One of the most popular and premier portable ultrasound machines for nearly the last 15 years has been the GE Logiq E system. This unit has been through many developments in software, hardware, imaging capabilities and technological advances.
This post will run through the three variations of this beloved unit, and elaborate on price ranges, popular uses, and serve as a brief guide to these systems.
Original Logiq E: BT’06 - BT’11
This first Logiq E was groundbreaking and unparalleled for years in its imaging quality. Employing some probes that are still regarded as some of the best transducers on the market - including the 12L-RS, 9L-RS (vascular), E8C-RS (vaginal), and the 3S-RS (cardiac).
Commonly employed for vascular, abdominal, MSK, 2D OB-GYN, and needle-guided injections, GE implemented a stroke of of genius - creating a CW board that is easy to install to enabled cardiac studies. Rather than having to purchase a cardiac unit specifically, any sonographer or doctor can easily and quickly turn their general service unit into a cardiac system.
Like most portable systems, GE manufactured a rolling stand / docking station to secure the system, and provide a sturdy shelter for it. This cart has the option to be equipped with a three probe connector port. With this accessory, one can connect three transducers to the Logiq E at one time (as opposed to only plugging in one at a time), something many people find to be very convenient.
BT technologies:
BT levels, or “breakthrough” was the term that GE coined referring to software updates. These updates used to come approximately once a year. Updates included imaging enhancing software, compatibility with newer transducers, and more. The original Logiq E has BT levels of BT’06, BT’08, BT’09, BT’10 and BT’11.
The original Logiq E is recognizable by its silver outer panels. The highest software level that this system could be upgraded to is BT’11
While the silver Logiq E is the oldest of the generations, it is still very popular, highly regarded, and easy to support, maintain, and find parts for. For diagnosticians on a budget, this unit is a great option that would not require sacrificing image quality.
After 2011, GE made a dramatic update to the Logiq E. Totally remodeling its style, the silver exterior has been upgraded to a sleek black cover. The systems imaging quality is much more robust, sharp and clear. While compatible with the same transducers as it’s predecessor - the computer itself is more powerful - making the unit one of the premier portable ultrasounds to date.
At this point - between 2012 and 2015, GE changed their terminology from BT (breakthrough) to R - or revision. The revision levels on these units begin at R7, and proceed to go up to Revision 8 and 9. The BT’12 system does not, however, support upgrades to Rev 8 or 9.
The Logiq E BT’12 also has a rolling cart that is compatible with the unit, but it is important to note that it is not the same cart as the previous generation. Even though the system may fit into the same space, the software of the system and cart must be compatible - and only a cart manufactured for a BT’12 unit can work with it.
Like the silver Logiq E before it, the BT’12 can be easily turned into a cardiac system by inserting a CW board. It is not, however, the same board as the previous one, so make sure to get the right board for your system!
The Logiq E BT’12 was in production for three years (2012-2015) before being phased out to the newest unit - the Logiq E Next Generation (or Nextgen).
The newest member of the Logiq E family is the Nextgeneration (or Nextgen). Making its debut in 2015, the NextGen is the industry standard for all portable ultrasounds.
The Nextgen is compatible with both the older probes, like the 9L-RS, 12L-RS and E8C-RS, but is also compatible with some of the newest and most advanced probes GE has to offer -the L4-12t-RS, the C1-5-RS, and the 3Sc-RS cardiac probes.
The NextGen has two revisions to date; the Rev8 and Rev9. These units look almost exactly like the BT12 - the only variation being the coloring in lettering for “Logiq E” on the top of the unit.
As is the case with all progress, sometimes the beloved ways of the past are left behind. With the Nextgen, previously popular GE probes, such as the 8L-RS, 4C-RS and 3S-RS were all phased out, and are no longer compatible with this system.
GE has remained consistent throughout the development of the Logiq series with two accessories; the CW board and the docking station. The NextGen requires a special CW board that is dissimilar to both the silver Logiq E and the BT’12 unit, in order to conduct cardiac exams. And, of course, the cart software must match with the unit, requiring that an individual upgrading to a NextGen will, inevitably, need a new cart as well.
There is always the concern, particularly when it comes to medical equipment, regarding the safety of the devices and the potential side effects that occur as a result of employing these machines.
It is important to know that ultrasound machines are known to be completely harmless. They function through the utilization of sound waves emitting from the probe or transducer. These sound waves are then translated into images by the ultrasound machine or system. There is no need to fear when using ultrasound machines – it is a quick, easy and efficient way to diagnose and help determine a patient’s ails.
At A.M.E. Ultrasounds we pride ourselves on providing top quality customer service. If you have a particular topic you’d be interested in learning more about or reading about, feel free to contact us!
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Sincerely,
Your team at A.M.E. Ultrasounds
Ephraim@ameultrasounds.com
