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What is the best way to clean ultrasound probes? When most people hear “ultrasound,” they think of pregnancy scans, but these versatile machines abound from specialization areas like obstetrics to vascular access imaging and radiology. Medical professionals use point-of-care ultrasounds all the time, but each machine could have separate care requirements for its given context.

Below, Choice Medical Systems, Inc. discusses the industry best practices for cleaning an ultrasound machine. For over 30 years, they have provided and maintained this type of vital medical equipment to those who need it.

How to Clean Ultrasound Machines 

Knowing how to clean ultrasound machines starts with understanding your particular make and model.

Noncritical Appliances

Noncritical ultrasounds use external transducers. These slide over a patient’s intact skin, such as in obstetrics, vascular, or cardiac departments. They do not require special precautions during cleaning, so low-level disinfection will suffice. 

  • After disconnecting the transducer from the scanner, rinse off residual gel.
  • Use a gentle cloth and non-abrasive liquid soap in a blotting motion around the lens. 
  • Rinse the probe again.
  • Pat it dry with a soft towel.
  • Clean the needle if necessary. 

Then, wipe down the probe surface with an LLD and ensure it’s dry before storing it.

Semicritical Equipment

If you have semicritical equipment, these usually appear in emergency vehicles, ERs, and over non-intact skin. It requires a probe cover before high-level disinfection. 

  • If you don’t plan to immediately send it back to the reprocessing room, do an initial cleaning by washing it to keep the gel from drying on the probe.
  • Otherwise, clean it with soap and water before using high-level disinfectant for any leftover gel.

Critical Machines 

Critical ultrasounds require a sterile probe cover that reaches over the connector before an FDA-approved chemical sterilization. While some intraoperative machines only need a steam cleaning, most machines are heat sensitive. They need a long soak in liquid sterilants, drying,  and then storing in a sterile package.

Disinfectants and Cleaning Solutions for Ultrasound Systems and Transducers 

What is the best way to clean ultrasound probes? The trick is to incorporate the right cleaning solutions and disinfectants for ultrasound systems and transducers.

  • LLDs sometimes include soap and water. However, better cleaning includes pairing this with a bleach-based or hydrogen peroxide wipe or quaternary ammonium. 
  • HLDs for internal probes include germicidal soaks and ortho-phthaladehyde, peracetic acid with hydrogen peroxide, or any other FDA-approved high-level disinfectants.

Can You Use Alcohol to Clean Ultrasound Probes?

You shouldn’t use acidic cleaning solutions with a pH of 5 or lower to clean the ultrasound probe. It could damage the probe lens and discolor the machine. These include alcohol, methanol, iodine, ammonia, acetone, and any products comprising surfactants, to name a few.

The Doctors’ Choice for Medical Equipment!

Prolonging your equipment’s lifespan is cost-effective, and cleaning is a huge part of it. At Choice Medical Systems, Inc., we sell new and refurbished medical equipment from leading brands like Samsung, Toshiba, and Sony. 

What is the best way to clean ultrasound probes? Find out more from Choice Medical Systems, Inc. in South Pasadena, FL—call (727) 592-5668 today!

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What factors affect image quality in ultrasound? The technology that underpins today’s ultrasound machines is vital to patient health, non-invasively pointing out what’s happening internally. It needs clear and accurate imaging, from checking a developing baby’s health in the womb to pinpointing and treating life-threatening tumors.

How can you achieve an impressively high-resolution picture? Choice Medical Systems, Inc. explains what you need to know about adjusting the settings during a scan.

What Is the Best Resolution in Ultrasound Imaging?

So, what is the best resolution in ultrasound imaging? You need this information well before purchasing or using an ultrasound machine for the best results. There are two options: axial resolution and lateral resolution.

  • Lateral resolution uses the width of ultrasound beams to recognize adjacent objects. It only sees slight improvements with numerous focal depths and lines per frame.
  • Axial resolution uses short pulse lengths and fewer pulses to perceive objects adjacent to one another. It has proved four times better than lateral resolution.

How to Improve Ultrasound Image Quality for the Best Resolution

If you want to know how to improve diagnostic ultrasound image quality, consider the following ways to change the quality of the image:

Readjusting Depth

The first step for a better image is to reduce the depth and width of your overview image. More focused scans allow the machine to capture clearer images of the area.

Improving the frame rate or temporal resolution also gives more ultrasound images for each second. This means less time between frames for much better quality. You can also zoom in accurately on areas of interest, but beware of pixilation.

Setting the Frequency

The ultrasound transducer has different frequency ranges affecting how deeply sound waves penetrate for image resolution.

  • If you only need a little tissue penetration, the object might be quite close to the transducer and only require a high-frequency wave for optimal imaging. 
  • A low-frequency wave gives a grainier picture but offers deeper tissue penetration. 

Amplifying Signals with Gain 

Gain also affects image quality in an ultrasound. Increasing gain amplifies the signals more, but this does not always produce a clearer image. 

Try increasing and decreasing the gain setting with depth to find a balance between too little (dull or darkened screen) and too much (blurs tissue to produce a whiter screen).

How Can I Increase My Ultrasound Gain?

Time gain compensation alters gain according to depth penetration. The ultrasound beams travel deeper into the tissues, and TGC ensures the ultrasound will show up equally echogenic tissues even when these tissues are at different depths.

  • Use the bottom controls to adjust the ultrasound lines at the bottom of the image. They tend to have a lower density. 
  • Continue adjusting throughout the examination as you shift focus.

Quality Medical Equipment Since 1991!

How can I increase my ultrasound gain and other settings for a clearer image? It takes the right machine to help patients to the best of your ability. 

What factors affect image quality in ultrasound? Ask Choice Medical Systems, Inc. more at (727)592-5668 today! The team has over 30 years of experience and serves communities in South Pasadena, FL.

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Ultrasound machines are essential in medical practices, offering detailed imaging that helps understand internal circumstances. However, there is the potential for some biological risks with ultrasound exposure. For those concerned and asking, “what are the biological effects of medical ultrasound?” read on to learn more. 

Risks of Ultrasound Exposure

Normal exposure to ultrasound imaging is very safe for both patients and technicians, as there is minimal risk for adverse bioeffects on human tissue, and the technology has a solid safety record. The effect of ultrasound on the human body can differ from person to person, but negative impacts are highly unlikely. However, some still express concern for those who have continuous exposure to ultrasounds – whether as a patient or the technician. We’ll get to the bottom of it today and answer all of your questions.

What Are the Effects of Ultrasound on Biological Tissues and Cells?

For those wondering about the effects of a medical ultrasound on your tissue, you must first understand the two types of ultrasound exposure: thermal and mechanical. 

Ultrasound Thermal Effects

The body conserves energy as a default, so all sound energy absorbed from ultrasound imaging converts into heat energy. This causes ultrasound waves to elevate tissue temperatures by up to 1.5°C/2.7°F. In the case of the body’s most sensitive tissues, particularly fetal tissue in pregnant women, this increase in temperature over prolonged periods can have very detrimental consequences. 

Ultrasound Mechanical Effects

Mechanical bioeffects refer to ultrasound damage that occurs due to the oscillation of the sound waves that penetrate bodily tissue in a process known as cavitation. Tiny, irregular bubbles of gas in the ultrasound field cause oscillation. The bubbles are unpredictable, and depending on the circumstances, they may expand or deteriorate, affecting nearby tissue. 

The mechanical index is an ultrasound feature that identifies cavitation risk from an ultrasound beam. The index will display a specific value on the screen to monitor the risk. For full safety, this value should remain under 1.9.

Ultrasound Bioeffects and Safety

The thermal and mechanical indices measure the risk associated with the ultrasound waves and the bodily tissue. Ultrasound exposure at high levels can cause permanent damage to biological tissues. However, in a healthcare setting, bioeffects from ultrasound diagnostic testing are unlikely because the heat will not surpass physiological thermal temperature. 

Ultrasound exposure becomes dangerous when the temperature increase equals or exceeds 41°C for five minutes or more. Monitoring intensity levels is also important, as keeping levels equal to 137 dB or below keeps the body from warming.

The Safety of Ultrasound Machines

What are the biological effects of medical ultrasound? While the possibility of tissue damage is possible due to extended exposure, the risk of biological effects from medical ultrasound is low. Healthcare workers can safely use these devices, ensuring that the ultrasound’s mechanical index works properly to identify any unsafe conditions or risks.

At Choice Medical Systems, we offer the best ultrasound machines and on-site training to ensure safety. For more information on ultrasound machines, contact us at (727) 592-5668 to learn more.

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samsung veterinary ultrasound

Ultrasound is one of the most common and critical diagnostic technologies for veterinarians. This incredible tool can help veterinarians enhances the accuracy of their veterinary diagnoses and allow them to provide better care for sick pets. Ultrasound does require specialized knowledge and training if you would like to introduce it to your veterinary practice.

A plan is key for a successful ultrasound implementation. Lack of a plan could reduce the effectiveness of the ultrasound and its return on investment (ROI). 

While challenges with veterinary ultrasound aren’t uncommon, many are avoidable. Below are some problems you may encounter when using ultrasound in your veterinary practice and some ways you can combat them.

1. Machine Malfunction

Ultrasound machines and systems are prone to malfunctioning. Preventive maintenance and annual service to your ultrasound can extend the life of your machine and keep it operating smoothly. At Choice Medical, our qualified staff is able to provide excellent support through annual service and preventive maintenance contracts tailored to each of our customers’ unique service needs.=

2. Low or Poor Quality Images 

Not all veterinary ultrasound machines are created equal.  At Choice Medical, our sales reps listen to your criteria and recommend a device based on your practice’s unique needs.

3. Hardware and Software Complications 

Ultrasound machines from unreliable vendors are likely to have hardware and software issues, affecting their operation negatively. Reliable dealers will extend you a warranty and appraisal services so that you can be confident your machine will get fixed in case of inevitable machine complications. 

4. Failure To Detect Some Body Organs

Ultrasound does not detect certain body organ tissues and focal lesions such as masses, especially in the liver. Train your veterinary practice staff on how to combine ultrasound and radiography to conduct thorough scans on patients.

5. Operator Dependent 

The quality of an ultrasound depends in part on how well-versed the operator is with the equipment. Proper education and training are key to conducting high-quality ultrasounds.

Optimize Your Ultrasound Experience

An ultrasound machine can provide great value for your veterinary practice and can improve the quality of care you can provide your patients. Ultrasound offers you the power of real-time imaging, is non-invasiveness, and allows you to provide quicker and more accurate diagnoses for your clients’ pets. 

If you’re looking for a new ultrasound for your practice, or if you’ve recently bought an ultrasound and would like to provide training to your staff, contact us at Choice Medical today!

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Ultrasounds are a crucial tool in veterinary medicine, and as such, it’s important to buy a machine that will meet your needs. With applications in many specialties, an ultrasound machine is a wise investment for any medical practitioner. You might struggle to find a suitable device for your needs with the vast array of options on the market. Consider these key features if you’re contemplating a new ultrasound machine for your practice.

Five Factors to Consider

When buying a new ultrasound machine, consider these essential factors.

Price

Of course, any new equipment for your medical practice is an investment. When buying an ultrasound machine, you should consider the cost of the machine over its lifespan, not just the upfront price tag.

Instead of simply opting for the cheapest option, consider how price relates to the longevity, functionality, and maintenance of the machines you consider. Should the device require new parts, consider the availability of these parts and their costs. Based on the significance of this piece of equipment to your practice, buying a cutting-edge system rather than a cost-effective version might be the better option.

Image Quality and Power Output

Wave frequency and power output are vital metrics for weighing options between machines. These features determine the ultrasound imaging quality and how you will use your ultrasound machine.

The frequency of ultrasound waves is inversely proportional to the penetration depth, meaning lower wave frequencies have imaging capabilities with more detail and depth.

Power output relates more to patient comfort than function. Since higher power outputs can burn the skin’s surface, opt for an ultrasound system with the lowest possible power output.

Applications and Practice Needs

Where and when you use your ultrasound machine is a critical consideration that impacts the importance of other factors.

If you think you will primarily use your machine to diagnose emergency situations, you might need a faster, higher-caliber machine. Frequent use and application to sensitive areas of pet’s bodies will require a device comfortable for the technician and patient.

Portability

A portable ultrasound machine can be a significant asset to any medical space. If emergencies require high-caliber imaging technology like ultrasound, the ability to perform bedside treatment with a portable system is crucial.

Warranty

A broken ultrasound limits your ability to provide quality medical care to patients who require immediate treatment. Therefore, purchasing an ultrasound machine with a comprehensive warranty policy and highly available replacement parts ensures that your practice can continue providing care even in the event of a breakdown. Remember that an extended warranty covering additional features and replacements is also critical to lowering maintenance costs for your system.

Purchase an Ultrasound Machine from Choice Medical Systems

Choice Medical Systems offers the best veterinary ultrasound machines on the market. We also offer on-site training and seminars to educate pet care providers on how to use ultrasound machines. Call (727) 592-5668 to learn more about our products and services today!

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Ultrasonography is a versatile tool in veterinary medicine. Unlike X-rays, which typically provide an overall picture of the area, ultrasound enables vets to examine internal organs in precise detail. Veterinarians can use ultrasound to identify internal abnormalities in sick animals and diagnose a wide range of conditions in pets. As technology advances and gets cheaper, more portable, and more powerful, an increasing number of veterinary clinics are purchasing in-house ultrasound machines to assist them in accurate diagnoses so they can provide both quicker and better care for patients.

An ultrasound machine is one of the most advantageous purchases you can consider for your veterinary practice. In order to get the most value for your ultrasound system, any veterinary practice that purchases an ultrasound should consider investing in specialized training for all veterinarians on staff. Read on to learn more about the benefits of onsite ultrasound education and training! 

Receive Hands-On Training

Despite ultrasonography’s popularity and effectiveness, ultrasound education for medical and veterinary students is often limited during schooling. Fewer than half of U.S. medical schools give students the option to perform hands-on ultrasound examinations. Conducting ultrasound exams requires hands-on training and knowledge. 

The right course is crucial to learn how to make ultrasound diagnoses with confidence and accuracy. When you invest in on-site training, you can ensure that the veterinarians at your animal clinic will learn the best practices for an ultrasound with the specific technology they will be using in the office.  

Provide Better Care for Your Clients’ Pets

Before purchasing ultrasound equipment, many veterinary practice owners want to evaluate their potential return on investment based on the demand from current clients. Diagnosing an illness using ultrasound rather than other imaging modalities, such as CT scans and MRIs, is cost-effective and more low-risk. 

Providing ultrasound service for pets in your clinic affords you the opportunity for more clients and a better relationship with your existing ones. Pet owners of course want to feel confident in their veterinarian’s knowledge and skill and will feel the most trusting of a veterinarian who uses the most advanced modalities. Because ultrasound is so versatile, the opportunity to explain the science behind ultrasonography and its various clinical benefits will give you a chance to showcase your knowledge and understanding of animal care to clients. This could lead them to be more likely to recommend your practice to their friends, family, and colleagues.

Find Onsite Veterinary Ultrasound Training Today

Choice Medical Systems offers both onsite training and educational seminars to provide you with hands-on ultrasound experience.  Through basic training, learn how to recognize an ultrasound case, incorporate ultrasound into their practice, and how to create a study for someone to interpret the five main abdominal organs. Through intermediate training, learn the normal and abnormal appearance of all abdominal organs, scanning techniques, and machine controls necessary to create a high-quality diagnostic image, measurements, and consistent scanning protocol.  

Call us at (727) 592-5668 or contact us online to learn more about our education and training programs today! 

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Choice Medical Systems, Inc. offers a fantastic range of ultrasound imaging tools that help veterinarians scan all animal anatomy. These medical innovations are becoming more affordable for veterinary offices while continuing to help improve pathology detection and diagnosis. Read on to learn more about the best practices for dog veterinary ultrasounds in your veterinary office!

#1 Professional Training and Practice

As ultrasound technology continues to evolve, the ultrasound images you can obtain will improve in quality. However, you and your team of veterinary technicians will still need to continue learning how to correctly operate each machine you purchase for your office.

Typically, it takes at least 200 ultrasound scans of each anatomical region for a veterinary radiologist to develop a dependable understanding of ‘normal’ scans and irregular or medically significant artifacts within the scans.  On-site education and training is a great tool to help your team hone their ultrasound skills. 

#2 Take Advantage of Veterinary Settings

Many ultrasound machines offer a simple selection of default settings to minimize set-up time at each ultrasound appointment. These presets will help you obtain better initial images of the internal organs you need to visualize for diagnostic purposes.

#3 Properly Prepare the Scan Area

It is essential to follow the best veterinary practices for ultrasound preparation. It isn’t enough to simply part the fur in the scan area because the fur can trap air which will negatively impact the image. You should trim the fur from the scan area before applying the gel.

Following this simple step will help to ensure the best imaging results from your ultrasound scans.

#4 Understand Frequency, Depth, and Resolution

Veterinary medicine relies on the clarity of the images your ultrasounds produce. To obtain superior image clarity, you will need to understand how different ultrasound frequencies affect the final image.

Higher frequencies are best for organs that are not hidden deep within the body, and this frequency typically provides high-resolution images.

Lower frequencies can reach deeper organs with ease, but the depth comes with a cost to clarity and resolution.

#5 Explore Time-Gain Compensation

The time-gain compensation controls influence the brightness and contrast. If you are struggling to see organs at a greater depth when using lower ultrasound frequencies, you can use the time-gain compensation to lighten the darker images that low frequencies create.

#6 Use Focal Point Features

Some ultrasound machines offer advanced settings that include focal point controls. Some machines can create multiple focal points in varying positions to improve your imaging results.

Providing Affordable Veterinary Ultrasound Tools and Training

At Choice Medical Systems, Inc., we offer affordable and accessible ultrasound and transducer machines for veterinary and medical providers. You can rely on our training and education services with experienced radiologists for expert training for your new devices.

Are you ready to take your veterinary practice to the next level while leveraging technology? Contact Choice Medical Systems, Inc. today by calling 727-592-5668. We provide the necessary tools and training to help you perform the best practices for dog veterinary ultrasounds.

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Vet clinic

As a veterinarian, you know that an ultrasound can help detect a wide variety of pet health concerns. A pet’s ultrasound can reveal detailed information regarding a dog or cat’s condition and help guide a professional to a proper diagnosis. However, explaining to a pet owner that their furry friend could use an ultrasound might incite alarm.

Help your clients feel more at ease when their pet needs an ultrasound by offering them a full explanation of the procedure or a printed guide to what they can expect.  This blog includes a list of the most common inquiries they’ll have, so you can answer their questions before they even have to ask!

What Is an Ultrasound and How Is it Used?

Unlike an x-ray, an ultrasound machine doesn’t use radiation. Instead, it transmits ultrasound waves. These waves penetrate and scan the pet’s organs. These waves are sent back through a small probe placed upon the pet’s skin. The reflected sound waves then form an image displayed on the screen.

An ultrasound also showcases organs in further detail. For example, when using an x-ray, only the size and shape of a patient’s organs are shown. With an ultrasound, a doctor or veterinarian can view the internal structure of a patient’s organs.

What Diseases or Conditions Can Ultrasound Detect?

With a pet’s ultrasound showing the internal structures of organs, various diseases and conditions can be detected. In particular, ultrasounds such as echocardiograms are used to detect heart diseases.

By monitoring the thickness of an animal’s heart walls and chamber size, a veterinarian can determine if the heart is appropriately functioning. Other diseases or conditions an ultrasound may detect are:

  • Cysts and tumors
  • Abnormal or infected tissues
  • Early kidney disease
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Liver cancer

How Should an Owner Prepare Their Pet?

Recommended steps for pet preparation differ depending upon the type of ultrasound. An echocardiogram requires no particular actions. However, abdominal organ examinations may require that owners refrain from feeding their pets 12 hours beforehand.

Urinary bladder exams work best when the bladder is full of urine. Therefore, advise owners of the following tips to manage their pets before such an exam.

  • Cat: hide or cover litter boxes to deter them from relieving themselves.
  • Small dog: carry the pet into the office so that they don’t sniff a shrub or tree to utilize.
  • Large dog: present something exciting to distract them from urinating.

Typically, pets are shaved prior to an ultrasound. Most pets easily keep still, but some do need sedation. Alternatively, permitting the owner to remain in the room can help relax the pet. Bringing their favorite toy or small treats can also ease the animal’s anxiety.

Cost-Effective and Accessible Ultrasound Training

At Choice Medical Systems, we offer both online and on-site ultrasound training sessions for veterinarians. Our courses range across various learning levels. A board-certified veterinary radiologist teaches each course.

To learn more about how our pet ultrasound machines and training can benefit your practice, call Choice Medical Systems today at 727-592-5668.

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Ultrasound machine

Our pets are not able to tell us exactly what’s wrong when they are ill. Fortunately, we have diagnostic tools available to help determine the source of a pet’s health concern. An ultrasound is a non-invasive, gentle way for vets to assess and diagnose issues with an animal’s internal organs. In fact, ultrasound imaging is the second most frequently used format in most veterinary practices. 

If you are a veterinary practice planning to invest in an ultrasound system, you will need to choose between a console ultrasound machine and a portable ultrasound machine. Each system has benefits and drawbacks. The best choice for your practice depends on the intended uses of clinical applications. 

Ultrasound technology enables clinicians to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis and deliver the best possible care. Read on to find out which machine might best serve the needs of your practice and patients. 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Console Ultrasound Machines

Console ultrasounds generally offer better image quality and higher resolution than their portable counterparts. However, recent studies show that portable ultrasound systems are often in agreement with the diagnostic findings of higher-end console ultrasounds. 

Best for Advanced Imaging

Whether you want to opt for a console ultrasound largely depends on the range of applications and diagnostic services your practice offers. If you or a colleague plan to utilize advanced imaging technologies such as contrast ultrasound or elastography, a console system may be a worthwhile investment. 

Consoles Require More Space

If space is an issue at your practice, be aware that most console systems take up around 2’ x 2’ of space. Consoles are mounted on a wheeled trolley for easy transport between rooms. Be sure to have adequate space to operate and store a console ultrasound. 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Portable Ultrasound Machines

A handheld or portable ultrasound device usually includes a probe that connects to a smartphone or tablet. These compact, lightweight devices are especially useful in emergencies. When an animal is critically ill or injured, a portable ultrasound allows the vet to provide a quick assessment and diagnosis. 

Portable Systems for Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Portable ultrasound systems have many of the same diagnostic features as the larger console systems, but they are easier to maneuver and store. Even better, many portable ultrasound systems can operate on battery power. This feature allows diagnosticians to examine and treat animals offsite. 

Portable ultrasound systems enable doctors to administer point-of-care medical treatment out of the hospital, in a wide range of settings, which opens new streams of revenue. If you plan to create a point-of-care niche within your practice or offer ultrasound imaging to other facilities, a portable system would be an excellent investment. 

Contact Us at Choice Medical Systems

Portable and console ultrasound machines offer an excellent return on investment. The frequent necessity of use in diagnosis and treatment means that the ultrasound quickly pays for itself over a short time. By providing point-of-care or in-house ultrasound, you are offering an invaluable service to your clients and their animals. 

To find out more about what type of ultrasound system is best for your practice, call us at Choice Medical Systems today at (727) 592-5668.

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Close up puppy having ultrasound scan in vet office

An ultrasound may be required to determine the cause of a pet’s health issue. This procedure is non-invasive and typically does not require sedation. Before you perform an ultrasound, you may want to know the basic steps of the procedure and what equipment you’ll need.

Abdominal ultrasound is a relatively quick procedure. Note that ultrasound is most effective on smaller pets, as a higher amount of body fat reduces the quality of the image.

Reasons to Perform an Ultrasound

The procedure allows you to see what is happening inside the animal’s body.

Ultrasound is a helpful tool to diagnose pets when they show signs of pain in the lower or upper abdomen. An abdominal ultrasound may be used to detect any abnormalities in the area (including the lymph nodes and peritoneal cavity) such as inflammatory or infectious disease, pregnancy, or foreign objects.

Equipment 

Ultrasound for small animals often requires a machine with a curvilinear variable frequency of 6.0-8.0 MHz. This machine is ideal for observing smaller organs such as the thyroid or testes.

How To Perform an Abdominal Ultrasound 

Before performing this procedure, the patient must undergo specific preparations. Be sure to review all of the previous medical records and paperwork and check with the owner for any additional information that may be helpful. The pet’s owner should have avoided feeding their pet before the procedure, so nothing obstructs the image.

What To Examine

You should examine the entire abdomen. Inspect the liver, kidneys, stomach, and all other organs, as there could be problems in an unsuspected area.

Prepping for the Procedure 

Have the animal placed in dorsal recumbency in a padded V-trough. The animal’s forelimbs and hindlimbs should be gently restrained. If the animal is experiencing extreme pain or anxiety, sedation may be the best option. 

Otherwise, give the animal time to get comfortable in its restraints before starting the procedure to avoid injury.

Use a No. 40 blade to remove abdominal hair as necessary and wet the skin. You can dampen the skin with 70% alcohol or water. Next, apply a generous amount of ultrasound gel to amplify the sound waves and produce a sharper image.

Take extra care to keep the animal comfortable during the procedure. If the patient is cold, warm them with a warm water bottle or compress. Avoid heating pads or other electric devices that will interfere with the equipment.

Performing the Procedure

Begin by placing the scan head under the xiphoid and setting the beam in the sagittal plane. Always maintain firm hand pressure during your scanning. Examine the liver by moving the beam from side to side.

Next, move on to the right kidney. Use the sagittal plane to observe the renal border and pelvic architecture. Use the transverse plane to examine any dilation in the renal pelvis.

After the kidneys, move on to the pancreas, followed by the stomach, then over to the left kidney.

Return to the transverse plane in the mid-abdomen and scan the lymph nodes and small intestine. After 2-3 passes with your scanner, you should have examined the entire abdomen.

Learn More About Veterinary Ultrasounds with Choice Medical

If you’re looking for more information about small animal ultrasonography, explore our website or call us today at (727) 592-5668 to learn about our ultrasound equipment and education and trainings.

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