Where’s My Ultrasound? Using Consumer Trackers to Find Emergency Department Ultrasound Machines

This pilot study evaluated the performance of these devices for locating ultrasound machines in a busy academic quaternary ED. Outcomes included time to retrieval, signal reliability, ease of use, and user satisfaction. A one-day timed trial was conducted during off-peak hours using three distance categories: Near (150 ft). Ultrasound machines were randomly assigned a tracking device and placed within their respective zones. ED staff used device-specific applications to locate machines, while manual searches served as a comparator. Retrieval time was recorded with a 300-second cap, and device performance was rated using a 0–5 Likert scale.

Portable ultrasound machines are critical in high-volume emergency departments (EDs) but are frequently misplaced, resulting in workflow inefficiencies and delays in patient care. Shared use, lack of standardized return protocols, and the dynamic ED environment contribute to equipment loss. Consumer-grade Bluetooth and GPS tracking devices, including Apple AirTag, Tile Pro, and Chipolo ONE Spot, are widely used for personal items, but their effectiveness in clinical environments is not well established.

Retrieval times varied by device and distance. Tile Pro consistently demonstrated longer retrieval times, while Apple AirTag and Chipolo ONE Spot showed comparable performance. Manual searching was effective at short distances but less efficient at greater ranges. In the Far category, Apple AirTag demonstrated the fastest mean retrieval time. One-way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences among methods (F=0.50, p=0.69). Survey responses ranked Apple AirTag highest for usability and reliability, while Tile Pro was rated least effective.

Although no statistically significant differences were observed, usability trends emerged. Apple AirTag was preferred, while Tile Pro showed limitations in time-sensitive settings. Larger studies are needed to define the impact of tracking technologies on ED workflow.