Does the image quality of handheld point of care ultrasound match that of traditional ultrasound? The answer is "YES". That is according to American National Library of medicine 2020 research. The study found no difference in perceived image adequacy between the 2 devices, as images collected were determined to be of adequate quality for interpretation in the handheld and traditional devices respectively. A handheld ultrasound device yielded similar quality images and time to image acquisition when compared to a traditional cart‐based ultrasound device. The handheld device used in the study was Butterfly IQ.
https://www.lepekemedical.com/ultrasound-scanners
Another study by POCUS journal which compared ButterflyIQ and Sonosite M-turbo reached the following conclusion:
"When comparing ultrasounds on image characteristics alone, the handheld US was rated lower when used for obstetrical purposes. However, RES, DET and IQ of the handheld device was still rated as being “good”. The ideal ultrasound in the inpatient setting should be affordable and portable while maintaining comparable image quality to high-end ultrasound machines. Secondary to advancements in technology, both the cost and portability (size) of US machines have been reduced over the last decade. A handheld ultrasound may be considered as a potential low-cost alternative to a more expensive ultrasound machine for point of care ultrasonography, better suited to anesthetic vs. diagnostic obstetrical indications"
The advances in ultrasound have followed Moore's law as the quality has been improving whereas the cost has dropped considerably. This development allowed these devices to meet the 4A's of healthcare criteria( Affordability, Availability, Accessibility and appropriateness). This can only be good for developing countries. And like mobile phones technology that allowed African countries to skip the expensive fix lines to access communication, most countries will never need cartbased ultrasound.
I conclude with this quote from Dr Philip Lee from University of British Columbia
"Handheld ultrasound devices may one day be as common as the stethoscope. The relatively low cost of these devices and the convenience they provide can remove barriers to integrating point of care ultrasound into practice, making this clinical skill more common and accessible. Tele-ultrasound capabilities also provide opportunities for learning and peer support by connecting the user with others in real-time for support."
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