Comparison of a pocket-size ultrasound device with a premium ultrasound machine: diagnostic value and time required in bedside ultrasound examination

Abstract

The clinical utility of portable ultrasound machines is limited. There will be clinical roles for distinct clinical questions such as detection of ascites or pleural effusion when used by experienced examiners. However, sensitivity in detecting multiple pathologies is not comparable to high-end ultrasound machines.

Evaluation of tablet ultrasound for routine abdominal interventional procedures

“…IQ image quality, VISIQ US tablet system, iu22 high-end US system pre-hospital emergency medicine [16,17], showing their value in achieving a quick clinical assessment and save time. Other studies have used pocket-size ultrasound devices to supplement computed tomography or have compared the clinical value of portable ultrasound devices with that of high-end instruments for diagnostic evaluation [16][17][18]. However, to the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to assess the potential of tablet US machines during interventional procedures.…”

Prospective Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy Between Point-of-Care and Conventional Ultrasound in a General Diagnostic Department: Implications for Resource-Limited Settings

“…The POC sonography had similar accuracy to conventional ultrasound when evaluating a specific condition, such as the diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or posttransplant liver evaluation . However, POC was less accurate than conventional in a general diagnostic setting for abdominal, thoracic, and cardiac sonography …”

“…[12][13][14][15][16][17] A limited number of studies in high-income countries have evaluated the diagnostic performance of conventional relative to POC ultrasound. [19][20][21][22][23][24] The POC sonography had similar accuracy to conventional ultrasound when evaluating a specific condition, such as the diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or posttransplant liver evaluation. [19][20][21] However, POC was less accurate than conventional in a general diagnostic setting for abdominal, thoracic, and cardiac sonography.…”

“…[19][20][21] However, POC was less accurate than conventional in a general diagnostic setting for abdominal, thoracic, and cardiac sonography. 23,24 The purpose of the present study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of a hand-held POC system relative to conventional sonography in the evaluation of patients presenting with common indications and diagnoses. As POC ultrasound is expanding in LMICs as a stand-alone imaging modality, a secondary aim of this study is to inform expectations for POC accuracy when used in lieu of conventional systems, without CT as a diagnostic backup.…”

Ultrasound handheld devices – potential problems and possible solutions

“…However, the quality of the current evidence was low [10] and larger clinical trials are needed. One study found that overall fewer diagnoses could be made with a handheld US device compared to using a high-end machine but it was sufficient for distinct pathology like ascites [11].…”