Environmental protection in ultrasound imaging involves adopting practices and technologies that minimize the environmental impact associated with the use of ultrasound equipment and disposables.

Here are some key considerations:

By focusing on energy efficiency, digitalization, waste management, equipment lifespan, and education, healthcare facilities can make significant strides towards reducing their carbon footprint and the environmental impact of ultrasound imaging practices.

See also Ultrasound System Performance, Equipment Preparation, Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies and Sonographer.

Equipment Preparation is an essential step in ensuring optimal ultrasound imaging quality and maintaining a safe and hygienic scanning environment. The following considerations should be taken into account:

By following these equipment preparation guidelines, healthcare professionals can ensure accurate and safe ultrasound examinations while promoting infection control measures and maintaining a hygienic environment for both patients and staff.
See also Environmental Protection, Portable Ultrasound Machine, Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies, and Ultrasound System Performance.

Handheld ultrasound systems are portable devices for smartphone or tablet and are increasingly common in emergency, intensive care and veterinary medicine, but also in the pocket of the stationary doctor. This type of ultrasound machine enables immediate diagnoses directly on site (handheld point-of-care-ultrasound / HPOCUS) and quickly provide information regarding the patient's further care. Handheld ultrasound machines fit into a single-use plastic cover and can be easily disinfected, making them particularly useful in infectious environments.
The most striking advantage of handheld POCUS devices is the small footprint. The design is very compact, lightweight (approx. 200 g/0,44 lbs. - 500 g/1,1 lbs) and flexible. Due to this compactness and the necessary technical compression, the quality of the imaging is still limited compared to 'high-end devices', but sufficient to the extent that handheld ultrasound devices are already successfully used in many medical disciplines.
Depending on the model, handheld ultrasound systems run on Android, iOS, Windows or proprietary operating systems. They are connected to the end device via USB cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth or WiFi. The respective end device is used as an ultrasound monitor to display the ultrasound images. The associated app is operated via touchscreen, although some devices have a few buttons, e.g. for recording ultrasound images or freeze images. The images can be stored and managed on the end device itself, the inserted memory card or in the cloud. Theoretically, also a private smartphone can be connected, but this can lead to complications with reimbursement.
See also Portable Ultrasound Machine, Ultrasound Technology, Environmental Protection, Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies and Sonographer.

Ultrasound technology has evolved significantly, providing sonographers with a wide range of ultrasound machines. As technology has advanced, portable ultrasound equipment, including handheld ultrasound systems, have emerged in the field of medical imaging. However, these devices may have limited imaging capabilities and reduced image quality compared to larger systems.
Types of ultrasound systems compiled according to their portability:

In summary, pros and cons of portable ultrasound machines:

See also Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies, Environmental Protection, Sonographer, Ultrasound Technology and Equipment Preparation.

The term 'sonogram' is often used interchangeably with 'ultrasound,' but it specifically refers to the resulting image or picture produced during a diagnostic ultrasound examination, also known as ultrasonography or sonography. It serves as a visual representation of the echoes detected by the transducer and provides detailed anatomical information about the area being examined. Sonograms are typically displayed on a monitor, printed on film, or stored digitally for further analysis and documentation by medical professionals such as sonographers and radiologists. They serve as invaluable diagnostic tools, aiding in the detection and evaluation of various medical conditions, as well as guiding interventions, ultrasound therapy, and treatment planning.
The term 'ultrasound' itself refers to the technology used during a sonogram, but it also finds several other applications beyond medical imaging. These include echolocation, crack detection, and cleaning, among others.
See also Ultrasound Imaging, Ultrasound Technology, Handheld Ultrasound, Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies, Environmental Protection and Ultrasound Elastography.