Here is the machine the

Here is the machine the question is about

http://www.universalimaginginc.com/universal-s8/

I only scanned with it once both abdomen and cardiac and it was solid from functionality and doppler. Not rock star, but solid. The keyboard had the feel of a kids toy but I imagine it’s just getting used to using it. My one patient scan set I would give it 3.5-4/5 stars but my concern on any machine is long term durability and the company selling it. Universal has a solid reputation in my regard but ask around to colleagues and social media boards. I would say this is a solid entry level machine good for a few years then would want to upgrade to a 45-60k machine.

I do not know any of my 50+ mobile sonographer colleagues wordlwide that drive this machine. I’m sure they are out there but typically mobile sonographers are buying in the 40-70k range because they do high volume.

I have no parameters on this machine when put under high volume stress i would ask for refrences here in that scenario.

Question any company selling a machine what happens when something goes wrong? How fast will there be a replacement in hand that is functional? What are warranty parameters and get at least 3 client references and ask them the same thing… if any dysfuntion occurred (which can happen with any machine)  how long were they down without a functional machine and what was the quality of the replacement machine? How long was the service turnaround?

These are valid concepts with any equipment and solid companies are all about service. Get all this in writing and not just verbals because you want something to refer to if something does go wrong.

We are currently refining an article on do’s and don’ts on buying ultrasound machines fyi stay tuned

Thanks for the post and utilizing the SonoPath mobile app!