Rating of the best ultrasound machines for 2020

Ultrasound devices have been and remain in demand for various types of diagnostics. From year to year they become more and more complex and perfect, in accordance 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 ultrasound equipment works

Regardless of the class, all devices operate on the echo principle. 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 makes calculations, the pulse generator can change the frequency and characteristics of the signals, the acoustic lens highlights certain wave changes, cutting off unnecessary noise.

The impulses are partially reflected from certain organs, absorbed, and spread 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, is present in all devices, used in ophthalmology.
• B (Brightness) - the signal of changes in echogenicity is displayed in 2D-2D display. Frames change at a speed of 20 pieces per minute. This mode is used to examine the structure of the heart.
• D (Doppler) - 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 sampling, can accurately estimate fast movements, therefore it is used to study the heart during contraction and relaxation.
• CFI (Color Flou Doppler Imaging) - determines the speed and direction of blood flow. Colored Doppler marks forward 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 of time, detects high-speed streams 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 determining high-velocity blood channels.
• TD (Tissue Doppler) - tissue meter, examines the speed of movement and contractile function of the heart myocardium.

Council. 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 examination in various fields of medicine. If the treatment center has a narrow focus, consider specialized equipment.

The best modern ultrasound machines can have several visual modes 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 examining overweight patients;
• 3D - a three-dimensional image is created on the monitor;
• 4D - a three-dimensional picture is formed that changes in real time.

What are the types of ultrasound equipment

There is no defined standard classification for ultrasound devices. It is possible to divide modern ultrasound devices into groups depending on the functionality, field of application, availability of additional options, features of appearance.

Scanner mobility

1. Stationary modules are used only in medical offices, not intended for transportation. Equipped with a high-resolution monitor, a processor with high processing power and processing speed. Ergonomic shape with comfortable handling and the ability to connect multiple sensors.
2. A portable scanner with a sturdy 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 using the device where there is no electricity.

Doppler mode

• Duplex devices with spectral Doppler help the healthcare provider to examine the nature and direction of blood flow in B, M, D modes.
• Devices with color mapping are highly specialized devices with the function of gray-scale tissue imaging (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 examining the pelvic organs;
• device with a frequency of 7.5-10 MHz - study of the thyroid gland, peripheral vessels, articular bags;
• cardiological ultrasound has a sectoral sensor with a frequency of 3.5-5 MHz, it is used in cardiology.

There are ultrasound machines with transducers for intracavitary examination:

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

Equipment with different sensor types

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 replaceable elements, but in practice the doctor uses 3-4. Select the required sensors based on your research area.

1. Linear (frequency 5-15 MHz, scanning depth 11 cm). The wide sensor displays the entire organ and requires additional use of gel. The picture is clear, with 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 to receive or emit pulses.
5. Intracavitary devices in the form of a beveled handle fit easily into the body cavity (vagina, intestines).
6. 3D, 4D sensors are equipped with circular rotation, creating a three-dimensional image.
7. A matrix device with a two-dimensional grid builds one-and-a-half and two-dimensional pictures.
8. Pencil transducers with a separate emitter and a display are used for examining 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 malformations, heart anomalies. This type of examination is required during pregnancy, lasts about 15 minutes, and is safe for an unborn baby.
• 3D - Depth is added to the 2D image, the picture becomes 3D. Such an examination will help to establish 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-end equipment allows examining the body of an unborn child, small cysts, damage to the retina or vascular bundle.

Ultrasound equipment technical grade

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:

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

Council. The classification is arbitrary and differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, sometimes significantly. There are no clearly established criteria for distinguishing between classes. Always check the specifications before purchasing a movement.

Primary (middle) class of ultrasound devices

One of the most sought-after and inexpensive options for small clinics and mobile ambulances. The portable installation has the following characteristics:

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

Sometimes manufacturers distinguish between primary and secondary classes by the number of transmission and reception 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. The ergonomic movements have additional noise absorption features, improved image clarity and a higher price point than the mid-range. Stationary modules have the following characteristics:

• support 32.48.64 channels;
• color doppler sonography;
• the latest imaging technologies;
• additional options.

Expert (premium) class

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

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

Additional criteria when choosing ultrasound equipment

When deciding where to buy the required module, consider not only the class and functional features. If your budget can handle the purchase of a new device without chips, scratches or damage, then it is better to do so.

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 to pay attention to. If the device worked in intensive mode, then the possibility of breakage of the used module will increase over time.

A demo sample from the exhibition may become an affordable purchase option. If it is rarely transported and the appearance 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, in recent years, new products from Chinese companies have found their buyers at the optimal price-quality ratio. When buying ultrasound machines, study the information, reviews of real buyers, 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 will help you make the right choice when buying the necessary diagnostic system.

PARAMETERS	Mindray DP-50	SonoSite EDGE	SonoSite M-TURBO
Weight, kg)	7.5	3.85	3.04
SIZE (cm)	19*41*38	33*31*7	30*27*8
SCREEN (inch)	15	12.1	10.4
NUMBER OF SENSORS	2	2	2
AVERAGE PRICE	538562	2289600	1785600

Rating of quality portable ultrasound equipment

Mindray DP-50 Ultrasound Scanner

Chinese brand mobile ultrasound system is powered by X-treme engine with high-speed data processing. A compact and easy-to-use mechanism with reduced graininess. 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 cinema memory function. Spare batteries make the scanner easy to use on the go.

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

• model of past years.

SonoSite EDGE Ultrasound Machine

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

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

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

• high price.

SonoSite M-TURBO Ultrasound Machine

The diagnostic system with broadband imaging technology is equipped with a full range of high-tech functions. On the recommendation of the manufacturer, it can be used in pediatrics, gynecology, neonatology, cardiology, angiology, urology, when examining blood vessels, and performs abdominal and intraoperative diagnostics.

The set includes a broadband linear and multifrequency microconvex probe. The large display reproduces 256 shades of gray. Multi-beam scanning improves the clarity of the image of small structures, the level of grain is reduced. Controls for Doppler radiation are present.

• shockproof aluminum case;
• quick turn on from 20 seconds;
• work from a 220 V network and a battery.

• high price.

PARAMETER	Samsung Medison Accuvix A30	GE Logiq P5	Mindray DC-7
MODES	B / M / CM / 3D / 4D / B + M / B + PWD / B + C / B + PD + PWD	B / M / PDI / HPRF / 3D / 4D	B / M / CD / DP / HPRF / CW / 3D / 4D
SCREEN (inch)	21.5	15	17
SENSORS	linear / convex / vaginal / cardiac	linear / cardiac / convex / microconvex / pencil	convex / linear / phased / microconvex / matrix
AVERAGE PRICE (RUB)	2520000	2005200	1927440

Rating of popular stationary ultrasound equipment

Ultrasound device Samsung Medison Accuvix A30

The brand scanner generates a color 3D image in real time. High image quality and assessment of 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 bi-directional energy, tissue, pulse-wave, constant-wave Doppler, film memory, an archiving system, connectors for connecting 5 sensors. The device can be purchased from the online store on a prepaid basis.

• backlit keyboard;
• control touch panel;
• additional LCD display;
• the warranty period is 6 months.

• high price.

Ultrasonic device GE Logiq P5

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

Advanced tissue imaging technology automatically optimizes the image for all modes. Has a non-Doppler blood flow detection mode. The unit has connectors for 3 sensors. The compact mechanism is convenient to transport independently, even in narrow corridors.

• foldable display for easy transportation;
• easy;
• agile;

• high price.

Ultrasound machine Mindray DC-7

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

Supports modes of tissue inversion adjustment, grain reduction, has an imaging mode when working with contrast agents, ECG viewing, 3D scanning in real time, technology for archiving the 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 instruction.

• 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 purchasing it, additional costs will be required. In order not to be mistaken when choosing, purchase a module complete with sensors. The optimal ultrasound machine is the one that will improve the workflow and quickly pay off.