Our small hospital has finally given the OK to purchase a portable ultrasound machine. They are debating between the I look by Sonosite and the Bard Site Rite V. I know which one I prefer at this time but need feedback as to which one you pefer and why. We need information from teams that are currently using them. Thanks for the feedback.
Chris Groff RN, CRNIÂ
I have been a vascular nurse inserting PICC's for 15 years and I have also used the Bard Site Rite 5, 4, 3, and yes even the 2; and the I look by Sonosite. To be honest the image on the Site Rite V is awesome, and the image on the sonosite is not nearly as sharp or large and the screen is much smaller. The needle guides on the Site Rite V are awesome, the sonosite needle guides are more difficult to use. We actually had two i-looks that we turned back in, because we never used them. The i-look even had trouble with the ultrasound machine sitting in the docking station properly. so even when they were plugged in they would turn off in the middle of the procedure. The older site rites aren't even comparable to the new Site Rite 5. I just trained a second nurse in our facility and she tried both; she was very unsuccessful with the sonosite, but was very successful with the Site Rite. If you would like more specific information, please don't hesitate to email me privately.
My question to you is...Will the unit only be used for PICC's??? Your small hospital might want to look at a unit that can cross used for other procedures. I love the SonoSite 180 becouse can be used to place a PICC/Sub/IJ...not to mention breast ultrasound...and many other uses. Just a thought for smaller hospitals to remember.
Mark
We have been using the Sonosite for years and years with nothing but great results. I also have heard that Arrow is coming out with a new ultrasound machine. I would like to see it when it is available.
Eric
Eric
Steven Vaughan RN BSN
Owner, Home Infusion Services, Inc
[email protected]
We have been using the Site Rite V. Just got the Site Rite 6 and love it. We use them for PICCs and difficult PIVs. We're very happy with ours. Why don't you call the distributers for a demonstration of each. Ours fits our needs for adults and peds and so far we have been pretty successful with all our IV starts. The Site Rite VI is obviously much easier to use, especially for peripherals than the V but I still love the Site Rite V for PICCs.
Kathy Kokotis
Bard Access Systems
The advice I would give regardless of the machine you purchase is to remember the learning curve is 50 insertions so make sure you get hands on training. Don't get frustrated if it seems like you are less successful in the beginning as that is normal. Use the machine on all sticks and don't reserve it for the hards ones. Good luck
Kathy Kokotis
Bard Access Systems