GE VScan Pocket Ultrasound

GE Vscan is a compact and portable diagnostic ultrasound system with integrated keyboard, fold-up LCD type display and fixed wired electronic-array transducer. The device provides black and white mode imaging for displaying anatomy. The field-of-view for the black and white imaging is up to 75 degrees with maximum depth of 24 cm. The device includes a color-coded overlay feature for real-time blood flow imaging. The device takes distance measurements and has predefined scanning settings optimized for different applications (e.g Obstetrics, Cardiac, Abdominal). The VScan includes software that is compatible with a PC operating system. The VScan can take area measurements when docked to a PC that has the Vscan gateway software installed. VScan data can be stored on a microSD or microSDHC card in jpg, mpg, or wav format.

The VScan runs on a rechargeable battery that provides up to 90 minutes of scanning (with 80% black and white, 20% color imaging). The recharge time for the device battery is one hour for 90% battery capacity. The control unit and probe may be cleaned with a warm soap and water solution and disinfected with any germicide recommended in the user manual.

Operational temperature: 10-40C; Non-operational temperature: -20-70C; Display unit: 135 x 73 x 28 mm; Probe dimensions: 120 x 33 x 26 mm; Weight (unit and probe): 390 g

GE Healthcare provides a 3 year warranty on the product. According to the user manual, safety inspections should be performed at least every 12 months. A GE technician must perform this preventative maintenance.^{Interview with representative} Troubleshooting guidance is provided in the user manual. GE policy is that any repairs to the VScan system must be made at a warehouse. In the meantime, a loaner unit might be provided if the product is still under warranty.^{Interview with representative}

GE Healthcare provides free applications training with each system that is bought but the user should already be familiar with ultrasound scanning. Advanced applications training can be provided for new ultrasound users at an additional cost.^{Interview with representative}

The length of warranty and extent of technical service provided varies for other distributors of the product.^{Interview with distributor}

The VScan (excluding the battery) has a lifetime of 10 years.^{Interview with representative} The battery has a lifetime of at least 300 charges.

The performance of the VScan has been tested and published in over 30 peer-reviewed articles. Two of these studies were conducted in Tanzania and produced positive outcomes on the training¹, ease of use, and accuracy of the Vscan². A clinical study performed in Brazil revealed that the VScan produced comparative results in visualizing the embryo heartbeat to a traditional ultrasound system for pregnant women in their first trimester³. A study performed in the United Kingdom also revealed that there was a good agreement between the VScan and high-specialization ultrasound machines for identifying the presence of fetal heart motion for women in early pregnancy⁴.

All safety precautions, such as mechanical and electrical hazards, can be reviewed in the user manual.

The lens, probe housing, and cable of the VScan must be inspected for damage and then tested for functionality before each use.