Why Every Veterinary Practice Should Have a Portable Handheld Ultrasound Unit

Comparing Veterinary Handheld Ultrasound Units: Philips Lumify, Clarius Vet HD3, Butterfly iQ+ Vet, and GE Vscan Air

In today’s fast-paced veterinary field, having access to reliable and efficient diagnostic tools is crucial. Portable handheld ultrasound units have revolutionized veterinary care by providing immediate, on-the-spot imaging capabilities. These devices are not only convenient but also enhance the quality of care provided to animals. Here are a few reasons why every veterinary practice should consider investing in a portable handheld ultrasound unit:

1. Immediate Diagnostics: Handheld ultrasound units allow veterinarians to perform quick and accurate diagnostics right at the point of care. This can significantly reduce the time needed to diagnose conditions and start treatment, improving patient outcomes.
2. Portability: These devices are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for use in various settings, including clinics, farms, and even in the field. This flexibility ensures that veterinarians can provide high-quality care wherever it is needed.
3. Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional, larger ultrasound machines, handheld units are generally more affordable. They offer a cost-effective solution for practices looking to expand their diagnostic capabilities without a significant financial investment.
4. Enhanced Patient Care: With the ability to perform real-time imaging, veterinarians can make more informed decisions about patient care. This leads to better treatment plans and improved overall health outcomes for animals.
5. Versatility: Modern handheld ultrasound units are designed to handle a wide range of applications, from abdominal and cardiac imaging to musculoskeletal and reproductive assessments. This versatility makes them an invaluable tool in any veterinary practice.

Comparing brands

When it comes to veterinary handheld ultrasound units, choosing the right device can make a significant difference in diagnostics and patient care. In this blog post, we’ll compare four popular options: Philips Lumify, Clarius Vet, Butterfly iQ+ Vet, and GE Vscan Air. We’ll rank them based on image quality and ease of use, and discuss their respective downsides.

1. Philips Lumify – Approximately $8,000 – $9,000 USD ($10,880 – $12,240 CAD).

Rank: 1A

Overview: My general preference and recommendation is the Philips Lumify. This system has high-quality imaging and ease of use. This device connects via USB, making it a reliable choice for consistent performance. It is particularly well-suited for use with Android tablets though offers an adapter for iOS connection. I use the Lumify curvilinear and linear probes frequently in clinics for aspirates as well as for research.

Pros:

• Image Quality: High-quality imaging that is suitable for a variety of applications
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface with no subscription fees, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Cons:

• Corded: The USB connection can be less convenient compared to wireless options.
• Compatibility: Works better with Android tablets, which might limit its use for some users.

2. Clarius Vet HD3 – $3,595 USD + $595/year membership (around $4,891 CAD + $809/year membership).

Rank: 1B

Overview: Clarius Vet HD3 is a wireless, highly portable ultrasound unit designed for veterinary use. It offers high-definition imaging and a range of AI-powered tools to enhance diagnostics. I have the microconvex and linear probes and use them for research and some clinical applications. The biggest advantage for Clarius is the user interface which offers the most features of any system. The biggest downside I have seen is that the battery creates a larger and heavier probe which is challenging for sonographers with smaller hands. Many of my colleagues find these probes uncomfortable to hold. The microconvex is also challenging to perform aspirates with due to the orientation of the probe.

Pros:

• Image Quality: High-definition imaging with advanced AI tools for better diagnostics.
• Portability: Wireless design makes it easy to carry and use in various settings.

Cons:

• Battery Life: Limited to up to 2 hours, which might not be sufficient for extended use.
• Overheating: Can overheat during prolonged use.
• Probe Size: The large probe size may not be comfortable for users with small hands.

3. Butterfly iQ+ Vet – $2,999 USD + $420/year membership (around $4,078 CAD + $571/year membership).

Rank: 3rd

Overview: I demoed the Butterfly for a few weeks and was generally unimpressed. The single probe does not do a great job imaging especially in mid to large size pateints. The system is designed for multi-species use, however my limited experience suggests that vets will be left wanting more from this system. I would consider this for basic cystocentesis only.

Pros:

• Portability: Wired
• Software Integration: Offers cloud storage and Needle Viz™ for enhanced diagnostics.

Cons:

• Image Quality: Generally considered to have poorer image quality compared to other units in this list.

4. GE Vscan Air – Approximately $4,000 USD (around $5,440 CAD).

Rank: 4th

Overview: GE Vscan Air is a wireless ultrasound unit known for its rugged design and compatibility with both iOS and Android devices. It is suitable for a wide range of veterinary applications.

Pros:

• Portability: Highly portable and wireless, ideal for various environments.
• Durability: Built to withstand tough conditions, meeting military drop standards.

Cons:

• Image Quality: Poorer image quality compared to top-ranked units.
• User Interface: The interface is not as intuitive and lacks labeling features, which can hinder efficient use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right handheld ultrasound unit depends on your specific needs and preferences. Philips Lumify stands out for its superior image quality and ease of use, despite being corded. Clarius Vet offers excellent imaging but has some limitations in battery life and ergonomics. Butterfly iQ+ Vet is a versatile option but falls short in image quality. Lastly, GE Vscan Air is durable and portable but has room for improvement in image quality and user interface.

Each of these devices has its strengths and weaknesses, so consider what features are most important for your practice when making a decision. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out!

This post was written with research assistance from Microsoft CoPilot a large language model. If you note any errors please reach out.