Purchasing an ultrasound machine is a large investment for most small animal practices, therefore, it is paramount to carry out thorough research. Here are 5 important questions to help you make a more informed decision:
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Specific presets can be a major advantage in a veterinary application. They will minimise the amount of adjustments you need to make to acquire a great image.
For example, you can set up the system to look at a cat’s abdomen versus a dog’s heart and the algorithms behind the image will change appropriately. The optimal starting frequency, contrast, depth and focus settings will be set to give you a good starting point. Ask if a company representative can some and set up your own presets too, as every sonographer favours different settings.
All ultrasound systems are different – and some easier to use than others. When trying the equipment, make sure you find it intuitive to use. Look at how easy it is to add patient details, adjust, freeze and save the image as well as retrieving this information when you are done.
Don’t be fooled into thinking bigger is better. Just think about how powerful laptops and mobile phones are these days. One significant advantage of portable ultrasound is that it is easy to move around. This means it can be put away when not in use or when space in the clinic is limited. The machine can also be shared between consult rooms or clinic branches. It also makes servicing easy as you can easily pack the machine and send it away. Of course, if you like it on wheels, most portable scanners can be optioned with a trolley also. And as we always say, “a trolley is a cheap insurance.”
Budget is always something that is considered when purchasing any capital equipment. Black and white ultrasound systems can range from as little as $7,000 up to $14,000. Ultrasound scanners with optional softwares like Colour Doppler generally range from $14,000 right up to $100,000 or more. So when considering purchase of a scanner, you may want to decide whether or not you really need Colour Doppler…
Generally, the more you invest, the better the image quality you can achieve. The better the image quality, the easier it is to interpret the image. But don’t be fooled only by price – as we all know, technology is fast moving which makes last year’s technology breakthrough affordable for today’s general practice.
Things to consider here are the benefits that are provided to a customer as a whole package.
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Another important thing to think about is what kind of diagnostic functions you'll need on a daily basis. Do you mainly need basic ultrasound for diagnosis, or do you require advanced imaging to detect heart valve issues? Will you be doing diagnostic tests in the field or at your clinic? If you're working with large animals in the field, you might want to consider a refurbished machine to protect your new equipment from wear and tear.
You should also think about whether a black-and-white ultrasound machine will meet your diagnostic needs or if a color Doppler machine would be better. Most practices can start with a black-and-white ultrasound, especially if you're focusing on basic diagnostics like abdominal scans for checking on fetuses. On the other hand, color Doppler ultrasounds allow for advanced cardiac scans and can even measure blood flow speed. They're also great for guiding procedures like injections and biopsies. Consider whether you'll need DICOM connectivity or data management for image transfer. If so, be prepared to look into these additional features.
Some ultrasound machines come with veterinary preset and software settings, while others allow you to customize the settings based on your needs. Choosing a veterinary ultrasound machine with pre-loaded presets can make your work smoother.
Presets streamline your workflow because they require minimal adjustments when switching between different types of scans. For example, you can easily move from imaging a small animal's heart to scanning its abdomen without a lot of tinkering with settings. Presets automatically adjust the imaging parameters like depth, contrast, frequency, and focus based on the organ you're looking at. This can be a huge time-saver when you're dealing with a variety of organs.
The ultrasound probe is a critical part of the imaging process. It's the part that touches the area you're examining and plays a big role in how well you can see the organs. The type of probe you need depends on the animals you typically see. Different animals require different probes. For example, cats and small dogs need different probes than large dogs. If you're buying your first ultrasound machine, a micro-convex probe with a frequency between 3 MHz and 9 MHz is a good starting point for any veterinary practice. This type of probe can also be used for scanning small animal hearts. For heart scans, a phased array probe is a great choice because it provides enhanced visualization.
As your practice grows and your budget allows, you can expand your probe collection to cover various uses and different types of animals. In general, probes with smaller radii are better for small animals. If you see a lot of cats, consider a high-frequency linear probe for excellent resolution. For larger dogs, probes with better tissue penetration are a good choice. In some cases, like with giant breed dogs, you can even use probes meant for humans because they have a larger radius.
Having an ultrasound machine that makes your work more efficient during busy times is a real asset. Look for features like an easy-to-use patient information system for quickly adding, retrieving, and modifying patient details, as well as straightforward interfaces for fast scanning. It's also important that the machine starts up quickly, especially in veterinary practice where it can be a challenge to keep animals still for too long. And don't forget the ability to save images in your preferred file formats.
Portability is a handy feature for a veterinary ultrasound machine. Animals can be fidgety, and sometimes you need to bring the machine to them or where they feel comfortable, especially if they're too sick to move. If your practice involves assessments both in the clinic and out in the field, consider a portable ultrasound machine with a long-lasting battery.
Ideally, go for a compact, lightweight, and portable ultrasound machine. Today's portable ultrasounds offer the same high-quality imaging as the bulkier ones. Plus, they're quieter, which is crucial for veterinary equipment because loud machines can make small animals nervous.
Cost is a big factor when you're looking for the best veterinary ultrasound machine for your practice. The good news is that ultrasound machines come in a range of prices, so you can find one that fits your budget. But remember to strike a balance between cost and quality. Often, the more expensive ultrasound machines provide better imaging, which leads to more accurate diagnoses. And these days, even color Doppler systems aren't as expensive as they used to be.
Keep in mind that there may be additional costs for add-on options, warranties (especially comprehensive or long-term ones), and extra transducer probes, among other things. The overall cost can also vary depending on whether you're buying a brand-new or refurbished model, choosing to pay monthly or in a lump sum, or even leasing the equipment.
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