Mindray M5 Ultrasound System

Mindray describes their M5 ultrasound model as a Hand-carried Diagnostic Ultrasound System (pamphlet). The laptop-style of the M5 ultrasound system weighs 13 pounds—features that ensure the device is easily portable and has a low impact on the variety of hospital and office settings that the device is approved for. In their informational pamphlet on the device, Mindray provides examples of use settings, including:

• Emergency medicine and critical care
• OB/GYN and breast exams
• Anesthesia
• Internal medicine and interventional radiology
• Vascular exams, PICC line placement, and urology
• Orthopedic and musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging

Source: Mindray M5 Hand-carried Diagnostic Ultrasound System

The M5 device provides 2D images that can be viewed with and without color depending on the procedure. The device displays images on a 15-inch high-resolution LCD screen visible from angles up to 170 degrees to ensure providers can focus on patient care while using the M5 ultrasound. Additional features that are highlighted in Mindray’s M5 pamphlet include:

• Presets for various exam types that provide standardized settings for imaging parameters, exam modes, post processing, calculations, annotations, and display formats
• Speckle reduction software for improved image quality
• One-button iTouch™ feature for immediate 2D image quality maximization
• Enhanced spatial compounding, contrast and spatial resolution, and hemodynamic capabilities
• Multiple reliable imaging modes, including 2D, M, PW, HPRF, Color, Power, Directional Power and Continuous Wave

Source: Mindray M5 Hand-carried Diagnostic Ultrasound System

Mindray's information management system is called iStation™. The M5 information pamphlet highlights iStation™ features, including:

• On-board storage, review, and transfer capabilities
• 160GB hard drive
• DICOM and PC files supported
• Image data archived
• Peripheral device connection

Source: Mindray M5 Hand-carried Diagnostic Ultrasound System

Connectivity features for an ultrasound system impact the way that a provider can obtain and share information to the relevant care team members, which then helps determine the quality of care available to patients. For the M5, connectivity features include:

• DICOM network functionality, including worklists, MPPS, query and retrieve, worklists, and structure reports for OBGYN, Vascular, and Cardiology exams
• PC network storage
• Ethernet port, USB 2.0 ports, USB wireless adaptor for data transfer via iRoam™

Source: Mindray M5 Hand-carried Diagnostic Ultrasound System 

The M5 model was released in December 2007 and received FDA and SFDA approval in early 2008 (Biospace). It was phased out of use starting on 03/31/2022 when the company ended parts availability, service repair, and service contracts, then by 03/31/2023 the company ended technical support for this model (End of Life Letter M5/M5Vet). The device was approved internationally for use by three main regulatory bodies: the FDA in the US, SFDA in China, and CE certification for European markets (2010 Annual Report). Medical equipment retailers list the M5 device’s approximate pricing as a range from $5000 to $10000 (medverguide).

Sources: Mindray Medical’s Laptop-size M5 and BS-200 Receive FDA Clearance; Company Announces Update on Product Approval Pipeline (Biospace)

End of Life Letter M5/M5Vet 

Mindray Medical International Limited 2010 Annual Report (2010 Annual Report)

Used Mindray M5 Ultrasound (medverguide)

Mindray’s M5 does not have any notable performance concerns or manufacturer recalls. Their upgraded model, the M7, focused on performance upgrades like improved image quality, especially in cases where images are difficult to obtain. The M7 also implemented tissue doppler imaging (TDI) and real-time 3D images- also called 4D imaging.

Source: Mindray announces significant new upgrades for M7 and DC-7 ultrasound platform at RSNA 

 The Mindray M5 ultrasound system uses a laptop-style design. The screen folds down onto the keys and scroll ball for the device, and it has various ports on the sides for connecting ultrasound probes, needles, USB storage devices, and other relevant attachments. The device has a handle for hand-held transportation and has a station with wheels for docked transportation and additional storage. The only color scheme for the M5 is gray, white, and pale blue, and keys are backlit.

Source: Mindray M5 Hand-carried Diagnostic Ultrasound System 

External Dimensions for the device are: 361mm L x 357mm W x 75mm H. It weighs 6.5 kg and the standard configuration is made up of the M5 ultrasound unit, a travelling case, and any accessories included with the device package. The device labels include integrated warning labels and the main unit label. The main unit label includes the device model.

 The M7 is a similar model to the M5, and the two have a few key visual differences. The M5 has green backlighting, and the M7 standard setting has white backlighting. The colors on the M7 are restricted to a lighter silver/gray and white instead of the darker silver, pale blue, and green backlighting of the M5. For other similar devices from different manufacturers, users can check the name listed on the back of the device, the top of the lid/screen, and the name displayed when the device powers on that will all state “mindray”.

Sources: M5 Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual 

Mindray M5 Hand-carried Diagnostic Ultrasound System 

M7/M7T/M7 Premium/M7 Expert/M7 Super Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual 

• 361mm length x 357 mm width x 75 mm height
• 6.5 kg net weight

Source: (M5 Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual)

• Power supply adapter voltage (volts): 100-240V
• Power supply adapter frequency (hertz): 50/60Hz
• Adapter input current (amperes or amps): 1.5-0.6A

Manufacturer note: "Power supply is intended for use in Main Unit of Diagnostic Ultrasound System. Power input 12V⎓9A MAX." (M5 Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual)

Source: (M5 Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual)

Manufacturer note: "WARNING: Do not use this system in the conditions other than those specified." (M5 Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual)

Operation Conditions

• 0°C – 40°C (ambient temperature)
• 30% – 85%; no condensation (relative humidity)
• 700hPa-1060hPa (atmospheric pressure)

Source: (M5 Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual)

Storage Conditions/Transportation Conditions

• -20°C – 55°C (ambient temperature)
• 30%-95%; no condensation (relative humidity)
• 700hPa-1060hPa (atmospheric pressure)

Source: (M5 Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual)

• B Mode
• M Mode
• C Mode: Color, Power, or DirPower
• D Mode: PW Doppler or CW Doppler
• Special Imaging Mode: Smart 3D imaging, iScape panoramic imaging, Free Xros M

Source: (M5 Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual)

• Mindray M5 and M5Vet End of Life Letter- announcement for discontinuation of support services for this model, relevant for Mindray NA (Mindray North America).

Mindray requires registration for their Service Portal to access Service Manuals. The registration requires a valid Hospital email, and can be done here.

The Mindray M5 Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual includes information on Batteries (21), System Maintenance (22), Acoustic Output (23), and Measurement Accuracy (24). Appendix A-E also covers Wireless LAN, DICOM, Remote Control/Net Update, Ultrasound System Software Restoring, and Electrical Safety Inspection, respectively.

• M5 Quick Reference Guide- Quick start directions for getting started, scanning, measurement, post-scanning, and image management.
• Mindray M5 Hand-carried Diagnostic Ultrasound System- Mindray introductory pamphlet to the M5 model and its capabilities.

• M5 Diagnostic Ultrasound System Operator’s Manual- Basic Volume, includes directions for startup, various exam types, and using the device for measurement, comments, review, etc., most recent update from April 2017.

• Technical Documents- Mindray's database for Technical Documents, include Operator's Manuals, Service Manual registration information, DICOM Conformance Statements, Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols, and Product End of Life Notices.
• Operators Manuals; Ultrasound- Ultrasound operator manuals for Mindray devices, separated by clinical setting.
• Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols; Ultrasound- Cleaning guides and recommended cleaners/disinfectants.