Veterinarians rely on ultrasound technology to diagnose their animal patients. With this cutting-edge system for medical imaging, doctors can identify masses, fluid build-up, and other soft tissue abnormalities in dogs, cats, and other animals. Using this technology in your practice means it’s crucial to understand ultrasound safety.

Discover the proper techniques and protocols for operating this machine safely. If you want to add veterinary ultrasound machines to your animal hospital, Choice Medical Systems, Inc. has new and refurbished ultrasound equipment available for sale.

Select a Machine That Covers All the Bases

You don’t want to cut corners when it comes to giving an ultrasound in veterinary medicine. That’s why the most important item to check off your list is to select a machine that allows for full-body scans. The ideal system provides high-quality images, probes of varying frequencies, and a responsive, easy-to-use interface.

You can even opt for an ultrasound machine that promotes cellular healing through ultrasonic cavitation. All of these components make it easier to assess tissue presentations in animals of all sizes and species. Potential problems that come from having a less-advanced machine include:

• Missing lesions on the patient
• Struggling to locate key parts of animal anatomy
• Needing to repeat transmission

Let’s dive into the specific features to look for in a machine for maximum ultrasound safety. 

Screen Size and Resolution

When examining animal patients, image quality is important. With a blurry ultrasound image, you could miss abnormalities. Always opt for the bigger, clearer picture option when selecting an ultrasound machine for your veterinary office. Doing so means you won’t have to squint to see the image and interpret it accurately. 

Experts suggest choosing a monitor that’s between 15 and 18 inches long. Aim for picture clarity of at least a 1920×1080 resolution. 

Touchscreen vs. Knobs

A major part of ultrasound safety relates to the design of the machine. Can you operate it with traditional knobs and buttons, or is there a digital touchscreen? Each clinician has their preferences, but if you happen to prefer knobs over a touchscreen, try to get a monitor that isn’t fully digital. 

You’ll be able to adjust your workflow better when the machine has a design that suits you. For example, you might be used to the location or certain knobs, and over time you’ll be able to conduct the ultrasound faster, making it more economical for your practice. 

Superior Image Transmission

Does your ultrasound machine have the bandwidth to send the large files it captures? When you’re working with a telemedicine specialist, they must receive the images quickly. Technology that can’t accommodate a standard video case across the internet at 500 megabytes per second won’t be effective enough for your practice. 

Search for an ultrasound system that excels in image transmission. You’ll make your workflows more productive, making way for the best patient care possible. 

Invest in Training and Education on Ultrasound Protocols

Whether you’re a veterinarian or a veterinary sonographer, you should keep up with ultrasound training even after you leave veterinary school. A common mistake that veterinary clinicians make is failing to keep up with advancing technology, which can mean a reduction in quality care for patients. With continued education, you can strike a perfect balance between ultrasound imaging safety and efficiency. 

Set goals for yourself to take the scan and make the diagnostic portion of each appointment within a certain time frame. Over time, you’ll be able to quickly interpret abnormal images without reaching ultrasound exposure limits. This is especially important in emergencies when the animal has suffered trauma.

Get Second Opinions Via Telemedicine When Necessary

According to experts from the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, having a board-certified veterinary radiologist interpret ultrasounds makes for a more accurate diagnosis. However, a lack of specialists at your practice makes it difficult to provide top-notch ultrasounds for your patients.

Sending the images to a company offering telemedicine services gives you a quick and reliable way to assess and interpret the sonogram further. This boosts your office’s ultrasound safety protocols and helps you deliver better patient treatment plans. Partnering with a telemedicine provider to interpret ultrasound scans allows you to get an expert opinion from the following veterinary specialists:

• Radiologists
• Internal medicine doctors
• Surgeons
• Critical care specialists

Assess Major Organs and Save Videos Along the Way

When a pet owner brings their sick dog or cat to your veterinary clinic and you give the pet an ultrasound, it’s in the animal’s best interest to take images of key body parts, including:

• Heart
• Lungs
• Thorax
• Abdomen

It is a best practice to quickly check these areas anytime an ultrasound is necessary. Make sure you save videos when you place the probe over each of these areas so you can refer back to them or send them out for a second opinion. 

An animal’s heart, lungs, and gut tend to be the source of common health problems. Don’t skip these areas if you need to perform any body scans. You could end up spotting something out of the ordinary that needs immediate treatment. 

Focus on the Animal and Help Keep Them Calm

All of the aforementioned tips can help you produce the best sonogram and ultimately diagnose your patient correctly. One final tip, and perhaps the most important part of ultrasound safety, is keeping the patient calm. They will likely be nervous and want to move around during the scan. 

Keep them standing during the duration of the exam since this tends to be the most comfortable position for many animals, especially dogs. Get the images you need while being gentle with the patient. 

Purchase Top-Notch Veterinary Ultrasound Machines

Of all the challenges in veterinary ultrasounds, maintaining ultrasound safety protocols is one of the most prevalent. Veterinarians and sonographers must understand the machine and its features as well as practice getting images to accurately diagnose conditions. Choice Medical Systems, Inc. can help you improve your practice. 

We carry a large selection of ultrasound machines and supplies and offer training tips for clinicians. Call us today at (727) 592-5668 to learn more.