FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers to the questions we hear most often from clinicians considering their first POCUS device.

Last updated: April 2026

Clinical Reality

What can POCUS actually do?

We believe in being upfront. POCUS is transformative for specific applications, but it has clear limitations.

POCUS Can

Assess cardiac function (EF, wall motion)
Guide vascular access in real time
Detect free fluid (FAST protocol)
Confirm fetal viability and position
Guide regional nerve blocks
Assess lung aeration (B-lines, pneumothorax)
Measure IVC for volume status

POCUS Cannot

Replace formal radiology reports
Diagnose through bowel gas (US limitation)
Replace echo for complex cardiac pathology
Provide formal fetal biometry (RANZCOG scope)
Replace CT in major trauma evaluation

POCUS stands for Point-of-Care Ultrasound. It refers to ultrasound performed by the treating clinician at the bedside or point of care, rather than by a dedicated sonographer in a radiology department. POCUS allows clinicians to answer specific clinical questions in real time - guiding procedures, confirming diagnoses, and monitoring patient responses without the delays associated with formal imaging requests.

Yes. Every Ultrascan device is SAHPRA-approved, so you can bill your medical aid for bedside scans immediately. No regulatory grey areas, no fighting for reimbursement. The devices also carry CE and FDA clearance, so you are using globally trusted, clinically validated equipment.

We strongly recommend POCUS training before using any ultrasound device clinically. While handheld probes are intuitive and easy to operate, interpreting ultrasound images correctly requires practice and structured learning. We can guide you to appropriate POCUS training resources and courses for your specialty, and every device purchase includes practical onboarding support from Dr. Docrat.

All devices come with a standard manufacturer warranty through Beijing Konted Medical Technology, with local South African support provided by Ultrascan Technologies. Warranty terms vary by device - please contact us for specific warranty details for the model you are interested in. We are your point of contact for any warranty claims or technical issues.

Absolutely. We offer free hands-on demonstrations at your practice or clinic, conducted personally by Dr. Docrat. There is no obligation to purchase and no sales pressure. We believe the best way to choose the right device is to scan with it in your own clinical environment. Book a free demo through our contact page.

Your phone or tablet - the one you already carry. The probe pairs via WiFi in seconds, no proprietary hardware needed. Download the free app, switch on the probe, and you are scanning. No IT department, no special equipment, no setup hassle.

Yes. You get a full morning clinic on a single charge - over 3 hours of continuous scanning. Plug it in over lunch via USB-C and it is ready for afternoon rounds. Most clinicians tell us they never think about the battery during their working day.

Yes, we offer finance options including interest-free payment plans and medical equipment financing to make POCUS accessible for solo practitioners and small practices. See our Finance page for full details, or contact us to discuss a payment arrangement that works for your practice. We are committed to removing the financial barrier to POCUS.

Yes. For the clinical questions you need answered at the bedside - is there free fluid, what is the cardiac function, where is the vein, is there a pneumothorax - these images are diagnostic quality. You are not replacing formal radiology. You are getting immediate answers that change your next clinical decision. Book a demo and see images for your specialty on the actual device.

Yes, we offer nationwide delivery across South Africa. Devices are shipped securely with tracking, and we arrange all logistics. For Johannesburg-based practices, Dr. Docrat often delivers and sets up the device in person. Contact us to discuss delivery timelines and arrangements for your location.

Still have a question?

Speak directly with Dr. Docrat. No sales team - just doctor-to-doctor conversation.