In testing, reviewing, repairing and selling many manufacturers and models of ultrasound equipment we have a wealth of comparisons we have done over the years. So, when we were asked to blog about one specific ultrasound system that would fit the best all around category we needed to get our employee’s opinions.

We came up with the Mindray M8 Elite as the best all around unit.

The general consensus was that for all you get with this machine it is worth it. The M8 was chosen because it was portable and small. The M8 Elite unit itself only weights 13 pounds. This is the do- it-all machine. While it is well utilized in specialty areas of medicine, it can really be applicable to the multispecialty practice. From venous reflux to echo stress tests, the options are vast. There is even natural touch elastography with select transducers. This system is in the same class as the GE Vivid iq and the Phillips CX50. Image quality is the primary reason why you select an ultrasound system. This system has very good image quality even at increased patient depth.

These images are of the internal images from a scan. The right lobe here looks normal on the grey scale but the elastography image on the right says that is stiffer (blue) than normal tissue (green). So the clinical value is that now the Dr. knows that the right lobe is prone to disease.

The M8 has a full complement of transducers to choose from.

This array satisfies the most demanding department. There are transesophageal probes, cardiac pencil probes and 3D probes. 3T technology is what makes these probes exceptional. The triple matching layer is designed for higher sensitivity, wider bandwidth and improved signal to noise ratio. The second T means total cut design for better noise control and better lateral resolution. The third T is the method of thermal control for improved acoustic control and higher signal to noise ratio. From a sonographer’s point of view the smaller head size and lightness of the probe head and cord is a huge benefit.

This is an image of the carotid artery with flow toward the skull.

There are other pluses such as Smart functions which is a nice timesaver, iNeedle for needle guidance, echo boost for echo visualization enhancement, iTouch and Iworks.

Here are the last of the internal images of a diseased thyroid (multi-nodular goiter) using the technique elastography. The entire left lobe is abnormal. Blue is the color of increased stiffness.

On top of all that, this unit has a 64 bit operating system with 2 times the processing power and a new 28nm FPGA SSD i7 which is eight times faster than a standard portable system. There are two USB ports, built in wi-fi and several plugins for a variety of connectivity options. Yes it does come with a rolling table stand with three transducer connectors and a 10 inch height extender. With all that and more this tough little machine is reliable and a real workhorse.

For more specific information or to schedule a demo please call 843-566-1020.