Back 3 piont important questions to ask when choosing a small animal ultrasound scanner
Question 4: Should my small animal ultrasound scanner be portable?
Don’t be fooled into thinking the bigger the machine, the more powerful it will be. Just think how powerful
laptops are these days.
The advantages of a portable ultrasound scanner are that you are able to easily move it around the practice and
even take it outside if you wish. Also, most portable scanners are available with optional trolleys these days, if
having it on wheels is something that will help you.
Smaller, portable machines also give out less heat and noise.
Question 5: How much should a small animal ultrasound scanner cost?
Your budget is also worth thinking about when considering which ultrasound scanner is best for you.
Black and white ultrasound scanners range from around 4,000 up to 12,000. Colour scanners generally range
from around 7,500 right up to 100,000.
When considering the price of an ultrasound machine, you may want to decide whether or not you need doppler.
For more information on the subject of doppler, you may want to read BCF Account Manager Peter Higginson's
blog
Generally, the more you invest, the better image quality you can achieve. The better the image quality, the easier it
is to interpret the image.
If you happen to be trying to persuade your boss to invest in some new equipment for the practice, try presenting
a business argument. For example, ask them to consider how quickly it would pay for itself and begin to generate
income for the practice.
Question 6: Which company should I go to when buying my small animal ultrasound scanner?
Another important consideration when choosing your ultrasound scanner is the partner you choose to invest in.
The following areas are benefits that we constantly strive to provide for all our customers and we feel that it allow
us to offer a complete package.
Support
We think that it’s a good idea to get your scanner from a company that has been around a while and will still be
here in the following years that you own the scanner. This is so that if you have any problems with your scanner,
you have the support you need to get the problem solved and get back to scanning quickly and effectively.
Wide range of products
It is good to work with a company that offers a wide range of products so that you are able to choose the scanne
that specifically fits your individual needs.
Clinical and equipment training
We also feel it is important to seek partners that offer equipment, as well as clinical training on your new scanner,
so you can gain the skills necessary in order to get the most out of your new system.
Finally, before deciding what scanner to invest in and who to get it from, it’s always a good idea to get some
advice from other vets. Ask people you know and trust about their experience with the partners they invested in
and what they thought of their products, service and support.