What are mobile ultrasound devices?
Mobile or portable ultrasound devices are compact diagnostic systems that enable fast and flexible ultrasound diagnosis directly at the point of care. Whether in the emergency room, intensive care unit, or family doctor’s office, POCUS (point-of-care ultrasound) becomes easier, faster, and significantly more cost-effective with this technology.
Why mobile ultrasound devices are cost-effective:
Reduction in acquisition costs
Compared to stationary ultrasound devices, mobile systems are significantly cheaper to purchase. While high-end hospital devices often cost six-figure sums, high-quality portable ultrasound devices are available from around $5,000 to $20,000—without any significant loss of image quality.
Lower follow-up costs
Modern mobile ultrasound devices require less maintenance and incur lower operating costs. In addition, there are no high transport and installation costs, as is the case with permanently installed systems.
Time savings = money savings
With POCUS, physicians can make diagnoses directly at the patient’s bedside. This speeds up clinical decision-making, shortens patient stays, and reduces costly follow-up examinations.
Increased utilization
Thanks to their mobility, ultrasound devices can be used in multiple departments or even in different facilities. The higher device utilization significantly improves the ROI (return on investment).
Ideal for outpatient care
Portable ultrasound devices offer the possibility of making diagnoses directly on site, particularly in general medicine or mobile care services, without referrals to expensive radiology facilities.
Comparison: Mobile vs. stationary ultrasound device:
criterion | Mobile ultrasound device | Stationary ultrasound device |
|---|---|---|
| acquisition costs | low to moderate | high |
| mobility | high | low |
| maintenance effort | low | medium to high |
| image quality | good to very good (depending on model) | very good to excellent |
| possible applications | flexible (POCUS, home visits, etc.) | primarily stationary |
| ROI | highly versatile | high for specialized use |
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Conclusion: Mobile ultrasound devices are an asset for any budget
Mobile ultrasound devices offer an efficient, cost-effective, and flexible solution for many medical facilities—especially in times of tight budgets and rising patient numbers. By integrating them into everyday hospital or practice life, they not only improve the quality of care but also reduce unnecessary costs to a minimum.
Tip for physicians and clinic managers: It is worthwhile to conduct a systematic comparison of ultrasound devices, taking into account the area of application, image quality, and follow-up costs. This will ensure you get the best combination of quality and cost-effectiveness.