- Indian Rheumatology association
Yathish GC MD Internal Medicine, DNB Rheumatology
Lead Rheumatologist, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bangalore, India
In medical school, we were often reminded that the most important part of a stethoscope is the space between the earpieces- the physician’s mind and skill. The same principle applies to ultrasound machines: no matter how advanced the device, it is ultimately the expertise of the hand holding the probe that makes the difference in patient care.
Over the past decade, ultrasound has become an integral part of rheumatology practice. However, choosing the right machine can be a daunting decision. Many practitioners wonder:
Which ultrasound machine should I buy? Does a more expensive machine provide better patient care?
To address these concerns, I have outlined five key factors to consider when purchasing an ultrasound machine for rheumatology practice.
Your practice setting—whether in a corporate hospital, private clinic, or medical college—significantly influences the type of ultrasound machine you need.
Medical Colleges & Research Institutes: Here, the focus extends beyond patient care to include teaching and research. A high-end machine with multiple probes and advanced imaging modalities is recommended. These machines should provide high-resolution imaging for joints, vessels, skin, and tendon pathologies.
Corporate Hospitals & Private Clinics: In these settings, return on investment (ROI) becomes a crucial factor. The market offers machines ranging from ₹5 lakh to over ₹1 crore, and most modern ultrasound devices offer sufficient resolution for rheumatology needs at a reasonable price.
Beginners: If you’re still mastering ultrasound techniques, a basic machine with a single linear probe is often enough. This allows you to understand your needs before investing in a higher-end model. Refurbished machines are a great cost-effective option.
Advanced Users: If you perform complex scans or ultrasound-guided procedures, investing in a premium machine with multiple probes is advisable.
Ultimately, your budget will be the deciding factor. Ask yourself:
How much can I afford to spend?
How many ultrasound-guided procedures will I perform daily to justify the investment?<br>
To make a machine financially viable in a corporate hospital or private clinic, you should ideally use it for at least 10 patients per day. Performing ultrasound-guided procedures can help recover the cost faster.
With advancements in technology, ultra-portable pocket-sized machines can now connect to mobile devices or tablets. However, for a rheumatology practice, I recommend: A portable machine with an inbuilt screen that can be easily moved within your clinic or hospital. The listed ultrasound machines in the table -2 are all portable and can be easily moved inside a hospital setting. Stand alone units are more suitable for Radiology settings.
Owning and operating an ultrasound machine in India is regulated by the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, which prohibits sex determination and mandates registration of ultrasound centers. Healthcare providers must adhere to the guidelines and ensure patient safety and ethical practices. Registration, record-keeping, and audits by state and district authorities are essential to ensure transparency and accountability. One more important legal aspect about the ultraportable machines is that they can’t be moved to multiple clinics if you are practicing at various clinics. So think well before purchasing such devices.
Table 1: Summary of factors influencing the ultrasound machine
Factor | Suggestions |
Practice setting | Research Institute/Medical Colleges – Advanced machine with all three probes (Convex/Liner/Hockey stick) Eg. Philips affiniti or CX5 series / Mindray resona or consona series / Samsung HS or V series / GE Versania ( Approx Cost 20L and above) Corporate / Private setting – Eg. Sonosite Edge ,Sonoscape -E2(Approx Cost 10-14L) |
Portability | Ultra Portable devices Eg. Vscan Air from GE (Approx Cost 7-10L), Lumify from GE, Mindray TE Air etc. |
Probes | High Frequency linear probes will suffice for basic needs of Rheumatologists Hockey stick probe for smaller joints Convex Probes are needed for deeper joints like Hip joints. (Note that each probe when purchased separately costs around 2-6L rupees) |
Table 2: Comparison of Popular Ultrasound Machines for Rheumatology
Model | Approximate Cost in lakhs ( Including Linear and Hockey Stick Probe ) |
PHILIPS CX50 | 19 |
Mindray – M7 | 16 |
GE Versana Active | 15 |
Sonosite- Edge | 13 |
Sonoscape- E2 | 10 |
(Prices may vary based on market conditions and negotiation skills.)
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right ultrasound machine depends on your practice setting, expertise, budget, and legal requirements. While high-end machines offer superior imaging and functionality, most modern ultrasound devices are well-equipped to meet the needs of a rheumatology practice.
Ultimately, the hand behind the probe matters more than the machine itself—so choose wisely based on your specific needs and upgrade as your expertise grows!
Suggested reading
Disclaimer: In my clinical practice, I am personally using a budget friendly Sonoscape ultrasound machine with Linear and Hockey stick probes. The above mentioned ultrasound machines are only given as examples and there are many more ultrasound machines which are available in the market. I don’t have any affiliations or conflicts of interest with names mentioned in the article. One should do their own research before purchasing any machine.
