The Role of DEXA Scanner (Bone Densitometry) in the Treatment of Osteoporosis and Diagnosis!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: June 1, 2023
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Have you ever wondered, how to know if your bones are weak or brittle and prone to breaking before an actual bone fracture occurs?

Well, the test which can diagnose brittle bones, other bone-related health problems, or skeletal disorders such as Osteoporosis is known as the Bone Density Test. This test is a painless exam that can measure the density of your bones by determining the mineral proportion in your bones i.e. Bone Mineral Density or BMD thus indicating the health of bones. If the bone density is lower than the normal range for your age, it indicates a risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Doctors usually recommend this test and call for a bone density scan to check your risk of fracture, low bone mass, and diagnose Osteoporosis. Bone density test is conducted by Bone Densitometry or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, DXA, or DEXA scanners introduced in 1987. These machines use low levels of X-rays to measure the mineral proportion in your bones and determine the density of your bones. This measurement indicates decreased bone mass helping to access and evaluate the risk and can alert us before a bone fracture occurs. It thus helps doctors, health professionals, physicians, or clinicians to determine the need for treatment based on the bone density test results. DEXA Scans are the established standard method of measuring BMD and are very accurate with precision levels such that chances of error are as low as 1%.

Bone Densitometry test is very effective in figuring out decreasing bone density and is mainly used to diagnose Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, and determine the future fracture risk. It is typically used to measure bone density of the lower arm, spine, and hip bones. Moreover, DEXA scans can measure your body weight in terms of bone, muscle, and fat. Furthermore, these test results can be broken down to individual body parts thus telling you exactly which areas or parts of your body you need to concentrate on to get healthier. With your weighing scale or regular X-rays or a BMI test, it is difficult to determine whether to work on weight loss or bone density improvement or muscle gain but with the DEXA scan, you get detailed reports and know exactly what to work on. So besides telling us on which body part or area to work on, DEXA scans also help us to determine whether to work on burning fats or muscle gaining or improving bone density. Test results of regular DEXA scans can help you track the progress of your work and efforts to get healthier. Apart from predicting fracture risk, determining the rate of bone loss, and deciding on anti-fracture treatments, DEXA scans can also help us get additional information like detection of Visceral Adipose Tissue, VAT. This can help in assessing cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. The DEXA scans can also help in evaluating sarcopenia risks and understanding your muscle symmetry in detail.

DEXA Scanners (Bone Densitometry)

DEXA scanners are very simple, open design machines wherein you lie still and a C-shaped instrument goes up and down scanning. The DEXA machine sends two low radiation dose x-ray beams through the bones which are being tested. These x-ray beams have two energy peaks, one absorbed by the bone and the other by the soft tissue. The difference between the two is the calculated bone mineral density. DEXA scanners are effective instruments with quality control procedures. It is very easy and fast to set up and takes only a few minutes to scan. DEXA scanners are very safe as they use very low levels of X-rays thus exposing you to low radiation dose. Once you get your DEXA scan results, you can set up a diet and health plan accordingly and the subsequent test results help you in effectively monitoring your response to the set treatment.

In conclusion, bone density test or bone densitometry plays a major role in diagnosing and treating Osteoporosis. And, with subsequent DEXA scans, like before and after treatment, you can know if the ongoing treatment is accurate and effective. With bone density test results, one can identify the focus areas for muscle gain, fat loss, and bone strengthening. DEXA scans are used for maintaining overall health by analyzing them and accordingly setting up a fitness routine, planning workout sessions, and fixing up specific nutrition charts and diet plans. We have decades of experience in dealing with bone density screening equipment and to further understand the benefits of a DEXA Scanner, consult with our experts. They will guide you as to how this technology can help people in staying healthy.

We can also customize a mobile coach or van to equip it with bone density screening equipment as per your requirements.

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Safety Precautions to Operate Refurbished MRI Scanner Without Risk

By | Date posted: | Last updated: June 1, 2023
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces detailed scan images of human anatomy and body structures like soft tissues and organs. MRI scanner uses a combination of strong magnets and computers creating a magnetic field and using radio waves to produce detailed scans. These detailed scans of human anatomy help doctor and healthcare professionals around the world to diagnose diseases accurately and monitor the treatment with regular scanning. Owing to this, MRI scans are widely used in hospitals, medical facilities, private clinics, and healthcare organisations. Thus it is imperative to ensure that the medical staff conducting the MRI scanning and the patients are well aware of the safety precautions to be taken during MRI scanning. Be it a new MRI scanner or a pre-owned or refurbished MRI scanner, following the safety guidelines and taking precautions will protect them from the bio-effects and other risks during operating an MRI scanner. MRI safety preventive measures include knowing when is it appropriate to conduct an MRI scan, precautions to be taken in an MRI suite, and the knowhow of safety zones in an MRI suite.

To begin with, let’s discuss MRI Zones. In its 2007 “Guidance Document for Safe MRI Practices” ACR, American College of Radiology suggests a four-zone model. In this model, the area around the MRI scanner is divided into four zones as given below:

Zone I – This includes areas that can be freely accessed by the general public where there is no hazard caused by the magnetic field.

Zone II – This zone id demarcated for screening patients and objects before entering the MRI scanner. it can include the reception, the waiting area, the screening room, and the dressing area.

Zone III – This zone houses the MRI control room and can be accessed only by the approved MRI personnel and the patient to undergo MRI scanning. This area can be under potential danger from the magnetic field and should be accessed only under continuous supervision.

Zone IV – This room houses the MRI scanner and it is demarcated as the zone with the highest risk. This room contains a strong magnet that is used for MRI scanning, and entry in this room is only after appropriate screening and under constant supervision.
Each of these zones is defined by its distance from the MRI scanner and entry in these zones should be given only after an adequate physical and clinical screening of the patients, medical personnel, and any equipment being carried inside.

Refurbished MRI scanners

Few guidelines and processes that should be followed around a new or pre-owned and refurbished MRI scanners to avert any risks are as follows:

  • The above-mentioned Zone demarcations should be followed and adhered to meticulously
  • Appropriate physical and clinical screening should be conducted at all stages before entering the MRI scanning room
  • Warning Signs creating awareness about the magnetic field hazards and other relevant warning signs should be displayed across the MRI facility
  • MRI Safety training program should be regularly conducted for the healthcare staff elaborating on the dangers posed by the strong magnets and the risks involved with the magnetic field produced by the MRI scanners. It should also give them detailed guidelines on how to operate an MRI scanner safely and avoid any mishaps.

refurbished or pre-owned MRI scanner

Now let’s look at the most common hazards or risks involved while using a new or refurbished or pre-owned MRI scanner.

1) MRI scanners are very loud and can lead to partial hearing defects. The safety measure requires that a patient should be provided with and instructed on how to use earplugs properly to avoid high acoustic noise levels to avoid potential hearing damage.

2) MRI scanners use strong magnets which can prove very fatal in case of the presence of any metal inside or outside the body. This includes wheelchairs, pacemakers or defibrillators, artificial joints, body implants, an IUD, or any metal devices. The 5 Gauss line defines a perimeter around the MRI scanner in the MRI suite wherein the magnetic fields are higher compared to safe levels for exposure.

3) MRI scanners take long to scan and it can lead to increased temperatures and burns. Burns can be avoided with appropriate padding and preventing the skin-to-skin contact using insulation material.

4) MRI machines can get claustrophobic for certain patients due to their mostly closed type of design. MRI referring physicians should discuss this with the patient before scanning to put them at ease. Pre-owned or refurbished MRI scanners with larger bore sizes and Open MRI systems can reduce claustrophobia.

Besides these, there can sometimes be risks involved with contrasts or anaesthesia used during MRI scanning. The risks vary for different patients and so the MRI personnel must be well trained on safety precautions to operate MRI scanners without risks. Our range of pre-owned and refurbished MRI scanners is top-notch from reputed OEMs like Philips, GE, Toshiba, Siemens, and more. These upgraded and thoroughly inspected pre-owned and refurbished medical equipment come with the safety manual. By following the safety guidelines and by taking adequate precautions, an MRI scanner can be used safely without any risks.

We can assist you with high quality, thoroughly inspected first-class pre-owned medical imaging equipment and technically advanced and upgraded refurbished medical imaging equipment from established brands such as GE, Toshiba, Siemens, and Philips. Let’s get connected and you can explore our wide range of refurbished medical imaging equipment.

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Refurbished MRI Vs CT Scanners: Differences, Benefits, Safety, Risk, Cost and Applications

By | Date posted: | Last updated: June 1, 2023
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MRI Scanners and CT Scanners are both medical imaging equipment used to scan and form images of bones, tissues, or organs within the human body. These images are used to diagnose and treat various conditions. Though both are ultimately used for scanning purposes, there are many differences between MRI scanners and CT scanners. They differ from the methodology of scanning to their benefits, risks involved, costs, and their applications. These are heavy-duty medical scanners and a huge market of pre-owned and refurbished MRI scanners and CT scanners is present across the USA and other countries. Many medical facilities like hospitals, medical institutes and organizations, private clinics, and more are these days moving towards buying refurbished or pre-owned medical imaging equipment. As a healthcare professional, if you are looking at expanding your existing medical set up or planning to start a new facility, we can help you with stepwise guidance in procuring the best suited refurbished or pre-owned medical imaging equipment.

To begin with, in this post, we will discuss the major differences between MRI vs. CT scanners so you can decide on which type of scanner fits better with your current requirement.

An MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine mainly uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of body structures like soft tissues and organs.

A CT, computerized tomography scanner, or CAT, computerized axial tomography scanner uses X-rays from different angles to create multiple cross-sections of the human body which are converted to images using a computer. CT scanners are used to diagnose problems in bones, tissues, and organs.

Refurbished MRI and CT Scanner: Differences & Benefits

Some of the major differences between CT scanners and MRI scanners range from the resolution of the images produced by them to their scan cost.

  • CT scanner produces a very general image of an area of the organ or tissues to be scanned whereas an MRI scanner produces detailed images used for a more accurate diagnosis.
  • CT scanners normally have an open design and can accommodate larger patients vs. the MRI scanner
  • CT scanner takes much less time to scan and produce an image as compared to an MRI scanner. In emergencies, CT scans are used to make quick diagnoses. While the average duration range of a CT scan is between 10 to 15 minutes, MRI scan average duration ranges from 45 minutes to more than an hour.
  • CT scanner is not as loud and noisy as MRI scanner which calls for earphones to reduce the noise
  • CT scans are much more economic and cost almost half when compared to MRI scans

Refurbished MRI Scanner Vs CT Scanner: Safety & Risks

Though there are some risks involved in both, CT scanners and MRI scanners are low-risk medical imaging equipment making them relatively safe to use. Let’s discuss the different types of risks involved in MRI vs. CT scanners:

  • CT scanner exposes patients to radiation which can be harmful. Though it is low radiations, CT scanner can still pose a risk to pregnant women and their unborn babies as radiation increase the risk of birth defects. Patients also might develop a reaction to the dyes used as a contrast to enhance the CT scan images
  • MRI scanner uses strong magnets which can be a risk to use for patients with any metal inside the body like eye implants, artificial joints, a pacemaker in the heart or defibrillators, an IUD, or any other metal devices. Also since MRI scans take more than half an hour, they can lead to an increase in body temperature. An MRI scanner can get claustrophobic due to its closed design. And its loud noise can result in hearing issues.

Cost difference between Refurbished MRI Scanner and CT Scanner

CT scanners and MRI scanners are critical imaging equipment and their cost varies as per their types and other factors.

  • A CT scanner machine costs much lesser as it uses X-rays involving radiations and a computer to generate scan images. A pre-owned CT scanner can cost 50-80% less as compared to a new machine, whereas a refurbished CT scanner can cost 30-40% less compared to a new CT scanner.
  • The cost of an MRI scanner is double as compared to the CT scanner as they use strong magnets to produce scan images of human organs and tissues. However, pre-owned and refurbished MRI scanners can cost 30-80% less without compromising on the scan image quality.

Applications of Refurbished MRI and CT Scanner

  • CT scanner is used for imaging soft tissue structures for lesions, tumors, and metastasis. CT scanner is used for scanning liver, lung tissue, neck & thyroid abnormalities, internal bleeding, head for detecting tumors and hemorrhage, cardiac anatomy, abdominal diseases, body fat, bone fractures, and diagnosis of cancer. With modern technologically advanced refurbished CT scanners, new areas of use are being established.
  • MRI scanners, due to the detailed scan images produced by them, have a wide range of applications in diagnosis as well as follow-up scans during ongoing treatments. MRI scanners are widely used for scanning joints, blood vessels, breasts, heart, the brain, and spinal cord. MRI scans are used to diagnose conditions ranging from torn ligaments to cancer.

In conclusion, both CT scanners and MRI scanners are equally important medical imaging equipment and a doctor is the best person to suggest which scanner should be used pertaining to a certain medical situation or diagnosis to be made. We house a wide range of top-notch modern, upgraded refurbished, and pre-owned medical imaging equipment including CT scanners and MRI scanners from established brands like Siemens, Toshiba, Philips, GE, and more.

Choose the best refurbished medical equipment for your healthcare facility so you can deliver quality medical care to your patients. Get in touch with us and let’s discuss your requirement.

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IRS Section 179 Tax Deduction – Save More On Your Dental Equipment!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: June 1, 2023
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What is IRS Section 179?

Section 179 is the United States Internal Revenue Code (IRC) that allows for an immediate deduction in spending on Business Equipment and Assets. If you purchase qualifying equipment (or lease), you can deduct the full purchase price from your total income under Section 179.

If you are planning to Buy Dental Equipment, then Section 179 helps you to reduce your tax liability and helps you to grab the full benefits of investing in your dental specialty practice

Section 179 Tax Deduction for 2022

The IRS wants YOU to SAVE on Dental Equipment this Year!

Essentially, Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. This deduction is good on new and used equipment, as well as off-the-shelf software. That means that if you buy (or lease) a piece of qualifying equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income. It’s an incentive created by the U.S. government to encourage businesses to buy equipment and invest in themselves.

Annual Deduction Limits of Section 179 for 2022

For 2022, the maximum amount you may elect to deduct is $1,080,000 on qualifying property purchased and placed into service during the 2022 tax year. If your purchases exceed $2.7 million, the deduction amount will be reduced dollar for dollar equal to the amount over $2.7 million.

2022 Section 179 Example Tax Deduction Calculator

Equipment Purchases:
(Assuming a tax bracket of (35%)
$ 1,150,000
Section 179 Deduction: $ 1,080,000.00
Bonus Depreciation Deduction
(100% in 2022):
$ $70,000.00
Normal 1st Year Depreciation: $ 0
Total First Year Deduction: $ 1,150,000.00
Cash Savings on your Purchase: $ 402,500.00

Lowered Cost of Equipment
(after Tax Savings):
$ $747,500.00

Using a $1,150,000 equipment cost for an example calculation shows how taking advantage of the Section 179 Deduction can significantly lower the true cost of the equipment purchased, financed or leased. In above example, $1,150,000 in equipment purchased has a true cost of $747,500.00. That’s $402,500.00 saved.

2022 Section 179 Tax Deduction Calculator

The Section 179 Deduction has a real impact on your equipment costs. Here’s easy to use a calculator that will help you estimate your tax savings. Simply enter in the purchase price of your equipment and/or software, and let the calculator take care of the rest.

In order to qualify for the Section 179 Deduction, the equipment must be purchased, financed or leased equipment and put into service by December 31, 2022!

Please note that this Section 179 Calculator fully reflects the current Section 179 limits and any and all amendments / bonus depreciation.

VIEW 2022 SECTION 179 TAX DEDUCTION CALCULATOR

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