Rating of the best ultrasound machines for 2022

Ultrasound devices have been and remain in demand for various types of diagnostics. Year by year they become more and more complex and perfect, in line with the development of modern technologies. Manufacturers are constantly expanding the range of models, which makes it somewhat difficult to find the right equipment.

How ultrasonic equipment works

Regardless of the class, all devices work on the principle of echo. The ultrasonic transducer contains piezoelectric elements with quartz or barium crystals. Under the influence of an electric current, they create ultrasonic signals from 1 to 18 MHz. The processor of the main unit performs calculations, the pulse sensor can change the frequency and characteristics of the signals, the acoustic lens highlights certain wave changes, cutting off unnecessary noise.

Impulses are partially reflected from certain organs, absorbed, and propagated further. After returning the reflected signals, the processor calculates the distance between the organs, processes the information received and converts it into a picture on the oscilloscope screen.

The doctor can change the frequency of the signal, its duration and scanning mode. There are several such modes in modern devices:

• A (Amplitude) - amplitude echo signal, present in all devices, used in ophthalmology.
• B (Brightness) - the signal of changes in echogenicity is displayed in 2D-two-dimensional display. Frames change at a rate of 20 frames per minute. This mode is used to examine the structure of the heart.
• D (Doppler) - the operation of the mode is based on the Doppler effect, in which the signal frequency changes from the movement of the sound source in relation to the sensor.
• M (Motion) - has a high degree of discretization, can accurately assess fast movements, therefore it is used to study the heart during contraction and relaxation.
• CFI (Color Flow Doppler Imaging) - determines the speed and direction of blood flow. Color Doppler marks direct and reverse, turbulent blood flows in red, blue, yellow.
• CWD (Continuous Wave Doppler) - a constant-wave sensor transmits and receives a signal simultaneously per unit time, determines high-speed flows with high accuracy, but does not have the ability to localize them.
• PW (Pulsed Wave Doppler) is a pulse mode that determines with great accuracy the direction and speed of turbulent and laminar blood flow. Can assess the characteristic features of blood flow in one area, but allows inaccuracies in the definition of high-velocity blood channels.
• TD (Tissue Doppler) - a tissue meter that examines the speed of movement and the contractile function of the myocardium of the heart.

Advice. If you are purchasing medical equipment for a multidisciplinary clinical center, then it is better to consider a multifunctional ultrasound machine. Such universal devices with standard equipment can be used for examinations in various fields of medicine. If the treatment center has a narrow focus, consider specialized types of equipment.

The best modern ultrasound machines can have several visual modes that allow you to improve image quality:

• PD (Power Doppler) - a highly sensitive power Doppler method examines small vessels, but cannot determine the direction of blood flow;
• THI (Tissue Harmonic Imaging) - improved image for examination of overweight patients;
• 3D - a three-dimensional image is created on the monitor;
• 4D - a three-dimensional image is formed that changes in real time.

What are the types of ultrasound equipment

There is no specific standard classification of ultrasound devices. It is possible to divide modern ultrasonic devices into groups depending on the functionality, scope, availability of additional options, and appearance features.

Mobility of scanners

1. Stationary modules are used only in medical offices and are not intended for transportation. Equipped with a high-resolution monitor, a processor with high processing power and processing speed. Ergonomic shape with convenient control and the ability to connect multiple sensors.
2. A portable scanner with a robust body, small display, few sensors and minimal features allows you to conduct an emergency examination anywhere, such as at home. The high density of the control panel, light weight and rechargeable battery allows the device to be used where there is no electricity.

Doppler mode available

• Duplex devices with spectral Doppler help the health worker to examine the nature and direction of blood flow in modes B, M, D.
• Devices with color mapping are a highly specialized device with the function of a gray-scale image of tissues (encephaloscope, sinuscope).

Scope of ultrasound devices

Some types of equipment can only be used for external examination:

• Ultrasound with a frequency of 3.5-5 MHz - for examination of the pelvic organs;
• a device with a frequency of 7.5-10 MHz - the study of the thyroid gland, peripheral vessels, articular capsules;
• cardiac ultrasound has a sectoral sensor with a frequency of 3.5-5 MHz, used in cardiology.

There are ultrasound devices with sensors for intracavitary examination:

• transvaginal (frequency 5.6 or 7.5 MHz);
• transrectal (scan at an angle of 360º);
• intraoperative (with a large radius of curvature);
• transurethral (small sensor size);
• intravascular.

Equipment with different type of sensor

The sensor is an important element of the ultrasonic module. It is he who emits a signal of a certain type and transmits it to the processor, ensuring the accuracy of the diagnosis. The set of sensors affects the final cost of the equipment.

Manufacturers offer a huge selection of interchangeable elements, but in practice the doctor uses 3-4. Select the required sensors based on the area of ​​research.

1. Linear (frequency 5-15 MHz, scanning depth 11 cm). The wide transducer displays the entire organ, requires additional use of the gel. The picture is crisp and high resolution.
2. The convex sensor (1.9-7.5 MHz, up to 25 cm deep) fits snugly against the skin, produces a slightly distorted image.
3. The sector device (1.5-5 MHz) provides a deep and large picture.
4. Sector phased sensor and is divided into separate small elements. The sector can change the scanning angle, independently of other parts of the array, receive or emit pulses.
5. Intracavitary devices in the form of a beveled handle are easily placed in the body cavity (vagina, intestines).
6. 3D, 4D sensors are equipped with a ring rotation that creates a three-dimensional image.
7. A matrix device with a two-dimensional grating builds one-and-a-half and two-dimensional pictures.
8. Pencil probes with a separate emitter and display are used to examine veins and arteries.

Image quality

• 2D is a simple black and white image of an organ in two dimensions - length and width. A specialist can easily identify neoplasms, cysts, fetal developmental disorders, heart abnormalities.This type of examination is mandatory during pregnancy, lasts about 15 minutes, and is safe for an unborn baby.
• 3D - depth is added to a two-dimensional image, the picture becomes three-dimensional. Such an examination will help determine the sex of the child, the procedure takes about 50 minutes.
• 4D - a full-fledged hologram is created in motion, it is possible to record the examination process on a disk. High-class equipment allows you to examine the body of the unborn child, small cysts, damage to the retina or vascular bundle.

Technical class of ultrasound equipment

Before deciding which company's system is better, it is important to decide on the technical class. This selection criterion is key, as it includes several important parameters:

• number of channels - affects the sensitivity and resolution of the device;
• functionality - the more of them, the higher the possibility of the device;
• the use of modern technologies - reduces the number of erroneous diagnoses by improving
• visualization quality;
• additional options - the use of retrofitting increases the level of ultrasound.

Advice. The class classification is conditional and differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, sometimes significantly. There are no well-established criteria for distinguishing between classes. Always check the technical specifications before purchasing a movement.

Initial (middle) class of ultrasound machines

One of the most popular and inexpensive options for small clinics and mobile ambulances. The portable unit has the following features:

• mobility;
• small weight and dimensions;
• black and white display;
• 16 channels of reception and transmission;
• standard set of scanner modes;
• main functionality;
• budget models.

Sometimes manufacturers distinguish between the primary and middle classes by the number of reception and transmission channels. The middle technical class includes modules with support for 32 channels, as more advanced devices. But most often they are considered a single group.

High class ultrasound equipment

High-end systems are suitable for large medical institutions with many treatment areas or large specialized centers. Ergonomic mechanisms have additional features of noise absorption, are characterized by an improved clear image and the price category is higher than that of the average class. Stationary modules have the following characteristics:

• support 32,48,64 channels;
• color dopplerography;
• latest imaging technologies;
• additional options.

Expert (premium) class

Such systems have the widest and most diverse functionality, allowing high-quality examination of the patient. Digital modules are quite expensive, but the price is justified by the high professional level of equipment. Reward mechanisms have the following features:

• support for a large number of channels from 64;
• 3D and 4D image;
• digital information processing;
• wide specialized functionality;
• color dopplerography.

Additional criteria when choosing ultrasound equipment

When deciding where to buy the right module, consider not only the class and functionality. If your budget can handle a new device without chips, scratches, or damage, then go for it.

However, it is possible to buy a used device. But buying a mechanism at a low price may not be justified.The conditions of the previous operation, this is the first thing you should pay attention to. If the device worked in intensive mode, then the possibility of breakage of the used module will increase over time.

An available purchase option may be a demo sample from the exhibition. If it has been rarely transported and the exterior of the case is in good condition, the average price, compared to a new device, will be lower.

The best manufacturers are Japanese, American, European brands. However, recently the novelties of Chinese companies find their buyers by the optimal ratio "price - quality". When buying ultrasound machines, study the information, reviews of real customers, the availability of components, spare parts, sensors. An important condition will be the availability of a guarantee for the device and the possibility of repair.

Our short review will tell you what modern devices are, how much modules of different classes cost, and help you make the right choice when buying the right diagnostic system.

Rating of high-quality portable ultrasound equipment

Mindray DP-50 Ultrasound Scanner

The Chinese brand mobile ultrasound system runs on the X-treme engine platform with high-speed data processing. Compact and easy-to-operate mechanism with reduced image grain. Conducts research of any level of complexity in gynecology, pediatrics, urology, orthopedics. It has been a popular model, according to buyers, for several years.

The device has the ability to simultaneously connect two sensors, obtain a trapezoidal image, 8 levels of gain adjustment in depth. The built-in hard disk of the main unit is equipped with a cine memory function. Spare batteries make the scanner easy to use in the field.

• large monitor;
• low price;
• 4 ports.

• model of previous years.

SonoSite EDGE Ultrasound Machine

A modern digital system that can work stationary and in a portable mode. Image quality differentiates tissues in obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, urology, pediatrics and neonatology, urological, abdominal, musculoskeletal studies.

The electrocardiological module takes readings of the heart rhythm, the doppler measures the speed of blood flow, there is an energy and pulse-wave version of the doppler, the measurement of distance, time and the calculation of heart rate.

• aluminum shockproof case;
• waterproof sealed keyboard;
• quick start in less than 20 seconds.

• high price.

Ultrasound machine SonoSite M-TURBO

The diagnostic system with wideband imaging technology is equipped with a full range of high-tech features. According to the manufacturer's recommendation, it can be used in pediatrics, gynecology, neonatology, cardiology, angiology, urology, in the examination of blood vessels, performs abdominal and intraoperative diagnostics.

The kit includes a broadband linear and multifrequency microconvex transducer. The large display reproduces 256 shades of gray.Multi-beam scanning increases the clarity of the image of small structures, the level of granularity is reduced. There are controls for Doppler radiation.

• shockproof aluminum housing;
• quick turn on from 20 seconds;
• work from a network of 220 V and the accumulator.

• high price.

Rating of popular stationary ultrasound equipment

Ultrasound machine Samsung Medison Accuvix A30

The branded scanner generates a color 3D image in real time. The high quality of the picture and the evaluation of the tissue composition make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis in gynecology, cardiology, urology, angiography, and when examining blood vessels.

According to the description, the main unit is equipped with a bidirectional energy, tissue, pulsed-wave, constant-wave doppler, cine memory, archiving system, connectors for connecting 5 sensors. The device can be purchased in the online store on a prepaid basis.

• backlit keyboard;
• control touch panel;
• optional LCD display;
• warranty period 6 months.

• high price.

Ultrasound machine GE Logiq P5

The flagship device, according to doctors, provides high image resolution, diagnostic accuracy and ease of operation using a full-sized keyboard.

Advanced tissue imaging technologies automatically optimize the image for all modes. It has a Doppler mode for determining blood flow. Connectors for 3 sensors are located on the unit body. The compact mechanism is convenient to transport independently, even in narrow corridors.

• foldable display makes it easy to transport;
• light;
• maneuverable;

• high price.

Ultrasound machine Mindray DC-7

A versatile system with high image quality and intuitive controls ensures accurate diagnosis. A wide range of operating frequencies of the sensors allows examinations in pediatrics, neonatology, cardiology, urology, neurology, gynecology, endocrinology, orthopedics, and obstetrics.

It supports the modes of tissue inversion adjustment, granularity reduction, has a visualization mode when working with contrast agents, ECG viewing, real-time 3D scanning, technology for archiving primary research material. Expensive equipment, so you can order online only by prior request.

• additional touch screen;
• 4 USB ports;
• 4 ports for sensors;
• there is a step by step guide.

• high price.

The cost of an ultrasound machine depends on the class, technology features, versatility, and service life. Often the low price is due to the fact that only the main unit is presented. After its purchase, additional costs will be required. In order not to make a mistake when choosing, purchase the module complete with sensors. The optimal ultrasound machine is the one that will improve the workflow and quickly pay off.