When it comes to buying medical equipment, 'used' and 'refurbished' are not negative qualifiers.
Used medical equipment can save the day for health care facilities with budget constraints. Also, a used, newer model will work better than an old one in your clinic or hospital.
So, if you are looking for a used ultrasound machine for sale, this article is for you!
We break down the factors you must consider when buying a used or refurbished ultrasound machine and connect you with the best places to buy them.
We also review 6 new alternatives to add to your list of options.
New ultrasound machines come with the quality guarantee of first-hand medical equipment.
But when buying a second-hand ultrasound machine, it's extremely important to assess the equipment and ensure you are getting what you truly need for your healthcare facility.
Doing that saves you the risk of losing more than the thousands you are trying to save.
From our experience, these are the 6 crucial things to check before buying a used ultrasound machine.
For your first buying tip, we recommend focusing on the lifespan of the ultrasound machine.
Experts say 10 years is a reasonable maximum lifespan for an ultrasound machine. To break that down, the European Society of Radiology considers radiology equipment to be:
So, as a general rule, invest in a used ultrasound machine that has served for the fewest years possible. The older the ultrasound machine, the more you will need to invest in repairs and maintenance, increasing the equipment's overall cost.
Your next item on the list of things to check before buying a used ultrasound machine is its condition. Of course, you want to buy a pre-owned ultrasound machine that works great and doesn't have extreme signs of physical wear.
We recommend paying attention especially to the probe and image quality on the monitor.
✔ Probe
The probe is the ignition key of an ultrasound machine, which explains why replacing it could cost you as much as the machine itself.
If it is faulty or not working, the ultrasound image quality is compromised, rendering the entire equipment useless.
So, when you buy a pre-owned ultrasound machine, ensure that:
✔ Image Quality
With a good probe comes high image quality. Poor image quality defeats the purpose of cost-saving with a used or refurbished ultrasound machine.
To ensure your second-hand ultrasound machine has reliable image quality, request a live image demo and pay attention to the following:
Another key tip on how to choose a used ultrasound machine is to check its specifications.
Technical and software specifications directly affect image quality. They can also impact workflow negatively and limit the possibility of upgrading your second-hand ultrasound machine.
So, which specs matter in a refurbished ultrasound machine? Our expert advice is to focus on the following factors:
Check that the machine supports the imaging modes you need for your practice. These include:
The key point here is to ensure you are paying for imaging modes you are really going to use. You also avoid buying a machine without the imaging modes you truly need.
Pay attention to:
Keep in mind that older systems may only support older types of transducers, which might not be what you are looking for.
Assess the refurbished or used ultrasound machine for aspects such as:
For image resolution and processing, do not be satisfied with screenshot demonstrations; ask for real-time demos.
Confirm that the used ultrasound machine has presets for the applications your practice requires, including:
Note that installing applications after purchase will cost you extra money.
Assess the ultrasound scanner for:
Do not overlook display issues, as they will reduce diagnostic accuracy.
Check and ask questions about issues related to:
When assessing these features, keep in mind the fact that, in contemporary medical facilities, connectivity is key to optimized clinical workflow.
Evaluate if:
Ask about these features and verify:
Consider that some used ultrasound machine suppliers reset their equipment to factory settings. You want to be sure you won't incur additional costs in software upgrades or license renewal.
Assess if the refurbished ultrasound machine you want to buy has:
The presence of these features reduced human errors in ultrasound imaging and will also help you and your team save time.
Ensure that:
Used ultrasound machines that are not supported for upgrades by the manufacturer carry higher risks for the buyer.
Buying a second-hand ultrasound machine can be a high-risk purchase.
In fact, market data shows that concerns over the safety and quality of used medical equipment are a key challenge to the industry's growth.
In addition, 25% of healthcare providers worry about the reliability and safety of used and refurbished medical equipment.
That reinforces our recommendation: Opt for second-hand ultrasound machines sold by the manufacturer or an authorized dealer.
Additionally, evaluate the seller on these aspects:
Select refurbished medical equipment suppliers with a proven track record. Verify their business details and check customer reviews from hospitals, clinics, and individual buyers who have purchased from them before you.
Avoid suppliers whose records you can't track, like those with limited online presence or details you cannot verify.
Ensure that your chosen second-hand ultrasound machine supplier is an authorized dealer with the necessary permits and certifications.
Also, ask for original government agency clearance certificates for the machine, like the FDA in the US or the CE marking in the EU.
Check the documentation for regulatory inspections and the electrical safety and performance reports.
A credible used medical equipment supplier should be prompt to explain the actual condition of the machine. They'll give you a history of the machine's age, how it was tested and inspected, if the probes are calibrated, and if any internal or cosmetic alterations have been made.
If you cannot verify their word with actual records and machine demos to see that it works, read that as a red flag.
Giving reasonable warranty and product return periods is a sign of credibility. It shows that the seller stands behind their product and has confidence in the quality of the used ultrasound machine they are selling you.
So, work with refurbished medical equipment suppliers that offer at least a month of cost-free return period and 6-12 months of parts and labor warranty. These terms should be provided in written documentation.
Just like warranties and return policies, after-sales service and technical support agreements are proof of a reliable seller.
Ask if the used ultrasound machine supplier gives access to certified service engineers and whether they offer troubleshooting support.
If you need to, inquire about operator training, installation, and setup assistance. Ensure the machine has software and user manuals to go with it.
Also, confirm that the model has available spare parts on the market.
Buy from used ultrasound machines suppliers with a vast catalog of different brands and models. This is a sign that the seller has solid experience in their business and vast knowledge of different brands.
Variety could also mean the supplier stocks all types of pre-owned ultrasound machines, including:
Vendors who also stock ultrasound machine accessories such as probes, carts, and stands show specialization as reliable medical equipment resellers.
Clear and prompt communication is a core part of professional service and customer care. Use this aspect to know if your refurbished ultrasound equipment dealers are reliable.
If they are, they should:
You can use these vendor characteristics to evaluate our 6 recommended websites for used ultrasound machines later in the article.
Our thorough market research shows that used ultrasound machines can cost 30%-40% less than new ones. Their actual costs range from $10,000 to over $120,000, depending on the model or brand.
That means you might pay $3,000 to $4,000 for a cheap used ultrasound machine or $36,000 to $48,000 for the more expensive ones.
But keep in mind that all the other factors we've discussed can increase the overall used and refurbished ultrasound machine prices.
For example, buying an ultrasound machine with faulty probes for a low price will cost you more in maintenance.
Similarly, a second-hand ultrasound machine without a warranty will force you to spend more if it breaks down in the first month of purchase. That's because you have to repair it on your healthcare facility's budget.
Besides, other hidden costs can inflate a used ultrasound machine overall cost. They include:
If these totals exceed your budget, you might be safer purchasing a new ultrasound scanner. And on that note, we'll give you a comprehensive review of new scanner alternatives later in this article.
Especially because you are buying a used ultrasound machine, it is important to confirm that the manufacturer or supplier provides some after-sales support guarantee. This should come in warranties or support services agreements.
Prioritize second-hand ultrasound machines from manufacturers or suppliers that:
As a recommendation, it is safer to pay a little more for used medical equipment with a warranty and support guarantees. Opting for cheap ultrasound machines can cost you more later on.
So, with these factors in mind, you can now create your own used or refurbished ultrasound machine checklist and use it to assess the best one for your needs.
Keep in mind that a used second-hand ultrasound machine that runs outdated software, requires expensive part repairs or replacement, and lacks manufacturer or supplier support is not worth spending your money on.
We assessed several websites where to buy used ultrasound machines using the vendor reliability points that we discussed earlier. These are our top 6 websites where to buy pre-owned ultrasound machines.
REDSTONE Healthcare booked a slot on our list of top websites for used ultrasound machines due to its unique attention to buyer needs.
Founded in 2014 with headquarters in Lake Bluff, IL, the company works with a highly experienced team to deliver the best to its customers.
Their customer service entails pre-purchase guidance, guided machine selection based on your needs, and after-sales technical support.
Here's our detailed assessment of Redstone Healthcare.
Claims affordable pricing below Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) prices. You must request a quote to see the actual price of a product.
Redstone has a rich inventory of used and refurbished, portable and cart-based ultrasound machines. They are from big players in the ultrasound industry, including GE, Philips, Mindray, Toshiba, Siemens, Sonosite, and other smaller ones like Aloka, Chison, SonoScape, and Biosound.
Warranty and return policy:
Redstone claims to offer "extended warranty options", with details indicating a period of 30-90 days.
User experience:
The Redstone website allows excellent user interaction with its vast inventory. You can search ultrasound machines by brand and click on each product to check its details, including a complete product description.
Why we recommend it:
Redstone has a vast online catalogue that users can explore with simple clicks, accessing detailed descriptions of used ultrasound machines. They also have up to three months of warranty compared to others who don't offer any warranties.
Why you may not like them:
The 1 to 3-month warranty is quite limited.
AceVision Ultrasound is a medical equipment supplier headquartered in St. Charles, IL. The company focuses on new and used/refurbished ultrasound machines.
With over 11 years since its founding, AceVision considers itself a one-stop shop for everything ultrasound. They also stock spare parts and provide repair services.
Go to AceVision if your ultrasound machine budget is on the lower side.
Claims up to 60% lower used ultrasound machine prices compared to other suppliers and OEM prices. They also offer financing options and a 100% price difference money back if you find lower prices than theirs.
AceVision works with several top brands, including Toshiba, Samsung, Siemens, Mindray, Philips, Sonosite, plus others like Acuson and Alpinion.
Warranty and return policy:
AceVision does not indicate specific warranty and return policy periods. Instead, they pledge a "guarantee of quality" based on thorough testing of the equipment.
User experience:
The supplier offers 24/7 customer service. However, you must communicate directly with the supplier to get information about used ultrasound machines in their inventory, as they don't show them on their Website.
Why we recommend it:
Going by the supplier's word, you could save large amounts, up to 60%, if you buy used and refurbished ultrasound machines from AceVision, and with quality guarantees. You can also opt to rent a used ultrasound machine instead of buying.
Why you may not like them:
Although the seller has options to search used and refurbished ultrasound machines by type, brand, and specialty, the options don't link to specific ultrasound machines or machine types. This makes product search hard for the user.
Soma Tech Intl offers an extremely wide range of used medical equipment, including portable and cart-based ultrasound machines.
Founded in 1992, Soma Tech has more than 30 years of experience in second-hand medical equipment. Their headquarters are in Bloomfield, CT.
Choosing Soma Tech for your second-hand ultrasound machine means tapping into a large inventory. You also have a guarantee for quality and reliability, as the manufacturer works with top-notch, in-house biomedical engineers.
Here's our detailed assessment of what to expect from Soma Tech.
Claims to offer lower than OEM prices by up to 50%. You have to request a quote for specific pricing.
Works with some of the leading ultrasound machine brands, including GE, Philips, and Sonosite.
Warranty and return policy:
Offers a one-year standard full limited warranty for the machine and a 90-day warranty for accessories such as ultrasound probes. International sales get a 90-day warranty for the machine.
User experience:
Buyers can request quotes by clicking on the ultrasound machines listed online.
Why we recommend it:
Soma Tech has many years of experience in the refurbished ultrasound machine market, giving you more confidence in the quality of their equipment. They also promote affordability with their 50% lower prices.
Why you may not like it:
You can only know what to expect of a listed ultrasound machine by direct communication with the supplier. No product descriptions or prices are shown online.
This option is for clinics and hospitals that prefer the GE Healthcare brand and an intentional focus on supporting sustainable healthcare.
Die GE HealthCare GoldSeal refurbishment program for Ultrasound is part of GE's extensive GoldSeal program, started over 20 years ago. Their refurbishment and distribution activities are carried out in different centers, including Waukesha, WI, Muskego, WI, and Oak Creek, WI.
The program focuses on extending the lifespan of GE medical equipment to reduce medical waste and enhance affordability. Their focus is solely on GE ultrasound machines.
If you choose your used or refurbished ultrasound machine from the GE GoldSeal program, here's what to expect.
Prices are lower than those of new GE ultrasound machines. However, expect premium prices compared to other generic resellers. You must complete an online quote request for specific prices.
Exclusive focus on GE Trademarks, including Logiq, Venue, Vivid, Voluson, Versana, Invenia, and Vscan Air.
Warranty and return policy:
Offers warranties similar to those of new equipment, typically 1 year, with optional service contracts.
User experience:
You must send an online quote to inquire about the availability of refurbished ultrasound machines. Online browsing of inventory is not available.
Why we recommend it:
You buy ultrasound machines with OEM refurbishment quality, including installation of original parts and the latest software releases.
Why you may not like it:
You have no options from other brands, as they exclusively deal with the GE brand.
LBN Medical is a Danish company with headquarters in Aalborg. It started in 2003 and is part of the Tri-Imaging Family. LBN has a presence in the US, recently cemented by the Tri-Imaging and DirectMed merger.
The company specializes in the sale of quality second-hand medical machines and accessories. Our evaluation of the LBN found the following.
You need to choose an ultrasound machine from the ones listed and request a quote to know the price.
Has a rich catalogue with models from top brands, including GE, Samsung, Siemens, Philips, and Toshiba.
Warranty and return policy:
LBN has different warranty options depending on the product:
User experience:
You can explore LBN's online catalog for used ultrasound machines, filtering by type or brand. You can also contact them directly by phone or email.
Why we recommend it:
A vast used ultrasound machine catalog to choose from, with seller reassurance for professional machine repair and testing.
Why you may not like it:
It may be difficult to know the specific details of a listed ultrasound machine, as the descriptions are generic and do not focus on machine specs.
Medilab Global is a Miami, Florida-based company specializing in the distribution of new and used medical equipment in the US and abroad. They have over 27 years of experience in the medical equipment market.
If your priority is quality, you'll find Medilab a favorite destination for used ultrasound machines for sale.
Besides, the company stocks a variety of ultrasound scanner types. You can opt for portable and cart-based models for use in clinics or installed, comprehensive hospital systems.
Here's our evaluation of Medilab based on our main assessment points.
You have to request a quote to check the price of ultrasound machines. The supplier promises its customers that they will save money while purchasing high-quality ultrasound scanners.
Medilab works with some of the top players in the medical equipment market. At the time of writing, the supplier has listed several models from the Philips, GE, and Siemens brands.
Warranty and return policy:
Medilab disclaims any warranties and return policies once the product is sold.
User experience:
Choosing an ultrasound machine from those listed does not provide details of the product. The buyer has to contact the supplier for product details, pricing, and other information.
Why we recommend it:
May years of experience in the market, which can support credibility in the thorough ultrasound machine inspection and servicing that they swear by. Plus, they work with top brands.
Why you may not like it:
Though they guarantee quality, you purchase the machine at your own risk with no warranties. The buyer bears any after-sales machine fault expenses, even where they already existed at the time of purchase.
And now that you have a comprehensive buyer's guide on what to look for when buying used ultrasound machines and a list of the top refurbished ultrasound machine suppliers, we want to engage you on brand new scanner alternatives you can opt for.
Used ultrasound machines have the advantage of lower prices. They also help healthcare facilities with lower budgets to access newer models at more affordable costs.
Regardless, market research shows that users may be reluctant to go for used ultrasound machines due to factors like:
Buyers also consider these portable ultrasound benefits:
To give you options, we reviewed the top 6 brand-new portable ultrasound scanners that you can consider as alternatives to the cart-based used ultrasound machines.
Best for Whole-Body Imaging/Best Overall
Längste Batterielaufzeit
If you want to keep up with the current trend for portable and highly effective ultrasound scanners, you should definitely go for the DRSONO Tri-Scan Max.
This small and light ultrasound scanner is a complete ultrasound system that's as great as the large cart-based machines. The 3-in-1 model has all three probe types in one handheld device.
With the larger sonographic models, you'd need to switch between probes each time you want a different scanning mode. But with the Tri-scan Max, you simply turn the probe and keep scanning.
For a monitor, you can use the Tri-scan Max with any gadget you already have, whether it is an iPhone, Android phone, or a computer with Windows. In our view, the DRSONO device is the most adaptable portable ultrasound machine on the market right now.
And it gets better with the price. You pay around the same amount you'd pay for a cheap used ultrasound machine, with the difference that the Tri-scan Max has the quality guarantees of a brand-new device.
Let's break down for you the details of the Tri-Scan Max.
Clarius has 3 handheld linear scanner models, and the manufacturer lists Clarius L15 HD3 as its best seller.
Because of its upgraded frame rate speeds, the Clarius scanner delivers high-resolution ultrasound images, comparable to those of cart-based systems.
So, if you only want a linear scanner for superficial imaging with presets such as MSK, nerve, vascular, breast, and thyroid, the Clarius L15 HD3 is a great choice. Buying this scanner will save you the cost of probes you do not need if you go for a used ultrasound machine.
The L15 HD3 has an easy-to-use, AI-powered app on your Android or iPhone, not Windows or ChromeOS.
Here's what else to expect from the Clarius L15 HD3.
Die Schmetterling iQ+ is the second-generation ultrasound device of the Butterfly Inc. iQ model. This whole-body ultrasound scanner utilizes patented Ultrasound-on-Chip technology to perform whole-body imaging from a single probe head.
So, it practically saves you from having to continuously swap from one probe to another, which would be the case if you opted for a used cart-based ultrasound machine. The IQ+ simply uses software settings to change from Linear to Convex to Phased, without even turning the probe.
Here's what else makes the Butterfly IQ+ a great alternative to used ultrasound machines.
If you are searching for a used ultrasound machine for superficial tissue and peripheral vessel imaging, the SonoME 14L Linear makes a great brand-new alternative.
This device uses high-frequency to scan up to depths of 5.5, which should mean high-resolution imaging.
Vets can also use it for pregnancy and fluid checks, superficial structure imaging to detect issues like foreign bodies, and vascular imaging.
Here's what else to expect from the SonoMe 14L.
If your budget allows it and you want the multi-probe experience of a cart-based ultrasound machine on a handheld device, the Youkey Soloscan P50 is an ideal choice.
The device comes in a main unit with the option to attach 6 different probe heads, depending on the type of imaging required.
That means you can use this handheld ultrasound device for all the specialties in a hospital or clinic. But that's only if you purchase all the probe types. If not, you can buy the main unit and choose the probes required for your specialty.
Die Sifultras-8.51 is another multi-head ultrasound device with 5 different probe types. It is a great choice for clinics and hospitals looking for the versatility of a cart-based system in a handheld ultrasound scanner.
You get one of the probe types alongside the main unit for the listed price. However, you have to buy additional probes separately at an extra cost.
To help you quickly decide which of the 6 options works best for your imaging needs, check the comparison table below.
Used ultrasound machines are a great option for hospitals and clinics with low budgets that can't afford the costly new systems. For these healthcare facilities, second-hand ultrasound machines are also a cheaper option for upgrading to newer models.
If you opt for pre-owned ultrasound machines, ensure you are buying a system that's worth your money.
Check that the machine has a lifespan below the recommended 10 years and that the software and technical specs fit your imaging needs.
Also, request service and repair documentation and confirm image and probe quality with real demos. Finally, research the supplier for a credible track record.
And if you want the quality guarantee of new portable ultrasound machines, we;ve reviewed 6 brand-new used ultrasound machine alternatives to add to your list of options.
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