What’s the best type of veterinary ultrasound table to purchase? Are ultrasound-specific tables even necessary?
It all depends on the specific needs of your veterinary practice. Here are some factors to consider…
Which Types of Ultrasound Studies Are Performed—And How Frequently?
The first thing to think about is whether a separate ultrasound table is truly needed, or if ultrasounds can be performed cage-side or on a regular exam or surgical table.
This can be answered by thinking about which types of ultrasounds your veterinary team performs (or plans to perform in the near future, if anyone is seeking additional training and planning to expand services).
Many general practices have limited ultrasound capabilities. There’s nothing wrong with that if it works for your practice and your clients’ needs. For example, maybe a small animal general practice simply performs A-FAST and T-FAST cage-side or in the exam room for triage—or uses their ultrasound primarily for performing a cystocentesis. In these cases, investing in an ultrasound-dedicated table might not be high priority or necessary at all.
The next stage of ultrasound usage would probably include practices where a team member (or possibly a mobile ultrasonographer) performs occasional abdominal or cardiac studies in select patients who could benefit from one. In these cases, it might make sense to “borrow” a procedure table for an ultrasound rather than purchasing a new table.
Finally, for busy or specialty practices where in-depth ultrasound studies are frequently performed, it might make sense to invest in a dedicated ultrasound table for veterinary patients—especially one that facilitates echocardiograms.
Are Clients Present for Patient Ultrasounds?
This question goes beyond sheer table functionality and instead focuses on client experience and perception.
At the time of this writing, veterinary practices are busier than they’ve been in many years. According to market research, younger generations of pet owners are seeking high-quality pet care, and their experience as a consumer matters in terms of where they choose to bring pets.
While individual client preferences may vary, it’s probably safe to say that having the right equipment, organized in a clean and efficient way, can make a good impression. It can convey that a veterinary practice is professional and proficient and that they care about the patient’s comfort.
One example would be a proper echocardiography table. These have at least one hole or cutout for placement of the ultrasound probe on the recumbent side of the patient’s thorax. They might also be padded so the patient can lie comfortably.
Another option that some practices use is to build a make-shift echocardiogram examination station, such as a cardboard box with a hole cut in the side. Some clients won’t mind this, but for others, it might make a negative impression.
A good in-between option for cardiac evaluation might be a portable, padded add-on that sits on top of an exam table, essentially converting a regular procedure table into one that can be used for echocardiography studies. Some can be folded for storage when not in use.
Which Features Are Most Important in a Veterinary Ultrasound Table?
Here are some table characteristics that might aid a veterinarian in performing ultrasounds…
Height Adjustability. Ergonomics are being recognized more and more as a crucial factor for long-term veterinary careers. Not only do better ergonomics help protect team members’ health, they can also facilitate better care in each procedure by reducing operator fatigue and pain. Proper table height is an important component, whether using an ultrasound-specific table or not. Height adjustments can also make for easier patient transfers to the table.
Portability. Mobile tables are important for practices that plan to perform evaluations in more than one room or location, who want a table to transport patients with reduced mobility, or who want to store their ultrasound table out of the way when not in use.
V-Top. A V-top table, especially one that allows for tilting, could potentially help facilitate abdominal scans. But it’s important to add padding for patient comfort.
Equipment Storage. In addition to the ultrasound table itself, think about where your ultrasound machine will go. This could be on an attached “arm” of the table designed to hold equipment, or it could be a separate countertop or cart. Set it up in such a way that your arms don’t get tangled trying to view the machine, change settings, and hold the probe to the patient all at once.
Patient Facilitation. This is a combination of ease-of-use, practical considerations, and patient comfort to help ensure they don’t wiggle around during examinations. Consider factors like waterproof padding, table size, and weight limit, and how many cutouts you want in the table and where they should be placed.
Whether you purchase an ultrasound table or convert a regular exam or surgery table, there are ways to boost client experience. Add comfy non-slip mats with pretty (not torn up or bleached) blankets on top. Set up the room with soothing lighting, white noise or soothing music, or other things to help keep everyone (patient and client alike) calmer during the experience. Add pet-friendly items like DAP or Feliway.
As with any piece of veterinary equipment, do your research and seek reviews from colleagues. Consider factors such as maintenance and repair costs, and ease of cleaning.
These purchasing considerations, along with planning your hospital’s ultrasound service offerings, will help ensure you find the best ultrasound table for your veterinary practice.
Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM
