Over the past ten years of teaching diagnostic ultrasound, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from delegates is 'what ultrasound scanner machine should I buy?' This is true whether the buyer is purchasing for a department, a clinic, a sports club, or for themselves as a consumer.

Those of you who have read my blog on 'How to Get Started in Diagnostic 3d 3d ultrasound machine machine' will know that you must first obtain adequate access to a machine in order to develop your skills.  The alternative is equivalent to learning to play the guitar without having access to a guitar! It's just not going to happen! A machine is required at least two days per week in order to make steady progress and acquire the necessary skill. . .  ideally, more days per week are required.  If this is the case, you may need to invest in your own machine.  In my opinion, this is a fantastic investment.

High-quality ultrasound scanner machines are expensive, and making the right choice is critical.  To summarize, take your time, consult with experts (preferably independent ones), and conduct your own research.

How much money do you have available to you?

The first and most important factor to consider is how much money you have available.  With ultrasound machines, the process is quite straightforward.  Generally speaking, the more money you spend, the better the machine you will receive in return.

However, and this is something that many people overlook, the more money you spend up front, the less likely it is that you will want to upgrade the machine in 2-3 years.  People frequently purchase a low-cost, low-quality machine or a handheld machine with the intention of upgrading their machine after two to three years.  Buy cheap, and you'll save money! We always encourage people to spend as much money as they are able to because, in essence, you are making a long-term investment in your professional development.

4d ultrasound unit machine machines of high quality are not inexpensive! Despite the fact that £5000 is a substantial sum of money, you will not receive a particularly good machine at this price.  As your scanning skills improve, you will want to see more structures in greater detail, which will necessitate the use of a higher-quality image.  Scanners of lower quality make it more difficult to scan.  For a machine that will serve all areas of the body and last for the next 5 – 10 years, you should budget approximately £10000 in the ideal situation.

imaging is a modality that is highly dependent on the operator and the machine.  Those delegates who had purchased less expensive machines desired to upgrade their machines after a few years of use.  Simply put, as you become more proficient at scanning, you desire to see more.  Take, for example, deep tissues and nerves surrounding the hip or the proximal hamstring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . So many people wished they had just spent a little more money and gotten a better machine in the first place.