Frigid temperatures are the normal in Iowa at this time of year, and maybe they are in your region too! If so, we have some helpful tips and tricks when it comes to storing your ultrasound machine in the upcoming colder months. Or maybe you are lucky enough to live in a region where it doesn’t get below freezing, and if that’s the case, we are jealous! But you can also apply these suggestions when you are giving your ultrasound a rest during your slow season.
One of the most frequently asked questions that we get is, “What is the difference between a convex rectal and linear rectal probe?” At ReproScan, we strive to have you set up for success, and in doing so, we want to help you select the probe that will best fit your needs.
Our linear probe features a high frequency image but shoots a shallower image than our convex probe. Our linear probes have a depth of up to 16 cm, dependent on your machine, but most common settings are between 8-9 cm deep. This probe is ideal for pregging short breds or identifying ovarian structures, as the detailing gives you a very detailed image. The more detailed nature of the linear probe also makes it ideal for equine applications. The linear probe only shoots an area about the size of a credit card. This lack of depth can mean that longer pregnancies are easier to miss, especially if they are over the pelvic brim. Fetal aging can also be a challenge, once the pregnancies are over 90 days, as it can be difficult to get a fetal measurement into the viewing window.
We are excited to announce the launch of our new product, the Apexx. With improved image quality, Wi-Fi capabilities, and multiple device compatibility, the Apexx was designed to elevate your ultrasound experience. The Apexx is a fixed-probe unit with either a convex or a linear probe, ready for rapid deployment in the dairy or beef setting.
The Apexx features the same rugged durability that you’ve come to know and love from ReproScan equipment. The machine has an interchangeable battery, allowing you to work all day without a charging break. The ergonomic design can easily be hung from a chute or placed in a waistbag, depending on your needs.
The Apexx by ReproScan is designed to elevate your ultrasound experience. Utilizing the trusted foundations of our other models, we designed a unit with improved image quality and more viewing device options. Apexx takes image quality to new heights with its 128-crystal probe and now offers Wi-Fi capabilities.
With pre-set exams and easy to change settings, the Apexx is customizable to fit your needs. View scans on our OJOv4 goggles, a monitor, or your own smart device on the Apexx app, where you can save images and CINE loops, measure structures, and name files.
Along with the launch of our new product, we are excited to offer our annual month-long sale for veterinarians! Practitioner Promo is here once again, and this month, vets can save on all new ultrasound packages. Whether you are looking to purchase your first ultrasound, or need an upgrade, we are ready to talk packages that will best fit your needs.
We understand that your schedule is extremely busy and that causes some difficulties when trying to attend one of our bovine reproductive ultrasound training courses. Or maybe our set locations are not in a feasible area for you. With those issues in mind, we have created a new online training course, that will hopefully solve that issue.
ReproScan’s new online training course will cover all of the basics of bovine reproductive ultrasounding through a series of videos. In these videos Dr. Andrew Bronson will walk you through pregnant/opens, fetal aging, equipment care, extension arm use and more. This course is a great tool to learn the basics or brush up on your reproductive ultrasounding. We understand that in-person training is easier, but we hope this is helpful for times when that is not possible. Of course, we would prefer hands-on learning, but we also understand that that may not work for everyone. We hope you find this new online course helpful, especially if you ever find yourself looking to learn ultrasound but are not able to make it in-person.
Here at ReproScan, we understand how quickly your arm and shoulder begins to wear out after years of palpating. The strain your shoulder goes through can quickly add up, especially if you have been preg-checking for years. Thankfully we have found the surefire solution to this ongoing problem. The ReproArm is our version of an extension arm. We have specially designed it to have a specific bend, surface area, and durability, making it not only easier on you, but also easier on your cattle. Our ReproArm is meant to fit with our convex rectal probe, providing a large viewing area.
Are you having trouble with ultrasound training at your feedyard? We realize the challenges this may cause, so we have created an online training course that is translated into Spanish. Our hope is that this tool will make it easier for your employees to be trained effectively, while making your overall working environment more efficient. We also have the English version of this online training course that you can purchase.
It seems like we talk about how to improve your image quality quite often, but we do this because it is a crucial part of reproductive ultrasound. Especially if you are looking into doing early pregnancy checks. The early window that we are looking at specifically is the 28–35 day window. Preg checking this early is rather difficult, especially if you are new to ultrasound, but there are some things you can do to make it easier for yourself and the cattle.
As we head into Spring and warmer weather (hopefully), you may also be looking to warm up your preg checking skills. Before we know it, preg checking season will be here, so now is the perfect time to refresh and train your eye.
We are so excited that our training course schedule is starting to ramp back up. Our two-day courses include a classroom lecture on the first day and a wet lab on the second day which will allow you to learn and implement new skills. The classroom portion will cover everything from the basics of bovine ultrasounding, fetal sexing, extension arm technique, and everything in between! At our wet lab, you will have the opportunity to put into practice what you have learned about in the classroom.