What is Clarius HD3?
/A New Generation?
With the launch of Clarius’ HD range of scanners several years ago, and with the addition of the L20 HD in September of 2020, Clarius had moved truly portable, wireless point of care ultrasound to a new level.
The L15 and L20 HD models are now the devices of choice for plastic surgeons and aesthetic practitioners in the UK and around the world. Clarius however, hasn’t been resting on it’s laurels and the R&D department has been working to make these devices even more user friendly. In the USA they have just released the HD3 range. Have they been successful in improving on the most popular device? Let’s see.
What has Changed from HD to HD3?
The biggest change with the new HD3 devices is that the removable battery has been done away with. The HD3 range now has an integral, rechargeable battery which means they have been able to reduce the size and weight of the devices by about 30%.
HD3 devices also have the new Advanced Quad-Liquid-Cooling system which has doubled cooling capacity to maintain the imaging and battery performance you need.
The other big change is that HD3 models will no longer come with free, unlimited cloud storage. HD3 models will have a 6 month free trial of the Clarius Cloud storage system. After 6 months this will be chargeable at USD 115 per year which will be billed directly by Clarius.
Existing HD models will continue to benefit from free, unlimited cloud storage.
HD3 models will come with a charging dock and will have the option of a power fan that can be plugged into a battery pack or directly to the wall for continuous uninterrupted scanning.
L20 HD3 (left) and L20 HD (right). Wireless, portable 20 MHz ultrasound scanners
What about image quality?
HD3 devices will have the same imaging as HD models and will use the same 8 beam formers and 192 piezoelectric elements that have made Clarius HD devices so popular.
In summary…
Whether or not HD3 is an upgrade from HD will depend on what you need from a scanner. If you already have an HD scanner it is unlikely you will feel the need to buy the new HD3. If you’re looking to buy a device and want a lighter device that has the ability to scan for very long periods, albeit with a cable, then HD3 will seem like a great development.
Some really like the ability to simply swap batteries in the scanner for continuous scanning (without a cable) and the size and weight isn’t an issue. These people won’t feel like they’re missing out if they keep their HD or decide to purchase an HD model. Free, unlimited cloud storage with no subscription is a great perk too.
Whichever model you decide to go for, you will get unmatched image quality, a simple user interface and excellent product support.
It’s also important to note that HD3 is not currently available in Europe.