advanced analysis software, and premium image quality. It’s also designed for countless other applications in addition to cardiovascular such as abdominal, anesthesia, breast, emergency medicine, general imaging, and more.
The CX50 is fitted with a 15” high-resolution monitor, 2 ports including a transducer port and a Pedoff port, and offers advanced imaging optimization, processing, and sharing features. Read more about the features of the Philips CX50 portable ultrasound machine to help you make an informed decision about your next ultrasound machine.
Mid-Range Portable Ultrasound Machines
With the widest variety of capabilities and price ranges, mid-range portable ultrasound machines offer features like excellent image quality, simplified workflows, and quick diagnoses in several common scanning applications. They are ideal for physicians in small practices or hospital departments like radiology who need to move portable machines from room to room.
Some of our mid-range portable machine recommendations include Mindray M6, GE Versana Active, and Sonosite Edge II.
Mindray M6
Offering state-of-the-art diagnosis capabilities for hospital patients in intensive care, the portable, compact, lightweight, and versatile Mindray M6 color portable ultrasound machine is ideal for applications including women’s care, cardiovascular, and more. It’s designed to fit right next to the patient’s bedside and is ideal for moving between rooms and works well in tight spaces.
The Mindray M6 comes with a rechargeable battery pack and provides advanced imaging technologies including multi-beam formation for enhanced time resolution and frame rate, iClear speckle suppression for sharper edges and smooth uniform tissues, iBeam spatial compounding imaging for enhanced contrast resolution and single-image visualization, HR Flow for better tiny vessel and complex flow pattern visualization, and Ultra-Wideband Non-linear (UWN) for contrast imaging. Read more about the Mindray M6 ultrasound machine’s intelligent workflow optimization features and transducers.
GE Versana Active
The GE Versana Active not only comes with a 5-year warranty and 4 hours of online training, it also offers many system highlights. Versana Active provides technical and clinical support via customer-configurable InSite Exc remote connectivity, security and privacy protection, and secured data via a powerful PHI Encryption algorithm, an array of probes for versatility, a 256 GB Solid State Drive (SSD), Windows 10, Cloud sharing and archiving exam results with Tricefy Uplink, and advanced intuitive capabilities for work simplification. Check out additional GE Versana Active ultrasound machine information including specifications, specialties, and options if these features fulfill your clinic’s needs.
Sonosite Edge II
The Sonosite Edge II portable color ultrasound works for a variety of specialties including anesthesiology, cardiology, emergency medicine, family practice, internal medicine, orthopedics, surgery, and vascular. Edge II also features a wide range of transducers for general imaging. Read more about the Sonosite Edge II ultrasound machine.
Economy Portable Ultrasound Machines
Even though economy portable ultrasound machines have more limited imaging capabilities and features, they still perform well for basic services—especially for OB/GYN, general imaging, point-of-care, and veterinary applications. They’re a great alternative or back-up ultrasound machine option for practices with more than two offices and are ideal for practices conducting occasional ultrasound scanning or those just testing the technology in their practice. The Mindray DP-30, GE LOGIQ V1, and Esaote MyLab Sigma are ideal choices in the economy category.
Mindray DP-30
Designed for general imaging, OB/GYN and light musculoskeletal medicine (MSK) work, the powerful, lightweight, ergonomic Mindray DP-30 offers advanced imaging technologies, a convenient workflow, high performance, and value in a low-cost portable ultrasound machine. Contact National Ultrasound to get all your Mindray DP-30 ultrasound questions answered.
GE LOGIQ V1
The robust, compact, high-performing GE LOGIQ V1 offers enhanced imaging and innovative workflow technologies with scanning support. It’s truly versatile. Not only is it designed for abdominal, small parts, vascular/peripheral vascular and transcranial applications, the GE LOGIQ V1 is also ideal for specialties including gastroenterology, OB/GYN, orthopedics, pain management, and more.
Advanced technologies boost the GE LOGIQ’s imaging power for clearer, high-res images. Coded Harmonic Imaging provides high-res imaging at a deep penetration, and Real Time Speckle Reduction Imaging enhances tissue detail. Scanning support is provided by CrossX Beam technology, helping enhance tissue interface visualization and border differentiation. Efficiency is improved with workflow optimization features like Scan Assistant and Auto Intima-Media Thickness (Auto-IMT). Scan coach displays live-scan reference images, animations, and schematics. See additional features and benefits of the GE LOGIQ V1 ultrasound machine with National Ultrasound.
Esaote MyLab Sigma
A part of the latest generation of portable ultrasound machines, the Esoate MyLab Sigma is perfect for all clinical needs. With a laptop design and 180 degree swiveling LCD monitor, the MyLab Sigma is perfect for a quick diagnosis on-the-go. It’s point-of-care imaging applications include abdominal, basic cardiac, MSK (musculoskeletal) vascular, small parts and OB/GYN. The extraordinary imaging capabilities include 3D-4D, Color Doppler mode, Vpan, and QIMT technologies. To learn more about the Esoate MyLab Sigma, contact National Ultrasound to see if this economy portable ultrasound is the right fit for your clinic.
How Much Does a Portable Ultrasound Machine Cost?
New ultrasound machines can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $100,000. Again, the price will depend on your practice’s needs and your desired machine features. If you’re willing to go for a refurbished model, it can mean big savings for you as long as the machine you choose is fixable or has replacement parts available if the need arises.
Ultrasounds Beyond 2023
Ultrasound machines are getting smaller, but don’t let the size fool you into thinking they can’t deliver. Pocket-sized, hand-held, ultrasound devices could very well be the future of the ultrasound industry. They’re mobile, inexpensive, lightweight, super convenient, and efficient—and some even offer wireless capabilities.
While small ultrasound devices may not yet have quite as many features or as much power as their portable or cart-based system counterparts, they can work wonders in a variety of settings and circumstances, including in hospitals, in acute, life-saving cardiac situations, or even with patients who aren’t able to travel for access to medical imaging facilities. These smaller ultrasound devices are definitely worth taking a look at as an additional imaging option for your practice and may even become your machine of choice. A few we recommend are Philips Lumify Ultrasound (a mobile app with a transducer for your compatible smartphone) as well as GE Vscan Extend Dual Probe.
Find Cutting-Edge Ultrasound Machines at National Ultrasound
National Ultrasound has a wide range of ultrasound machine brands and types to suit a variety of medical specialties. Contact our experts today and let us help answer your questions and find the high-end, mid-range or economy portable ultrasound machine you need. You can also click on “Get a Quote” so you can get pricing on any of our portable ultrasound machines.