We are currently in the market for a small ultrasound to use for peripheral IV insertions. We are looking at Bards Prevue for one. Can anyone offer any suggestions as to one they have found to work well that we should take a look at?? Appreciate any feedback as we are not familiar with any of these smaller units-
We purchased BARD Prevues.
PROS 1. The size makes it easy to transport. 2. It is good for quick look. Is that a vein? 3. If the patient's vein is larger than about 3mm, it is helpful. 3. The gel caps are quick and easy to open and apply.
CONS 1. The image is not great. So echogenic veins are harder to see on a small screen. 2 Setting up the Prevue in patient rooms requires precious free space on a flat surface. The machine comes with a tripod. I purchased a camera clamp to secure it to the IV pole but there is not always an IV pole available. You can lie the Prevue flat but is less than ideal for viewing. 3. The needleguides were part of the initial appeal, conceivably more nurses could be successful using ultrasound. Our hospital uses Nexiva IV catheters which are bulky in the fragile needleguides so they are rarely used. The smallest gauge Nexiva catheter that can be used with the needleguide is a #20. 4. BARD designed a system where yoiu can only use their gel/probe cap. If you don't use a BARD ge/probe cap, the image is blocked. If you are really searching for a vein, the gel is inadequate. (adding more gel under the cap works sometimes)
Nancy Rose