It goes without saying that the purchase of a pre-owned or refurbished ultrasound system is a significant financial investment, so it makes good fiscal sense to take your time and conduct a thorough comparison of different ultrasound machines. It can sometimes help to create a simple list of five important factors to compare. First, you need to determine if you need a full-size console ultrasound system or a portable ultrasound machine. For a little help with that factor, check out this comparison of portable vs. console ultrasounds. A second factor you need to consider when you compare ultrasound machines it the manufacturer. For many buyers, the choice comes down to comparing GE vs. Siemens, but there are several other top brands to consider like Philips, Sonosite, Toshiba, HP, ATL and Acuson to name just a few.
A third factor to consider it the availability of refurbished parts and supplies, and how easy it will be to find a qualified ultrasound repair technician to service your machine. All of the major manufacturers listed above have a good reputation for quality and reliability, but there can be differences when you compare specific ultrasound models. So take a little time to call or email other owners of the machine you are interested in and get their thoughts.
The fourth and fifth factors to consider are the price and age of the machine, which somewhat go hand in hand. Unlike purchasing a used car, where the model year is a very important factor, it is not as important when comparing ultrasound models. Machines that were originally manufactured 10 or even 20 years ago can still perform at a high level. And if you buy a quality refurbished ultrasound system, then you can be assured that it has been inspected and tested to perform just like a new machine, but of course at a much lower price. Those factors are just the basics of doing an ultrasound equipment comparison, but it gives you a good place to start.
