About Camilla...
The expert behind this independent review!
Dr Camilla Edwards, a peripatetic veterinary ultrasonographer in
Cambridge, founded FOVU First Opinion Veterinary Ultrasound in
2018 after earning her veterinary degree in 2006. Camilla's
veterinary ultrasound expertise is widely recognised through her
numerous lectures, ultrasound machine reviews, podcasts, online courses, and exclusive membership to help veterinary professionals master and confidently use ultrasound.
FOVU is a worldwide source of veterinary ultrasound expertise, with
a primary mission to educate, support, and empower veterinary
professionals in improving their ultrasound skills. FOVU’s goal is to
increase confidence in operating ultrasound machines and improve
scanning skills to diagnose patients effectively.
SonoAir
Chison
What the manufacturers say:
Chison's SonoAir, the world's lightest and thinnest laptop ultrasound system that epitomizes freedom and agility. SonoAir offers unparalleled flexibility, making it an indispensable tool for healthcare professionals in every practice. Its portability allows effortless movement, making it an essential companion for medical professionals on the move.
PRICE: £11K with 2 probes
More about the manufacturer:
With the vision of “Value beyond Imaging”, CHISON continuously develops and manufactures high quality Diagnostic Ultrasound machines that benefits over millions of Practitioners and Patients. CHISON aims to make cutting edge technology and state of the art diagnostic imaging experience more accessible and affordable.
Specifications
Standard Configurations
14.1" Responsive touch screen
Lightweight 2.1kg
4 probe ports
26mm thick
What do I think?
The Chison SonoAir ultrasound machine stands out as a remarkable blend of intuitive design, versatile functionality, and portability. The SonoAir offers a refreshing user experience.
One of the standout features of the SonoAir is its user-friendly layout. From the clearly labelled save buttons to the logically arranged touch screen and physical buttons, every aspect of the interface is designed for ease of use. Whether accessing normal functions through the touchscreen or utilizing the trackball, the SonoAir ensures smooth navigation and efficient operation.
The measurement function deserves special mention for its automatic zoom feature, which facilitates accurate placement of measurements. Whether employing the trackball or touchscreen, this feature ensures precision and reliability, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
In terms of image quality, the SonoAir performs admirably within its price range. While the microconvex probe offers a higher frequency range, giving good near field images, it may struggle with large, deep organs such as dog livers. Conversely, the linear probe delivers exceptional images, demonstrating the machine's versatility in various diagnostic applications.
The inclusion of colour Doppler functionality adds another dimension to the SonoAir's capabilities, albeit with a slight reduction in frame rate. Nevertheless, the performance remains commendable, contributing to comprehensive diagnostic assessments.
One of the most impressive aspects of the SonoAir is its lightweight design, coupled with the innovative USB-C probe connections. This feature allows for the simultaneous connection of up to four probes, a rarity in machines of this size. Such versatility enhances the machine's adaptability to diverse clinical scenarios, providing added value to practitioners.
However, it's worth noting that the phased array probe's frequency range may not be optimal for certain applications, particularly in small animals. Even with my dog Pippi who weighs about 18Kg it struggled to obtain good images. In this case the microconvex probe for cardiac imaging produced better results.
In conclusion, the Chison SonoAir ultrasound machine impresses with its user-friendly interface, versatile functionality, and lightweight design. While it may have minor limitations in certain applications, its overall performance and affordability make it a valuable addition to any veterinary practice seeking reliable diagnostic imaging solutions.
My scores:
My 5-point scoring system ranges from 1 (the lowest) to 5 (the highest). A score of 1 implies significant issues, 2 signals below-average performance, 3 is satisfactory, 4 reflects above-average performance, and 5 represents exceptional quality or achievement. After assessing each category, the total score is converted into a percentage for the overall performance review.
Ease of settings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Image quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value for money ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Robustness ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Portability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Not sure what machine is right for you?
When people talk to me about ultrasound machines, they are often overwhelmed by the choice and unsure about what machine is best for their practice.
In my experience, the most important factor that everyone is looking for is the best image quality for their budget.
To ease the overwhelm, I've designed a quiz that explores your needs and budget. By answering key questions below, you'll streamline your search and receive a tailored recommendation for the perfect machine that suits your practice.
