In order to diagnose or clarify the diagnosis, an ultrasound examination of the internal organs is performed . Its quality depends not only on the qualifications of the doctor, but also on the device itself. Consider the advantages of ultrasonic devices, their varieties, how much an ultrasound device costs and a review of well-known device manufacturers.
It is known that ultrasound was first discovered by an Italian scientist more than two centuries ago. Now ultrasound is used in all areas of medicine, regardless of the age of the patient. This is a minimally invasive, harmless and painless method that helps to consider the structure, positions and structural features of internal organs.
Scope and characteristics of ultrasound machines
Ultrasound is used in almost all areas of medicine. But all the devices, depending on the nuances of the study, can be divided into three groups: for gynecology and obstetrics, for the study of the cardiovascular system and universal devices.
The most common are multifunctional ultrasound machines, which are characterized by maximum performance and can examine any organ.
Characteristics of devices for ultrasound:
- design - it can be portable, portable or stationary;
- image playback - standard equipment (2D – mode, M-mode and Doppler), advanced options (color Doppler, B-Flow, advanced stress-echo studies, tissue harmonic, Easy 3D);
- screen size - a portable ultrasound device has a small screen (similar to a laptop), stationary more massive monitors, which are easier to work with;
- sensors - 2-3 sensors are suitable for all studies, but up to 6 pieces may be needed to conduct a highly specialized examination;
- scanning depth - depends on the study area (kidneys are examined at a depth of 36 cm, heart - up to 24 cm, in gynecology and obstetrics - up to 15 cm);
- weight - depends on the type of device and its dimensions.
Types of apparatus for conducting ultrasound
An ultrasound machine, the price of which depends on its design and capabilities, is selected by the clinic or medical center depending on the scope of use.
All devices for ultrasound can be divided into four groups:
- Simple ultrasound scanners.
These are most often portable devices with 16 receive-transmit channels. Reproduce the image in black and white.
They have 32 channels of reception and transmission.
They have 64 channels of reception and transmission and built-in color doppler.
New generation devices that are equipped with color systems and platforms.
The advantages of ultrasound machines
With the help of ultrasound machines, you can not only conduct research, but also do a series of manipulations. For example, a biopsy, puncture or drainage.
Advantages of modern ultrasound scanners:
- Visualization of internal organs at a high level - modes can be selected.
- Compact devices.
- Ease of use (it depends on how much the ultrasound machine costs);
- Additional options.
- You can connect different types of sensors.
- Autonomy of work.
Survey of manufacturers of ultrasound machines
Such world brands as General Electric, Toshiba, Philips, Siemens, Hitachi Aloka are considered leaders in the market of ultrasound equipment, regardless of the classification and type of device. Their products are of high quality, ease of use and a long warranty period with after-sales service.
Most often, these companies are selected by multidisciplinary medical institutions. Also, manufacturers from the USA, Europe (France, Denmark, Italy), Canada, Japan, Korea, India and Israel have proven themselves well. Chinese devices are the least likely to be selected, but recently they are not inferior in quality to European or American devices.
The price of an ultrasound machine depends not only on the manufacturer, but also on the number of functions in it and where the components were made. Often, parts for the device are not manufactured in the country where the brand is based, which affects its quality and reduces the cost of production at times.
Criterias of choice
In order to choose a device and get acquainted with how much an ultrasound machine costs, it is worth identifying many nuances. First of all, determine the tasks that the device will perform, how high-quality they should be.
What to look for when choosing an apparatus for ultrasound examination:
- device class - from a simple device to a high-quality device;
- scope - can be a universal or narrow-profile device;
- type - stationary or portable (depends on where and how it will be used);
- number and type of sensors;
- Scanning and image playback (color or black and white).
Regardless of the selected device, it requires special care. After each patient, the sensors are cleaned and disinfected. It is also worth periodically carrying out maintenance after a certain period of work and correcting errors in work in a timely manner. The accuracy of the study depends on these measures.
Overview of devices for ultrasound examination
To determine the choice of the device, it is worth carefully studying its characteristics and capabilities. Ambulance teams often use portable devices, and medical facilities prefer stationary devices that have great functionality.
Overview of ultrasound machines from well-known manufacturers:
- General Electric Voluson E8 (3.4 million rubles).
This is a stationary device, which has a good price-quality ratio. It differs in volumetric visualization due to the introduction of new technologies, as well as ease of use.
- Toshiba Aplio 300 (about 2 million rubles).
This is a universal stationary scanner, which is compact (does not take up much space in the room), low price and high quality work. It is equipped with a fabric doppler, automatic adjustment of image parameters, which greatly facilitates the work of the diagnostician.
- Toshiba Aplio 400 (1.7 million rubles).
Compared with the previous model, the functionality of the device is slightly changed. It features high performance, a 19-inch monitor and a different number of sensors that can be connected to the device thanks to 4 active connectors.
- Siemens Acuson S2000 (1.3 million rubles).
Stationary system for diagnostics in various fields of medicine. It features a detailed study, as well as volumetric visualization in 3D and 4D formats.
- Toshiba Aplio MX (4.1 million rubles).
A universal device that is often used to conduct research on critically ill patients. It is convenient, compact, portable and has a wide arsenal of functionality.
- General Electric LOGIQ E (1.1 million rubles).
This is a portable ultrasound scanner that has a small size and high performance. They can conduct complex studies, regardless of the patient's place of residence. It looks like a small laptop, so it is often used by mobile teams for emergency assistance.
- Philips ClearVue 350 (1.3 million rubles).
This is a mobile device. The device itself is on a trolley, so it can be used not only in one office. It is characterized by mobility, ease of use and good image quality.
Features of a portable ultrasound machine
The portable scanner is convenient for diagnosing the condition of patients on the road. It is successfully used in various fields of medicine and veterinary medicine. Only a few years ago they were inferior in quality to stationary installations, now they are produced in high quality and have a fairly wide functionality.
Externally, the device resembles a laptop and weighs up to 8 kg. They can be easily transported, it already has various modes and several ports for connecting different sensors. The leading manufacturers of portable devices are companies such as Mindray and AcuVista (China), Honda and Toshiba VIAMO (Japan), GE Logiq and Sonosite (USA), Siemens (Germany) and Philips (Netherlands).
How much does a portable ultrasound machine cost? Its price varies from 5 to 40 thousand dollars (328 000 - 2.6 million rubles).
Which ultrasound machine is better?
We can’t say for sure which device is better: portable, mobile on a cart or stationary. Hospitals and medical centers use universal and multifunctional devices. In resuscitation conditions it is easier to use mobile devices on a cart, emergency services - portable scanners. An ultrasound machine is selected depending on the specifics of the provision of services.