I have an ultrasound that we bought on eBay when my wife was pregnant.
The reason more individuals don't own them is that it's illegal! No company that makes ultrasound machines will sell them to a non-doctor, because of some kind of regulations. I believe they don't want people to think they can diagnose themselves when it actually takes a doctor. Whatever the reason, that's why more people don't own sub-$10k ultrasound machines, and omitting that fact to make the story one purely about the march of technological progress is poor journalism.
> I believe they don't want people to think they can diagnose themselves when it actually takes a doctor.
That is not the only reason. Long-term effects of ultrasound are unknown. Short-term effects are increases in temperature of the tissue being scanned. Improper use can lead to harm.
Not saying they should be illegal to own or purchase by consumers, but you really shouldn't be scanning things for shits and giggles. Remember, not that long ago, x-rays were considered routine and harmless.
Another danger is that, if these became popular in places like India and China, it could lead to the abortion of female fetuses in numbers greater than what is already taking place. It's illegal for pregnant women to get ultrasounds in these countries already.
The reason more individuals don't own them is that it's illegal! No company that makes ultrasound machines will sell them to a non-doctor, because of some kind of regulations. I believe they don't want people to think they can diagnose themselves when it actually takes a doctor. Whatever the reason, that's why more people don't own sub-$10k ultrasound machines, and omitting that fact to make the story one purely about the march of technological progress is poor journalism.