If you’re a professional in the medical imaging space, you know that there are major differences between ultrasound, MRI and CT scans. While all these technologies can provide life-saving diagnostic imaging, not all are created equal. When searching for the type of imaging tool that will best suit your business, Probo Medical can help make sure you have the right type of equipment for your needs.
Time
Ultrasound imaging offers the advantage of instant gratification. Because the echo imaging happens in real-time, users are given the ability to see any movements or changes happening during the scan. CT scans have a quick turnaround time as well, usually less than 5 minutes. MRI’s produce images that are high-quality, but the turn-around time associated with it is typically about 24 hours.
Risk
Additionally, risk factors are an important aspect to take into consideration. Ultrasound imaging procedures have no known risk factors to patients because they use echo technology as opposed to radiation or magnetic force. MRIs, on the other hand, can pose risks to those with implanted metal objects due to its use of magnets. As well, when a CT scan is performed some radiation takes place. Because of this, this method of imaging is typically a less popular choice amongst patients and doctors.
Cost
Ultrasound scans are traditionally provided at a much lower cost to the patient. Because of the large difference in price, ultrasound scans are more widely available in hospitals and medical facilities. Probo Medical sells new and used ultrasound machines and probes to continue to keep the cost of ultrasounds low.
The number of uses for ultrasound imaging has continued to grow over the years, and this imaging technology can be used for a wide variety of applications that overlap with what MRI’s and CT’s can be used to diagnose.
Why to Choose Ultrasound
The advantages of ultrasound include clear images with quick turnaround, a lack of associated risks, and often a lower cost than a CT scan or MRI. At Probo Medical, we sell and repair all types of ultrasound systems and corresponding probes to drive down worldwide healthcare expenses, and are proud to be a part of an ever-growing and expanding corner of the medical field. If you are interested in learning more about an ultrasound probe or system that would be right for your practice, contact us here!
About the Author
Brian Gill is Probo Medical’s Vice President of Marketing. He has been in the ultrasound industry since 1999. From sales to service to customer support, he has done everything from circuit board repair and on-site service to networking and PACS, to training clinicians on ultrasound equipment. Through the years, Brian has trained more than 500 clinicians on over 100 different ultrasound machines. Currently, Brian is known as the industry expert in evaluating ultrasounds and training users on all makes and models of ultrasound equipment, this includes consulting with manufacturers with equipment evaluations during all stages of product development.
