The Function of Portable Ultrasound in Point-of-Care Settings

Portable or handheld ultrasound devices typically consist of small probes that can connect to mobile devices or ultrasound machines.

Medical technology is always evolving, providing professionals with new tools and exciting innovations to care for their patients. One of the most useful innovations of recent years is portable ultrasound, which offers many benefits for point-of-care settings.

This guide will explore the uses and advantages of portable ultrasound for point-of-care.

What is portable ultrasound?

Portable or handheld ultrasound devices typically consist of small probes that can connect to mobile devices or ultrasound machines. Compact and convenient, they're small enough to hold in hand or slip into a worker's pocket, making them perfect for performing ultrasound scans almost anywhere.

How does portable ultrasound work?

Portable ultrasound devices work just like full-size ultrasound machines. They emit high-frequency sound waves into the body. Those waves then bounce back as echoes, which the ultrasound device captures. Those echoes form a 2D image of the body's interior, ideal for tracking pregnancy developments or diagnosing internal injuries and illness.

The advantages of portable ultrasounds for point-of-care

Thanks to their small size and convenience, portable ultrasound technology is perfect for point-of-care usage. The benefits include the following:

Portable 

Since handheld ultrasound devices are so small and lightweight, they're much more portable than traditional ultrasound machines. Healthcare professionals can carry them almost anywhere. 

This is ideal for environments like crowded healthcare facilities, allowing clinicians to move from room to room, carrying out quick ultrasound scans without disturbing patients or funneling them all to one main ultrasound lab.

Affordable 

With their small size, portable ultrasound devices are also notably cheaper than big, bulky ultrasound machines. Their lower costs make them accessible to even the smallest clinics and healthcare facilities with limited budgets.

Indeed, for facilities on a budget, portable ultrasound technology may be the only option. And it frees up funds to invest in additional devices and supplies.

Fast

Portable ultrasound devices are also very speedy in their operation. The clinician can take the probe directly to the patient and carry out a scan in seconds. It's way faster than transporting the patient to an ultrasound lab or bringing a heavy machine to the patient's bedside.

This is perfect for emergencies. If a patient suffers an injury or complains of internal pains, scans can be carried out immediately, without delay, to diagnose the problem and determine the best course of action.

Invest in portable ultrasound for a stronger point-of-care response

Portable ultrasound technology is a significant upgrade over the heavy, bulky machines of the past. Particularly in point-of-care settings, handheld devices allow clinicians to respond more quickly and efficiently to their patients' needs. Clinics looking to upgrade their operations should contact a trusted ultrasound provider to learn more.

Cardiovascular Speciality Imaging offers various ultrasound services and mobile Ultrasound Services to physicians, imaging centers, hospitals, and nursing facilities throughout Northwest Florida. Call us at (844)EZSCANS.