Evaluation Background: Premium Obstetric/Gynecologic Ultrasound Scanners

Here's background for our Evaluations of premium obstetric/gynecologic (OB/GYN) ultrasound scanners, outlining the key considerations for making wise purchasing decisions. Learn how the technology is used, which specs are important, and what factors we test for. Also review our latest product ratings and ECRI Institute's data describing hospitals' interest in each vendor.

Premium OB/GYN ultrasound scanners are used to perform basic and advanced diagnostic obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound imaging examinations. These scanners are typically used to assess the developing fetus to determine gestational age, assess fetal and maternal anatomy and physiology, and determine fetal growth rate. Gynecologic applications include assessing the uterus and ovaries in patients who have pelvic pain, examining pelvic masses identified during physical examination, and monitoring treatment response and performing ultrasound-guided egg retrievals in patients who are on hormonal therapy. These scanners are also used to provide ultrasound guidance for interventional procedures such as amniocentesis and umbilical cord blood sampling.

To be considered in this category, a device must have 2-D, 3-D, and 4-D (i.e., real-time 3-D) B-mode and color Doppler imaging (CDI) capabilities for transcutaneous and endovaginal obstetric and gynecologic applications. It must also have the following features (many of which are defined in our ultrasound glossary):

1. M-mode and anatomical M-mode

2. Power Doppler imaging (PDI)

3. Quantitative pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler and continuous-wave (CW) Doppler

4. Automated data acquisition features to...