Bladder scanning is a fast, safe, and noninvasive way to check post-void residual (PVR) urine volume. It is used to help patients with urinary problems.

Bladder scanning is more comfortable and less invasive than catheterization. While catheterization is more accurate, many patients prefer bladder scanning. This method is well-tolerated and helps improve patient care. It also makes diagnostics easier, showing its value in modern healthcare.

Bladder scanners are now a key part of modern healthcare. They are easy to use and have advanced features. These features include 3D imaging and touchscreen interfaces. As such, they allow healthcare professionals to make informed decisions faster, improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

However, choosing the best bladder scanner for your practice isn’t as simple as ordering one online. Many options exist on the market today.

Choosing the right one can have a significant impact. It can lead to a smooth diagnostic process or cause unnecessary problems, some of which may go beyond patient care.

This guide discusses bladder scanners, their functions, and their importance in modern healthcare. We wrote short reviews of some of the best models and added a brief buyer’s guide. This guide will give you the information you need to make a smart buying choice.

What Are Bladder Scanners?

A bladder scanner is an ultrasound equipment, often portable, that offers instant and accurate measurements of bladder volume. The technology uses ultrasound imaging. The scanners send ultrasound waves into the body and capture them as they bounce off the bladder. This allows the scanner to accurately image the shape and size of the bladder and represent it on screen.

After getting the measurements, the scanners use special algorithms. These algorithms calculate the bladder’s volume and the amount inside it. The screen displays this information. This helps healthcare professionals understand it and make good decisions about patient care.

One of the main benefits of bladder scanners is that they are noninvasive. This feature greatly improves patient comfort and boosts clinic efficiency. More healthcare professionals and institutions are using bladder scanners, and they appreciate their accuracy, ease of use, and noninvasive methods.

How Do Bladder Scanners Work?

As previously mentioned, bladder scanners use ultrasound technology to measure the amount of PVR urine. The scanner sends out high-frequency sound waves, called ultrasound. A technician places a probe on the patient’s lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone.

A water-based gel, known as transonic gel, helps remove air between the probe and the patient’s body. Its acoustic impedance is similar to that of soft tissues. This acoustic coupling stops ultrasound waves from scattering, leading to better bladder measurements and more accurate diagnostics.

Soundwaves travel through the body and reflect from the structures within, in this case, the bladder and its contents. The amount of soundwave reflection depends on the tissue density it meets. This helps the scanner find the bladder’s shape and volume. The scanner collects the reflected waves and uses the data to create a real-time bladder image.

The scanner measures the bladder’s volume. It shows how much PVR urine remains after the patient urinates. Some advanced models may also show a 3D image or a graphical representation of the bladder.

Bladder scanners use ultrasound waves, making them noninvasive. The procedure is usually comfortable for the patient. However, the cold gel can sometimes cause mild and brief discomfort. While a minor inconvenience, it’s a small trade-off for bladder scanners’ accuracy and efficiency.

Understanding the Importance of Bladder Scanners in Healthcare

Patients who feel comfortable and well-cared for are more likely to engage in treatment. They will report their symptoms and follow treatment instructions more accurately. This also helps reduce patient stress and anxiety and fosters trust between the patient and healthcare providers.

This highlights the importance of bladder scanners. They are noninvasive tools for measuring PVR urine volume. This is especially useful for patients with urinary problems.

Catheterization can be uncomfortable. Like any invasive method, it has a higher risk of complications. These complications include infections, bladder spasms, and injury to the urethra.

These physical problems can cause emotional distress and embarrassment. This can make patients less willing to cooperate. It can hurt patient outcomes, especially if they have had bad experiences with catheterization before.

Bladder scanners are noninvasive and significantly improve patient experience while reducing the risk of associated complications. They also provide real-time results, which expedite diagnosis and treatment plans, improving patient care.

Bladder scanners improve patient care and are exceptionally versatile. They can be used in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and by healthcare providers in both short-term and long-term care settings. They help monitor bladder health and track changes over time.

They are also cost-effective and save time. They do not need complex procedures or extra equipment. This helps healthcare professionals manage more patients while keeping care quality high.

Top 5 Bladder Scanners in Modern Healthcare

Here are the top five bladder scanners for modern healthcare practices and facilities:

1. Verathon BladderScan BVI 6100 ($1,620.00)

People recognize Verathon for leading the way in automated bladder volume measurements. The company is also a top player in ultrasound scanners. BladderScan BVI 6100 is a portable bladder volume measuring instrument with proprietary Vmode® technology that allows quick, accurate, and noninvasive urinary bladder measurements.

The Vmode® technology automatically captures 12 B-Mode slices of the bladder. Paired with 3D quantification, Vmode® automatically displays the calculated result volume, allowing clinicians to assess bladder function quickly and confidently. The device also helps with aiming, ensuring users can take the most accurate measurements.

The BladderScan BVI 6100 is a battery-powered 3D scanner. It has three scanning modes: male, female, and pediatric.

It weighs just 0.68 pounds. Making it a relatively portable and affordable bladder scanner for home visits. Unfortunately, it does not show real-time images.

However, it can upload exams to ScanPoint software. This allows for easy transfer to a patient data system.

2. Verathon BladderScan i10 ($3,888.00)

Engineers designed the BladderScan BVI 6100 for portability. In contrast, the BladderScan i10 is better for clinical settings.

This product works best in places that require frequent scans. A stationary model uses a Vmode®-powered probe. It also has an imaging device with ImageSense® technology and a 10.1-inch display.

ImageSense® is Veratho’s new AI technology. It helps BladderScan i10 use real-world data. This data detects and defines bladder location.

It also measures the bladder’s size and shape. This works for all pediatric and adult patients, regardless of their anatomy. It boasts a ±7.5% accuracy on volumes greater than 100mL and ± 7.5mL on volumes less than 100mL, which makes it incredibly accurate.

The large touch display has an anti-glare coating. It features easy-to-understand graphics and automatic bladder location detection. Contour tracking helps guide the user through each step.

The BladderScan i10 is very portable. This is impressive, especially for use in a clinical setting.

The device includes a built-in AC adapter for charging and use. It also has an optional printer.

The low-profile base has quiet glide wheels, which designers created for easy movement through busy hospital corridors. Overall, it’s a fantastic bladder scanner for hospitals and clinics.

3. Verathon BladderScan Prime Plus ($5,999.00)

The Verathon BladderScan Prime Plus is available between the BladderScan BVI 6100 and the BladderScan i10. It is a portable bladder ultrasound device with a built-in screen and processing unit. It uses ImageSense® technology.

ImageSense® analyzes more than 900 lines of scan data in one examination. It precisely and consistently detects and defines the bladder’s location, size, and shape.

It compares the captured data with Verathon’s deep learning network. This helps trace bladder boundaries segment by segment across 12 spatial planes. This automatically calculates 3D bladder volume measurements across all patient types and anatomies.

Prime Plus provides aim-assist features before and after scans, which help improve accuracy and guide clinical performance. It also features a pubic bone interference indicator and 12 B-mode slice reviews. Among ease-of-use features, the device automatically adapts to patient types, such as male, female, or pediatric.

Lastly, the BladderTraq™ technology detects volumes from 1 to 999mL. It uses deep learning and AI to improve accuracy.

The BladderScan Prime Plus sets a new standard in precision. It measures within ±7.5% for volumes over 100mL. For volumes under 100mL, it measures within ±7.5mL. Prime Plus is a fantastic medical-grade bladder scanner with great adaptability for portable and stationary applications.

4. Butterfly iQ+ Bladder Scanner ($2,299.00)

The Butterfly iQ+ Bladder Scanner is a portable device. It works well for home use. This is not because of its quality but because of its design and build limitations.

We are discussing a portable bladder scanner. It comes with a rolling cart with a probe charging bay. A tablet bracket that can pan 180° and rotate 360° is also available. This feature allows users to see tablets in the best position.

The device provides 3D visualization that is as accurate as the Verathon models. Its user-friendly interface includes probe guidance. The device also includes barcode scanning for quick patient data transfer to the HER system. You can detach the probe and tablet when you need a portable scanner.

The whole setup is excellent. Its five-hour battery life is reliable for home use. However, it may not be the best for clinical use.

The main limiting factors are compatibility issues with the probe. It only works with specific iOS iPad models and the tablet that comes with it from the supplier.

5. Biocon 750 Bladder Scanner ($3,300.00)

Medline BioCon 750 Bladder Scanner with BladderPoint is precise and easy to use. It helps healthcare providers make faster and more accurate decisions in patient care.. The tablet and probe can be detached from the base.

The device offers 3D ultrasound scans. It quickly and safely measures bladder volume without invading the bladder. The results appear on a 7″ TFT full-color touch display.

It has BladderPoint™ technology. This is an aim-assist for the user.

It helps them find and target the bladder more easily. It also reduces the spreading of ultrasound waves. What makes this device special is its built-in self-diagnostics. These alerts inform users of any hardware or maintenance issues that may come up during use.

The device provides reliable performance. It helps healthcare professionals check urinary retention, track urinary output, and manage bladder issues. This ultimately improves patient comfort and care.

A Buyer’s Guide to Bladder Scanners

As we said at the start of our guide, buying a bladder scanner for your practice is not easy. You should not just buy the first device you find. Many models are available today, using different imaging technologies and offering various features.

This section will help you choose wisely when buying a bladder scanner for your healthcare practice or facility.

Needs and Requirements

One of the first things healthcare professionals should consider when choosing a bladder scanner is how well it meets their needs. They must consider accuracy, ease of use, portability, imaging technology, and other features.

These factors affect the price. For example, a scanner that gives 3D scans of the bladder costs more than one that offers 2D scans. Likewise, portable devices are typically pricier than stationary devices, especially if they maintain the same accuracy and reliability.

Accuracy and Reliability

Accuracy and precision are essential factors in many industries, and the same applies to healthcare. Access to accurate measurements is vital for reliable bladder volume assessment. This can directly impact the quality of diagnostics and the care provided by healthcare professionals.

Healthcare professionals should find a device that has been verified by clinical tests. It should provide high accuracy and precision in its measurements. These devices should have certification and regulatory approvals, indicating that they meet the necessary quality standards.

Scanning Technology

Different models use different imaging technologies. All use ultrasound technology, but how they process and display sound waves on a screen differs. Some scanners rely on 2D ultrasound imaging, while more advanced models use 3D ultrasound to enhance visualization.

Each technology has pros and cons. Some models use both imaging technologies,; almostall have automated volume measurement. It is essential to pick a scanner with the right technology for your practice or healthcare facility.

Portability

Bladder scanners can be portable or stationary. Their classification does not consider size or ease of movement; it depends on how they are powered.

Bladder scanners are often on wheeled carts. This design makes it easy for them to move around in one facility. However, users usually power them from a wall outlet and position them in areas where they need frequent scans.

Portable bladder scanners run on battery power, which makes them lighter and easier to carry than stationary models. When choosing a portable bladder scanner, consider the battery power. You want a device that lasts a long time without frequently recharging.

Data Management and Connectivity

With the integration of electronic medical record systems, efficient data management has become essential for healthcare professionals. Look for a model allowing that allowsa storage, retrieval, and transfer.

Some models feature wireless connectivity and cloud storage capabilities, which are lovely. Medical equipment should be strong and reliable. Look for models with internal storage and USB ports. Make sure the ports support data transfer, as some only charge.

Cost and Budget Considerations

The factors mentioned can affect the price of a bladder scanner. It is important to consider your budget. It would be best to compare the prices of different portable bladder scanners.

Also, it’s important to note that cost shouldn’t be the sole determining factor. Instead, it would be best to base the choice on the balance of cost, the device’s features, quality, and performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, picking the right bladder scanner is important for accurate and easy bladder volume checks. Your choice should depend on your practice’s needs and the price-to-feature ratio. You should also use, maintain, and calibrate your bladder scanner properly. This will help improve its performance and lifespan.

Following our guidelines, you can choose a bladder scanner that fits your needs. You can also look at the listed products to help with your selection process.