The GE Vscan Air is a wireless handheld ultrasound system for imaging at the point of care: one dual-headed probe that shows its image on an Android or iOS phone or tablet. Its two configurations share a linear array; the Vscan Air CL adds a curved array for abdominal and obstetric imaging, the Vscan Air SL a sector array for cardiac assessments. Caption AI guidance and AutoEF are options on the SL only.
- Released
- 2021launched by GE
- Probe ports
- Nonecordless dual-headed probe
- Display
- Phone/tabletown device, 5 to 20 inches
- Weight
- 205 ± 3 gVscan Air CL; SL 218 ± 3 g
Compatible probes
Linear
- Vscan Air CL linear array · 3–12 MHz Shallow-scanning end
- Vscan Air SL linear array · 3–12 MHz Shallow-scanning end
Convex & microconvex
- Vscan Air CL curved array · 2–5 MHz Deep-scanning end
Phased
- Vscan Air SL sector array · 1.6–3.7 MHz Deep-scanning end, XDclear
Specifications
Display
- Display
- No built-in screen; the image shows on your own Android or iOS phone or tablet
- Screen requirement
- 5 to 20 inches, 960 x 640 (or 640 x 960) pixels or more
- Display devices (Vscan Air CL)
Android 12, 13, 14 or newer; iPhone and iPad on iOS 16, 17, 18 or newer; 4 GB RAMAndroid phones and tablets with OS version 12, 13, 14 or newer (0x64 ARM CPU, 64-bit kernel, at least 4 GB RAM, OpenGL ES 3.0); iPhone with iOS 16, 17, 18 or newer; iPad with iPad iOS 16, 17, 18 or newer; 8 GB storage space. Devices on GE's verified and validated list are highly recommended.Show allShow less
- Display devices (Vscan Air SL)
Android 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16; iPhone and iPad on iOS 15, 16, 17, 18 or 26; 4 GB RAMAndroid phones and tablets with OS version 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 (0x64 ARM CPU, 64-bit kernel, at least 4 GB RAM, OpenGL ES 3.0); iPhone with iOS 15, 16, 17, 18 or 26; iPad with iPad iOS 15, 16, 17, 18 or 26; 8 GB storage space.Show allShow less
Physical
- Probe ports
- None: one cordless, battery-operated dual-headed probe
- Weight (Vscan Air CL)
- 205 ± 3 g
- Weight (Vscan Air SL)
- 218 ± 3 g
- Dimensions (Vscan Air CL)
- 131 x 64 x 31 mm (length, width, height)
- Dimensions (Vscan Air SL)
- 141 x 67 x 33 mm (length, width, height)
- Lens footprint
- Curved 64 x 16 mm (CL); sector 22 x 17 mm (SL); linear 40 x 7 mm (CL and SL)
- Durability
IP67; drop-tested to MIL-STD-810G; compatible with high-level disinfectionIP67-rated; drop-tested to MIL-STD-810G, Method 516.7, Table 516.7-7; compatible with high-level disinfection. The same ratings apply to the Vscan Air CL and the Vscan Air SL.Show allShow less
- Controls
Thumb-controlled touchscreen; one key or gesture for freeze, store, gain and depthOperated through the Vscan Air app: a thumb-controllable touchscreen with a minimized number of keys, in portrait or landscape; a single key or gesture for freeze and unfreeze, store, gain and depth; a configurable probe button (freeze or store); presets with a user-selectable default; selectable TGC with 6 depth-dependent gain controls.Show allShow less
- Model designations (Vscan Air CL)
- A1, A2, C1, I1 and G1
- Expected service life
- 5 years
Power & battery
- Battery
- Li-Ion, in the probe; nominal voltage 3600 mV
- Scan time
50 minutes per full charge at 80% black-and-white, 20% color imaging (CL and SL)50 minutes total scan time on a new, fully charged battery, with 80% black and white and 20% color imaging; the same figure applies to the Vscan Air CL and the Vscan Air SL.Show allShow less
- Charge time
10% to 90% in 75 minutes (probe off, new probe or battery, 20 to 25 °C)Recharges from 10% to 90% capacity in 75 minutes with the probe powered off, a new probe or battery and a room temperature of 20 to 25 °C; about 5 minutes longer with Smart Connect in use.Show allShow less
- Battery lifetime
- At least 500 charges
- Charging
Wireless: GE charger with USB cable and AC adapter, or any Qi-certified chargerCharged wirelessly on the standard Vscan Air wireless charger with its USB cable and a country-specific AC adapter, or on any Qi-certified charger; the probes are not certified for charging inside a road or air ambulance.Show allShow less
- AC adapter input
- 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Smart Connect
- Keeps the probe connected to the display device while it charges
- Storage mode
Up to 36 months in storage without significant battery degradationStorage mode lets the probe be stored up to 36 months without significant battery degradation; a new probe arrives with Storage mode on and is woken by placing it on the wireless charger.Show allShow less
Connectivity & options
- Wireless
Wi-Fi 802.11n, 5 GHz; Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 for pairing; WPA2-encrypted scanningProbe-to-display link over Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11n, 5 GHz; Wi-Fi Direct on Android, an access point for iOS); Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 for identification and pairing; probe-to-app data encrypted with WPA2 during scanning, with EAP and WPA2 (PSK) supported; no internet connection needed to scan.Show allShow less
- DICOM
Verify, Worklist, Store, Storage Commitment, MPPS, Secure DICOM, DICOMweb STOW-RS (TLS)Verify, Modality Worklist, Store, Storage Commitment and MPPS; Secure DICOM over TLS (version 1.3, with private client and server certificates) and Secure DICOMweb STOW-RS over TLS; Modality Worklist selection on request.Show allShow less
- Export
DICOM to PACS; DICOMweb to cloud storage; jpg and mp4 to shared network foldersWireless export in DICOM format to a DICOM PACS; in DICOMweb format over TLS to Verisound Gallery (formerly MyImageCloud, an option) or compatible third-party cloud storage; in jpg or mp4 to shared network folders. Anonymized images and videos can be shared with other apps.Show allShow less
- Barcode scanning
- Reads patient barcodes with the display device's camera to query the worklist
- Data storage and security
Up to 500 exams on the device; AES-256 encryption (FIPS 140-2); PIN or biometric accessData for up to 500 exams in a private space on the mobile device, with jpg stills and mpg videos; FIPS 140-2 compliant AES-256 database encryption; the app starts only on a device protected by user authentication; optional PIN or biometric access, and exam data is wiped after 10 incorrect PIN attempts; enterprise single sign-on through identity providers, not in every country.Show allShow less
- Audit logging
- DICOM ATNA audit logging, RFC-3881 messages, RFC-5424 Syslog; logs omit patient details
- Standard offering
Probe, app, carrying case, wireless charger with USB cable, AC adapter, Quick Start GuideVscan Air CL or SL probe; Vscan Air app for iOS and Android; protective carrying case; wireless charger including USB cable; country-specific AC adapter; Quick Start Guide; electronic user manual.Show allShow less
- Accessories
Extra case and wireless charger, trophon probe holder, AC multiplug, roll stand, manualsUser manual in different languages; additional protective carrying case; additional wireless charger including USB cable; trophon Wireless Ultrasound Probe Holder; AC Adapter Multiplug; Vscan Air Roll Stand. Some are not available in every country.Show allShow less
- Digital tools subscriptions
Individual (MyImageCloud, MyRemoteShare) or Fleet (MyDeviceHub, MyRemoteShare)Digital tools and AI features are optional and can be sold separately from the device, individually or in an offering bundle; the subscriptions are Individual Solutions (MyImageCloud and MyRemoteShare) and Fleet Solutions (MyDeviceHub and MyRemoteShare).Show allShow less
- Verisound Gallery
- Optional cloud storage for DICOM exams over DICOMweb; formerly named MyImageCloud
- MyDeviceHub
Fleet portal: register probes, restrict use to named users, set DICOM servers centrallyOptional enterprise device-management portal to register probes, restrict their use to named users and configure DICOM servers centrally for a fleet of Vscan Air probes; purchased as part of the Vscan Air Fleet digital solution.Show allShow less
- MyRemoteShare
Optional remote audio and scan-screen sharing, end-to-end encrypted; not for diagnosisOptional remote collaboration for education, training and support: an audio conversation and scan-screen sharing with a remote participant, with calls encrypted end to end over TLS; not intended for diagnostic use.Show allShow less
- ViewPoint 6 MobileConnect
Bedside documentation on a mobile device; needs ViewPoint 6 version 6.14.1 or higherBedside documentation of point-of-care exams on a tablet or mobile device; requires a full ViewPoint 6 license and ViewPoint 6 version 6.14.1 or higher; not available in all regions.Show allShow less
Imaging & software
- Imaging modes
- B-mode, Color Doppler, PW Doppler, M-mode and harmonic imaging (CL and SL)
- Beamforming
- 128 physical channels (CL and SL)
- Transducer elements
- Curved 128 (CL); sector 64 (SL); linear 192 (CL and SL)
- Depth
- Up to 24 cm (curved and sector arrays); linear up to 8 cm, smallest depth 2 cm
- Viewing angle
- 60° (curved array, CL); up to 90° (sector array, SL)
- Image processing
- SignalMax signal processing; HD-SRI, optional and not in all countries
- XDclear (Vscan Air SL)
- Single Crystal, Acoustic Amplifier Architecture and Cool Stack on the sector array
- Presets, curved array (Vscan Air CL)
Abdominal, Cardiac, MSK, OB-GYN, Vascular, LungAbdominal, Cardiac, MSK, OB-GYN, Vascular and Lung; optional if purchased: Bladder volume and Lung guidance.Show allShow less
- Presets, linear array
Vascular, Nerves, Small Parts, MSK, Lung, Neo Head, OphthalmicVascular, Nerves, Small Parts, MSK, Lung, Neo Head (neonatal cephalic) and Ophthalmic; optional if purchased: Aesthetics and Lung guidance. Ophthalmic is not cleared for use in China or Japan.Show allShow less
- Presets, sector array (Vscan Air SL)
Abdominal, Cardiac, OB-GYN, Lung, TCD (transcranial Doppler)Abdominal, Cardiac, OB-GYN, Lung and TCD (transcranial Doppler); optional if purchased: Cardiac guidance, Bladder volume and Lung guidance.Show allShow less
- Measurements
Distance, circumference, area, angle, velocity, slope, heart rate, bladder volume, OBDistance, circumference, area, angle, velocity, slope, heart rate, bladder volume and obstetric measurements (BPD, HC, AC, FL, CRL, AFI, DVP and AOP); in M-mode, distance, time interval and slope; in PW, velocity, time interval and slope; heart rate over a configurable number of beats.Show allShow less
- OB worksheet
Fetal size, amniotic fluid, angle of progression, estimated fetal weightFetal size measurements, amniotic fluid check, angle of progression and estimated fetal weight; the report adds gestational age, average ultrasound age, last menstrual period and estimated date of delivery.Show allShow less
- Annotation
- Arrows and free text; two-finger pinch zoom on the image
- App settings
Auto-freeze, clip duration, probe button, centerline and focus markers, Doppler audioConfigurable auto-freeze time, clip duration, probe button action (freeze or store), centerline marker, focus marker, Doppler audio and cardiac left/right flip; Resolution and Penetration B-mode settings on selected presets; binary image data storage; Auto Delete, tied to successful storage commitment.Show allShow less
- App modes
- Preview mode explores the app without a probe; Guest mode scans without sign-in
- Diagnostics
- Transducer element check, diagnostic testing, log sending and display calibration
- Caption AI (Vscan Air SL)
Real-time guidance to 10 standard echo views and AutoEF; optional, on validated devicesOn the Vscan Air SL only: Caption Guidance gives real-time guidance, with Prescriptive Guidance and a Quality Meter, to acquire 10 standard echocardiographic views, with AutoCapture and Save Best Clip; Caption Interpretation AutoEF calculates left ventricular ejection fraction from one or more of PLAX, AP2 and AP4. Optional and visible only if purchased, it runs only on phones and tablets GE has verified and validated; smartphones are supported from app version 3.0.2, and earlier versions ran it only on tablets larger than 7.3 inches. Custom protocols can add Color Doppler views, where AutoCapture and Save Best Clip are not available.Show allShow less
- Auto-box placement (Vscan Air SL)
- Assists six Color Doppler sub-views in Cardiac Guidance; box placement is not AI-driven
- AutoAS (Vscan Air SL)
Suggests moderate/severe aortic stenosis from stored 2D echo clips, in adults; optionalAI software that processes previously acquired 2D transthoracic echo clips (PLAX, PSAX-AV, AP5) to suggest moderate or severe aortic stenosis, with a confidence metric; part of Caption AI, on the Vscan Air SL only, for adult patients; available only if purchased and not in all countries.Show allShow less
- Auto Bladder Volume (Vscan Air CL)
- AI finds the bladder borders, places adjustable calipers and calculates volume; optional
- Bladder volume (Vscan Air SL)
- Not AI: calipers start at default positions for the user to adjust; optional
- Lung Guidance
- Guides an 8-zone B-mode lung protocol; CL and SL; patients older than 21; optional
- Aesthetics
- Optional linear-array preset for superficial arteries and veins; not in all markets
- Caption Care launch (Vscan Air SL)
Exams started from the Caption Care portal open Cardiac guidance; subscription neededStarting a Vscan Air exam from the Caption Care portal automatically starts Cardiac guidance on the Vscan Air SL; requires a Cardiac Guidance subscription and an internet-connected display device.Show allShow less
- Revision and software
- Vscan Air R3 for Android and iOS
Environment
- Operating
- 0 to +35 °C; humidity 10–90%; air pressure 54–106 kPa
- Storage and transport
- −40 to +70 °C; humidity 10–95%; air pressure 50–106 kPa
- Transient operation
- At least 20 minutes at −20 to 0 °C or +35 to +50 °C, after room-temperature storage
- Probe thermal limit
- Scanning stops if the applied-part surface exceeds 43 °C
Compliance
- FDA 510(k)
K202035 (2020-11-20), K231301 (2023-08-15), K250087 (2025-05-01)K202035 (decided 2020-11-20), the Vscan Air CL's first clearance; K231301 (decided 2023-08-15), the Vscan Air SL's first clearance; K250087 (decided 2025-05-01). Each is recorded under the device name Vscan Air as substantially equivalent.Show allShow less
- CE marking
CL and SL probes and the R3 apps CE-marked under the MDR (2017/745/EU)The Vscan Air CL and Vscan Air SL probes and the Vscan Air R3 apps for Android and iOS are CE-marked under the MDR (2017/745/EU); Vscan Air CL models C1 and G1 are CE-marked under the earlier European medical device directive.Show allShow less
- Safety classification
Internally powered, type BF applied parts (IEC 60601-1); NRTL certifiedInternally powered medical electrical equipment with type BF applied parts (IEC 60601-1); NRTL certified to CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60601-1 and ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1; conforms to applicable clauses of IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-37, IEC 60601-1-11 (home healthcare), IEC 60601-1-12 (emergency medical services), EN 13718-1 (air ambulances) and EN 1789 (road ambulances).Show allShow less
- Intended use
General-purpose diagnostic imaging; not for intra-operative or intra-cavitary useBattery-operated, general-purpose diagnostic ultrasound imaging system for qualified and trained healthcare professionals, for ultrasound imaging guidance and the visualization and measurement of anatomical structures and fluid; not intended for intra-operative or intra-cavitary use.Show allShow less
What to check when buying a used GE Vscan Air
Inspect both lenses and the housing for cracks
A crack can let liquid into the probe, and a damaged probe must stay out of use and out of any liquid until GE HealthCare service has inspected it.
How: Look over both lens faces and the whole housing for cracks or any other damage that could let liquid in.
Check the battery door and power-button rubber
Removing the battery door or the rubber cover over the power button on a Vscan Air CL or SL is an electrical shock hazard.
How: Confirm both are in place and show no sign of having been removed or pried open.
Watch for overheating and voltage warnings while scanning
An overheating warning shuts the system down, and overheating or voltage warnings that keep coming back need GE HealthCare service.
How: During a test scan, watch the app for the probe overheating, probe voltage critical and battery critically low warnings.
Run Probe Diagnostics and the transducer check
Missing parts of the image point to missing channels, and a failed diagnostic means a call to GE HealthCare service, which orders a replacement Vscan Air.
How: With the probe connected and both lenses clean and free of gel, run Probe Diagnostics and the transducer check from Menu → Diagnostics, then judge the live image as well, because the element check cannot detect every defect.
Common questions about the GE Vscan Air
Is the GE Vscan Air FDA-cleared?
Yes. The Vscan Air is FDA-cleared under 510(k). K202035, decided November 20, 2020, was the Vscan Air CL's first clearance; K231301, decided August 15, 2023, was the Vscan Air SL's; and K250087 was decided May 1, 2025.
Two parts of its Caption AI software, Caption Guidance (K201992) and Caption Interpretation AutoEF (K210747), are cleared separately.
What is the difference between the Vscan Air CL and Vscan Air SL?
Both carry the same linear array at the shallow-scanning end. The Vscan Air CL has a curved array at its other end, for abdominal imaging and obstetric assessments; the Vscan Air SL has a sector array with XDclear, for rapid cardiac assessments and adult transcranial Doppler.
Caption AI cardiac guidance and AutoEF run on the SL only, while the automatic bladder caliper placement works with the CL. The CL weighs 205 ± 3 g and the SL 218 ± 3 g.
Does the Vscan Air need an internet connection to scan?
No. The probe links to the phone or tablet over Wi-Fi Direct on Android or an access point on iOS, with Bluetooth Low Energy for pairing, so no internet connection is needed to scan.
The app does check in with GE's product registration server: after more than 70 days inactive or offline it shows a reactivation warning, and after more than 110 days it is deactivated until it is used while connected to the internet.
Can one Vscan Air probe be used with more than one phone or tablet?
Yes. A probe can be paired with any number of display devices, but it connects to only one at a time while scanning or reviewing.
Can the Vscan Air be used in an ambulance?
Yes. It can be used in emergency medical services settings, including road and air ambulances, under IEC 60601-1-12, EN 1789 and EN 13718. The probes are not certified for being mounted, fixed or charged inside a road or air ambulance.