Portable ultrasound machines for pregnancy come in a variety of styles, which can make choosing the right model challenging. Whether you need a point-of-care system for an obstetrics clinic or a home ultrasound machine for pregnancy, here are key areas to consider.
There are only three types of probes used on portable ultrasound systems for pregnancy: Linear, Curved/Convex, and Phased. While there are a number of scanners that utilize both types of transducers, the type of probe has an impact on imaging and field of view.
Phased Probes aren’t as prevalent as curved or linear probes but provide the best of both worlds for a more precise approach. Some probes are wired, but many portable ultrasound machines are cordless and allow users to connect a smartphone or tablet to the system.
Once you have an understanding of the type of probe you need, it’s time to consider modes. Every portable ultrasound machine has imaging modes, which affect how information from the machine is seen by the viewer.
B-mode is the most common mode on any ultrasound machine, especially systems used in obstetrics. Brightness mode gives users a 2D scan using ultrasound waves, while M-mode deals with internal motion and blood flow.
Color Doppler (CDI) is a mode generally reserved for premium ultrasound machines. It allows users to visualize blood flow within an area, and there are different types of Doppler. Power Doppler (PDI) deals with the strength of blood flow, while Pulsed Wave Doppler or PWD uses short pulses to measure lower velocities.
Battery life is easy to overlook with an ultrasound machine for pregnancy. It’s not an issue with traditional models, but something that can quickly bring an exam to an end. We found that most handheld ultrasound machines have a scanning time between 1 to 4 hours on average.
It’s also important to note that battery life is impacted by the type of scan. Color Doppler scans will use more power than a simple B-mode scan. Charging times vary wildly, although quick-charge capabilities can trim those numbers down significantly.
Ultrasound machines aren’t considered budget-friendly devices, so a good warranty is important. Some companies provide extended service plans, which are well worth the cost given the price of an ultrasound scanner.
Even if a company has a solid warranty for their scanner, you’ll want to make sure they have good tech support or customer service. While we feel many handheld ultrasound machines for pregnancy are easy to use, great support should be a key requirement with a POCUS system.
These comprehensive reviews will highlight how the 6 ultrasound machines for pregnancy in features like image quality, ease of use, portability, durability, battery performance, scan frequency, probe types, applications, and price.
The Tri-scan Max portable ultrasound scanner is our top choice for the best portable ultrasound machine for pregnancy. With a compact design and multiple modes, it's an excellent choice for point-of-care service in search of an affordable solution.
The Tri-Scan Max is a versatile system with five scanning modes, including Power and Pulsed Wave Doppler. It's well-suited to handle a range of conditions through multiple transducers as well with Convex, Linear, and Phased Array probes.
You can adjust the linear scanning depth from 8 cm down to 2 cm, while convex scanning has four depths at 9, 16, 22, and 30 cm. Four frequency levels ensure a seamless transition, and you can expect a scan time from 3 to 5 hours depending on your usage. Flash charging and the 192-element probe are also noteworthy additions.
This app-based scanner doesn't require a subscription, so it's free to use without any fees. It's a highly adjustable ultrasound scanner with a very attractive price point of $3,599. You'll only get a 1-year warranty, but you can extend the plan by up to 2 years depending on your needs.
Whether you're practicing pediatrics or need a scanner for medical school, the Convex Pro from Dr. Sono should be high on your list. This pocket-sized ultrasound machine only weighs 8 ounces and will make life easy for both provider and patient.
The Convex Pros is wireless with four depth presets between 9 cm and 20 cm. The system can scan in B or M-mode with a range of features to adjust image quality, including Denoise and Depth. Users can also save images in a variety of formats on the device for quick sharing.
There are dual viewing modes and six specialty presets on this system, which has 80 probe elements. Battery life is excellent, and flash charging brings this system back to a full charge quickly. The Convex Pro ultrasound scanner features six specialties: Abdominal, Gynecology, Cardiac, Urology, Kidney, and Obstetric.
While this Convex Pro is missing a few features found on the Tri-Scan Max, it's a fraction of the price at only $1,499. It doesn't have as many modes, but there are no hidden fees or subscriptions. It's one of the more affordable portable ultrasound machines, and a system that’s effortless use if you own an Android or iOS device.
Pulsenmore took a different approach with its unique portable ultrasound machine. The aptly named Cradle is designed for expectant mothers who want to keep tabs on their baby from home while leaving the clinic behind.
This ultrasound scanner uses B-mode to give users a two-dimensional view of their baby in the womb. A smartphone slides into the cradle to give you an instant look, but also acts as a portal for online physicians. Their app walks users through conducting a scan in less than three minutes and stores all their data securely.
You can also use the Clinician Dashboard to converse with a physician in real-time for a checkup or to address concerns if they arise. With that in mind, it’s designed for one pregnancy, not for point-of-care medicine in clinics like many portable ultrasound systems.
The Pulsenmore Cradle is the best home ultrasound machine for pregnancy when you want a doctor’s advice but prefer to keep things virtual. It's affordable at around $190 with no subscription, although you'll need a physician to access the data.
GE introduced the Vscan Air CL for professionals interested in a streamlined solution for obstetrics. It's a dual-function scanner with curved and linear arrays that's secure and small enough to slip into a pocket.
This ultrasound machine is packed with premium features. Color Doppler lets you image blood flow in real time with a color-coded overlay. Pulsed Wave Spectral Doppler is also included, along with M and B-modes. Scan depth on the Vscan Air CL is 24 cm with the curved array and up to 8 cm using the linear transducer. There are also a number of tools available for the system through add-on plans.
The scanner captures HD images and video while securing patient data with AES-256 encryption. It has a durable, waterproof design and the dual-probe allows users to effortlessly switch modes. Scan time is listed at around 50 minutes, and while you can use Qi-certified chargers with the scanner, the recharge time is slow at 75 minutes.
The Vscan Air CL is a great choice for physicians who need to take scans from multiple patients. It can hold data for 500 scans and will last for years thanks to MIL-STD-810G certification. This portable ultrasound is priced at $4,855 and comes with a 3-year warranty. You’ll need a subscription to access all the features, with annual packages starting at $430.
Clarius has produced a variety of handheld ultrasound scanners over the years, but the C3 HD3 is their best system for obstetrics. This sleek device uses AI and eight beamformers for accurate imaging on mobile devices.
This POCUS device allows physicians to quickly scan abdomens and other areas for instant insight into a patient's condition. The system includes a half-dozen imaging modes with advanced presets for OB and Critical Care packages. Imaging modes include Standard and Doppler, Spacial Compounding, Needle Enhance, and Elastography.
AI takes the tech to new levels with features like dynamic range, although many of the features are tied to a membership plan. Each scanner includes a 1-year subscription, which unlocks voice controls, live telemedicine, advanced specialty packages, and more. To continue using the company's tools, you’ll need to pick up an annual membership for $595.
The Clarius C3 HD3 is another fantastic option for professionals interested in a portable ultrasound machine for pregnancy in their clinic. It's priced at $4,190 with the included 1-year membership and comes with a 3-year warranty. Extended coverage and longer memberships are also available through the company.
Lightweight ultrasound scanners make life easy for physicians and patients, and the Lumify C5-2 excels in this area. The design by Philips keeps the weight to only 4.7 ounces, but it’s just as versatile as larger cart-based systems.
This curved array transducer has a scan depth of up to 30cm with a 67.5° field of view. It has battery-free transducers and a detachable cable to connect to iOS devices. While it's not wireless like other models on our list, scan time is excellent. You can expect between 5 and 7 hours of scanning time, depending on the device you're connected to.
Users can share ultrasound results on screen whether they're using Color Doppler mode or taking a quick 2D scan. Physicians can also use the company's quick-connect platform to converse with other professionals or livestream an ultrasound. That's a feature normally reserved for ultrasound machines that require a subscription.
The Lumify C5-2 is ideal for professionals who handle with multiple patients. You can expect top-tier security from Philips, and battery life is excellent. The only downside is the price tag of $6,900 for the iOS version or $12,000 for the Android-based Lumify C5-2.
The Butterfly iQ3 is one of the more unique systems to make our list of the best ultrasound machines for pregnancy. It has a modern, ergonomic design and comes with a variety of features that separate it from the competition.
Configurable buttons, quick-charging capabilities, and MIL-STD-810G certification are just a few highlights of the Butterfly iQ3. This 3-in-1 ultrasound features Linear, Convex, and Phased probes with six scan modes. You’ll also get access to hundreds of hours of educational videos along with Pulse Wave Doppler and Biplane imaging.
The scan depth on this system is 1 cm to 3 cm. Presets are another feature that makes the iQ3 incredibly easy to use. There are more than 20 with a dozen specialties, including Urology, Cardiology, EMS, and OB/GYN. Features like on-screen annotation are unique and make the iQ3 an interesting alternative.
This robust tri-mode ultrasound scanner has as many scan modes as our top choice, but requires an annual technology package. The scanner is $3,899 for an individual user and comes with a 3-year warranty. The Core Technology package is priced at $299 and Advanced Technology at $420 per year.
Here’s your quick summary comparison of the best ultrasound machine for pregnancy.
Having an ultrasound machine for pregnancy in your clinic or home doesn't have to break the bank and won’t take up an entire corner of a room anymore. Modern devices are incredibly easy to use and versatile.
If you're looking for an affordable system that can perform a variety of scans, it’s hard to go wrong with the Dr. SONOS Tri-Scan Max. Parents interested in a more hands-on approach should ask their physicians about the Pulsenmore Cradle. The right model can provide peace of mind for expectant mothers, whether performing a scan at home or from an obstetrician in a professional setting.
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