5 things to check before buying a veterinary ultrasound

Veterinary ultrasound has come a long way, and the range of systems on the market can make choosing one harder rather than easier. Having supplied and serviced ultrasound systems into animal hospitals and mixed practices for years, here's what we tell customers to check before signing off on a purchase.

1. Probe compatibility with your caseload

A general-practice probe rarely covers everything from small exotics to large-animal reproductive work. Confirm the probe lineup matches the actual species and procedures your practice sees, not just the ones on the brochure.

2. Portability versus console power

Portable systems are convenient for farm calls and field work, but a console system usually offers better image quality for harder cases. Many practices end up needing both — plan for that from the start rather than retrofitting later.

• Check battery life and boot-up time for portable units used in the field
• Confirm the software supports the specific studies you run most (cardiac, abdominal, reproductive)
• Ask about local service turnaround, not just the warranty period
• Verify export formats work with your existing practice management software
• Get a hands-on trial with your own patients before committing

QST can arrange an on-site demonstration with your own caseload before you decide — reach out and we'll set one up.