From the Guidelines

Handheld Doppler devices are generally safe for use at home, but their accuracy and functionality may be limited.

The development of hand-held echocardiography devices has resulted in them being a credible option for echocardiographic diagnosis, including the use of Doppler ultrasound 1.
These devices are substantially cheaper than portable ultrasonography machines, with prices ranging from US $2,000 to US $10,000, making them more accessible for home use 1.
However, hand-held devices have limitations, including minimal manual image optimization capacity, low colour scale, and the absence of spectral Doppler imaging, which can impede accurate diagnosis 1.
The functionality of hand-held devices varies depending on the specific device characteristics, and they require careful validation and further technological refinements before widespread independent use can be recommended 1.

Hand-held devices are capable of producing 2D and color images, and are simple to use by inexperienced staff, but they still require extensive testing and validation 1.
The smallness of the screen on some devices could be a potential barrier to accurate interpretation, but many devices can be used with larger screens, such as tablets, to improve disease detection 1.
Some devices now feature built-in training software, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-guided image acquisition or options to provide real-time teleguidance, which can improve safety and efficacy 1.

From the Research

The safety of handheld Doppler devices for use at home is supported by several studies, which suggest that these devices can be used effectively and safely in various clinical settings 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
A study published in 1999 found that Doppler ultrasound has a remarkable history of safety during standard clinical practice, and the introduction of color and pulsed Doppler modes has not raised significant safety concerns 2.
Another study published in 2019 noted that portable ultrasound devices, including handheld Doppler devices, are effective in the hands of experienced examiners and can be used safely in different clinical settings, as long as patient safety is not compromised 3.
A 2024 study found that handheld Doppler devices can be used reliably by parents to measure systolic blood pressure in young children at home, with results comparable to those obtained by health professionals in a clinical setting 4.
Earlier studies published in 1989 and 1976 also demonstrated the safe and effective use of handheld Doppler devices in emergency department settings and emergency medical services (EMS) care 5, 6.

The safe use of handheld Doppler devices at home requires careful consideration of the benefits and potential risks, as well as adherence to guidelines and safety limits suggested by supervising instances such as WFUMB, ECMUS, ECURS, and AIUM/NEMA 2.
It is essential to ensure that handheld Doppler devices undergo the same decontamination assessment and protocols as standard equipment to maintain patient safety 3.
The reliability of handheld Doppler devices can be enhanced by proper training and technique, as well as by using the devices in conjunction with other diagnostic tools and methods 4, 5, 6.