Top ways to reduce the cost of medical imaging equipment!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: May 31, 2023
Cost of Medical Imaging Equipment

Medical imaging equipment is worth its weight in gold. For healthcare facilities that are thinking of upgrading from film to digital, or having expenses issues in maintaining their existing machinery, a smart strategy will come as a lifesaver on your bill. It is evident that you will enjoy a wealth of benefits from your medical imaging equipment but doing so within your budget is a smart move.

Before we head on to give you some insights on how you can cut down the costs of medical imaging equipment, let’s get acquainted with the yearly costs on which you may be currently spending your hard-earned money.

Where are you spending excessively on your medical imaging equipment?

To have a clear brief on your spending related to the medical imaging equipment, here are some areas listed to get you a checklist of the expenses related to them.

  • Technologist’s fee and time
  • Cost of storing the printed films in a suitable environment
  • The cost involved with film processor
  • Chemical and film purchases
  • Repair and service costs
  • Capital cost and others.

Now that you are aware of the costs involved, you may have a clear view in your mind. Some of the above costs can be eliminated by switching to digital medical imaging equipment. However, other costs like maintenance and service costs, repair costs, and others are still on the list to be dealt with.

So here are the top ways how you can cut down your expenses on medical imaging equipment smartly without compromising its lifespan and working.

Smart ways to cut down cost of medical imaging equipment:

Capital cost

There is always a way to cut back on the capital cost involving medical imaging equipment.

Instead of buying new machinery, you always have an option of replacing it with a used & refurbished medical equipment that comes with almost the same features that you are looking for in your new machinery. These types of machinery utilize a mix of certified equipment and new equipment, balancing the capability and cost-constrained budgets for healthcare facilities.

Another option to lower the capital cost for your medical imaging equipment is by leasing or renting it. With frequent upgrades in the machinery launching every year in the market, buying new equipment is not a wise decision.

Instead, leasing the medical imaging equipment is worthy of consideration. You can choose between the two options based on the patient volume or the workflow to meet your healthcare facility’s demands. It would help you harness a greater return on investment in minimal time.

Pro Tip: Renting may cost you a bit more. It is recommended only for short term needs and low volume situations where making an equipment purchase doesn’t seem justifiable.

Service Cost: Maintenance and repair cost

Repair costs are indirect expenses for any healthcare facility. On the contrary, a maintenance fee is a necessity for medical imaging equipment that keeps it running for many years. Administrative costs like performance monitoring, contract negotiation, management, and others are also to be included in this list.

To summarise, service cost covers the cost of repair and maintenance, including the cost of a service contract that involves time and material costs. These costs are directly affected by pursuing the best practices and manufacturer protocols for your medical imaging equipment.

A robust cost focus is a good start but you need to get a more comprehensive view to yield large and long-term benefits. To do so, you can carry out in-house maintenance programs for your medical imaging machinery. If you are successful in completing the majority of service via in-house engineers, it will save you a lot of money.

However, if this program relies on OEMs and other providers, the maintenance cost can escalate quickly to the point where you may end up paying exponentially more for their program due to additional material and time costs.

Thus, the optimal solution for a healthcare facility is availing an independent service organisation (ISO) service from a qualified provider. It will provide you with a tailored partnership approach along with robust service at low cost.

The best ISO invests in technical training programs for engineers, quality processes and reliable parts supply chains which utilise OEM certified parts. They provide flexibility where the OEM engineer repairs your machinery with the same parts at much lower costs through an ISO.

Agreements

Choose from multi-year and multi-system agreement that will help you grab a great discount on the entire cost. Ensure that the agreements have included only those things that you wish to have for your medical imaging equipment. If you find any coverage option unnecessary, you can ask the provider to remove it from the agreement and can save some bucks from your budget.

Choose the best solution to save cost!

Every hospital and clinic has different requirements that affect the medical imaging equipment cost directly. Determining and implementing the right approach to your machinery can help you reduce the overall cost of your equipment and can provide you with substantial savings for your healthcare facility.

Utilise the above-mentioned ways recommended by experts and save a big chunk of your revenue to go into keeping your medical imaging equipment up and running.

We are pioneers in selling pre-owned and refurbished medical imaging equipment from reputed OEMs like Toshiba, Philips, Siemens, GE, and more. We can guide you to select the best medical equipment for your healthcare facility and also help you to protect your investment and provide options for saving maintenance and service costs on your pre-owned or refurbished medical equipment.

To get further information, please feel free to call us at +1 586 917 0245 or email us at sales@kbdentalconsulting.com.

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Best Tips on Nuclear Camera Maintenance

By | Date posted: | Last updated: May 31, 2023
Nuclear Camera Maintenance

Best Tips on Nuclear Gamma Camera Maintenance

A nuclear gamma camera is used by a physician to determine how much of the heart muscles are deprived of blood. Its physical structure comprises a scintillation crystal, a collimator, and photomultiplier tubes. It is also known as the name of scintillation camera and is used as an imaging device in nuclear medicine.

Nuclear camera requires the utmost attention to maintenance like any other medical imaging equipment. It is done to ensure the patient’s safety from the abrupt malfunctioning or breakdown of the gamma camera. Servicing them will ensure their longer lifespan and will also improve their workability in the long run.

Why is it worth investing in nuclear gamma camera maintenance?

  • Routine maintenance of the nuclear and gamma cameras ensures that it generates the highest possible quality images or the maximum duration in their lifespan.
  • Many issues are often recognized during the maintenance sessions, which are left unattended and cost you a fortune in the future. Equipment check-ups after a certain interval help you save your pocket from that expense.
  • In order to satisfy the accreditation and regulatory requirements of the gamma cameras, a preventative maintenance program comes handy that cannot be sacrificed at any cost.

Now that we are aware of why you can’t cut costs on the maintenance of your expensive nuclear cameras, here’s an expertly curated list of how you can take care of your equipment while using it on an everyday basis.

Expert recommended tips for nuclear gamma camera maintenance

1. Location of the instrument

A nuclear medical unit is greatly affected by the space in which it is placed. You need to take into account some crucial factors like temperature, air pollution, humidity, and background radiation levels so as to ensure the healthy working of your gamma cameras. It is necessary to do so as these factors can cause immense damage to the electronics of the camera.

2. Avoid cracked crystals

The sudden changes in the temperature can affect the crystal in the camera. So, to avoid any mechanical and thermal damage to the crystal, ensure that the camera is always left protected by a collimator.

3. Calibration check

A nuclear gamma camera’s calibration should be checked at least twice a year. While examining, pixel map is also checked and ensure that the uniformity is updated while you replace the collimator.

4. Software update

To ensure that the nuclear camera and processing unit are up to date, it is crucial to check for any security updates in the software of the equipment. It will help you secure your unit from any potential hacking and security breaches.

5. Power check-up

Abrupt power fluctuation can cause damage to the nuclear gamma camera. Ensure that the incoming voltage is allowing an optimum amount of power through the camera. Moreover, if you are using an uninterrupted power supply (UPS), ensure that it works in the case of a power outage.

6. Database check

Image database management should be included in the regular part of maintenance, or say the technologists’ to-do list. Many healthcare facilities often overlook this step and become prey to the serious issues caused by it. So, take a regular backup of your data and remove any of the older studies from the camera unit every month.

It will help you keep your database size manageable, and you would not have to deal with any corrupted information. You can even implement a policy where no exam older than 30 days stays in the system locally. In case you need it in the future, it can be imported from PACS.

7. Clean it good

An expert’s suggestion to ensure that your camera is clean on every day basis is to clean it yourself. Medical facilities and hospitals welcome a lot of patients, and so comes the dust along with it. Dust build up on any equipment can cause performance issues and overheat.

To avoid this, check all the filters, and clean the fans and dust from the camera. Even the aesthetics and equipment that are cleaned on a daily basis are appreciated by physicians, technologists, and even patients.

8. Ensure heat dissipation

Give attention to the excessive noise, which may depict that some part of the equipment needs to be replaced. Make sure that the fans are properly functioning so that the equipment does not get heated up. Filters should be free of dust and debris to ensure that no hindrance is experienced in the working of gamma camera units.

The Takeaway

A preventive maintenance program for a nuclear gamma camera is the most effective way to operate it at its best. It allows you to address the potential issues in the equipment before they impact your everyday practice. It will ensure that your device performs exceptionally and resolves any future damage that gets undetected by the naked eye at first. So, get a top-notch preventive maintenance from the best vendors near you today.

We provide a complete line of pre-owned and refurbished nuclear gamma camera for sale which is completely tested and inspected by an experienced team to bring up to the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications. Get in touch with us to know more.

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Everything you need to know about measures of CT scanner X-ray tube count!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: May 31, 2023
CT Scanner X Ray Tube

The X-ray tube is the lifeblood of a CT scanner. It is what creates the X-ray and is an expensive part of the scanner. It can dig a hole in your pocket in case you have to replace them.

X-ray tubes are measured in MHU (Mega Heat Unit). These are defined by the amount of heat they can endure during the X-ray generation process. To calculate it, here’s a simple formula to get started.

Tube usage = Effect*time

Factcheck: The greater the number of MHU, the more heat the X-ray tube can withstand. And more heat withstanding power implies enhanced examination numbers from the CT scanner.

However, there are several methods to find exact information on how to measure the X-ray tube count of a CT scanner. We are going to discuss them in detail now.

CT Scanner X-ray tube measures

1. Total patients examined

It refers to the total number of patients that have undergone the X-ray test from a particular tube. However, we can’t completely rely on this factor to determine tube usage. It is due to the reason that every CT study is conducted on a different power level or duration of time.

Hence, we include an additional factor to measure the X-ray tube count. It is the specialty of the facility using it. Several questions are put forward along with this factor for a precise count at the end. One of which is the type of studies that are carried out the most at the facility.

For instance: The trauma and sinus studies have a wide difference in the usage of the X-ray tube. It is used the most in trauma studies and the least in sinus studies.

2. Clicks/Counts

This method of measuring X-ray tube count provides you information on the number of exposures that the tune has performed in a given duration of time. However, it doesn’t let you know about the energy consumed in each exposure.

With the clicks, you can calculate the time for which the tube has been used based on the gantry rotation speed.

3. Scan the seconds

In this method of x-ray tube count measurement, the duration of tube exposures is measured. It gives us the time for which the tube has been used. It records the seconds for which the tube was both forward and the patient was being scanned on the other hand.

It has proved to be a more accurate method of measurement as compared to the ones described above. It is a widely used measure for x-ray tube counts. Big manufacturers like Phillips, Siemens, GE, and Toshiba use it for the measurement of x-ray tube count.

Although, this method does not give any value to how much the heat ran through the tube.

4. mAs

Renowned as milliampere seconds, this method of measurement provides data on both the duration of exposures and the power run through the X-ray tube. It is the most accurate method of all.

GE uses it mainly for their CT scan or tubes. It has also helped in predicting the lifetimes of these x-ray tubes. For instance: a 7 MHU Tube can last more than 150 million mAs.

As we have discussed all the possible methods of x-ray tube count, milliampere seconds comes as the best option that ticks all the boxes. However, you need to keep in mind that the tube lifetime is unpredictable. There are several tubes available in the market with high measures that last a lifetime. For example: Phillips MCR tubes.

Conclusion

Every method of x-ray tube count has something to offer you on the table. So, taking a composite of all the numbers will give you a result of what usage a tube has undergone. The combined results along with an understanding of what techniques are commonly being performed on the system, will give you a reasonable timeline for the remainder of your X-ray tube’s life.

Get in touch with an expert

It’s recommended that you talk to an expert assuming you actually feel somewhat wary on the most proficient method to the compute your hardware’s X-beam tube count. They are professionals and can give you a better understanding of how to move forward in the right direction. Since they deal with such machinery regularly, they are well-versed with the ins and out of the measurement of X-ray tube count. They will give you info on the kind of brand machinery you are using, the care it needs, and the best measurement techniques. So, drop any second thoughts and get in touch with the experts who are the best in the fields. It’s better to look for guidance than to make a blunder with little information.

To get further information regarding pre-owned & refurbished CT scanners and x-ray systems, Get in touch with us.

please feel free to call us at +1 586 917 0245 or email us at sales@kbdentalconsulting.com. to buy new, refurbished or pre-owned medical at the best price.

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Top tips to buy right ultrasound machine for your requirements!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: May 31, 2023
buy-ultrasound-machine

It’s important to get your homework done before you move to spend a fortune on something. In this article, we are going to discuss is the ultrasound machine.

Ultrasound machines are devices that project ultrasound waves to measure and acquire images of the blood flow or soft tissues in the human body. Every healthcare facility has a different patient volume for which they use a certain type of ultrasound machine. Apart from patient volume, the location you serve in, the usage, and many other things significantly affect your purchase. Experts recommend including a few things in your checklist before you hit the market to purchase it.

Let’s check them out.

Checklist to buy ultrasound machine:

What’s your budget?

You may already have some numbers decided on your mind, but here are a few things that will make you ponder upon it again.

Have you decided on buying a brand-new ultrasound machine, or are you considering taking a look at the refurbished or pre-owned ultrasound machine ones too? If you are seeking to upgrade technology, then why waste money on a new machine. A refurbished one will save you a lot. A portable ultrasound machine is also an option on the list if you are looking to reach out to patients off-site.

Apart from the purchasing cost, you should consider saving an extra portion for indirect expenses. It includes maintenance, repairs, parts, and other costs that may hit you uninvited.

Lastly, ensure that you buy what fulfills your need. You may come across ample models from basic to high-end ones that may lure you to a great extent. But, stay focussed and get what’s the best for you in your budget.

Does ultrasound machine include the required key features?

Cross-checking the technical specifications in your required ultrasound machine is a must. You can’t compromise on any of it if it’s limiting your work in any way.

There are software and features available in various models of ultrasound machines that are good for enhancing diagnosis ability, some targeting at vascular, speckle reduction imaging, elastography, and likewise. Considering the purpose of your purchase, you can sort out your options.

Many times, a particular model offers a great set of functionalities, but these may not find use at your place. It’s advisable to evaluate your practice’s clinical requirements and focus on purchasing equipment that offers you the best return on investment.

How much are you going to use ultrasound machine?

It is one of the biggest questions of all time to consider before spending. Until and unless you have potential money to make from your investment in the machine, it’s not a wise decision to buy it.

Also, look out how many patients you receive at your facility, who will be operating the ultrasound machine or ultrasound equipment, the number of scans you run in a day, and likewise. It will help you get a list of things to consider, like ultrasound machine models, product features, and so on.

Which brands do you have on the list?

Four major brands offer ultrasound machines in the market. These are Siemens, Canon (formerly Toshiba), GE, and Philips. Some others in the market that you can find popular are Samsung, Sonosite, Esaote, and others.

In the Siemens line of ultrasound machines, the Acuson X-series is best for the basic and mid-range segments. X300, X700, and others are some of the best models to give a check. In the GE ultrasound series, the models are divided as per their applications and are renowned as Voluson, Logiq, and Vivid. In the Philips ultrasound series, the models of the equipment are categorized as per their performance. There are many more that you can explore as per your healthcare needs.

Who is going to operate it?

Considering the ultrasound machine, you are choosing to buy, ensure that you have technicians with the required skills to operate it. While investing in an advanced model of an ultrasound machine, there will be additional training costs that you need to add up to your budget. It is necessary to make sure that your expensive equipment is in the right hands and is taken well care of every day.

Many ultrasound machine providers also offer complimentary training to their customers. You can choose for on-site, off-site, or online training as per your need.

What’s included in the service contracts?

While purchasing your ultrasound machine, check for the manufacturer’s warranty duration as well as the auto-renewal clauses. It may differ for every provider, so have a deeper look into the contract terms, service conditions, and at what cost they are being provided.

Cancellation fees, parts costs, guaranteed response time are some other boxes you would want to check and tick before signing the contract. However, if you feel overwhelmed with all the information in the contract, it’s advisable to seek the advice of an expert.

Tip: Leverage the time before signing the contract to ensure that you are making the most out of it. Because once the contract is signed, you will lose your negotiating leverage.

Conclusion

Healthcare equipment purchase digs a hole in the pocket of every buyer. However, it can be made worthy, if you have all the right questions on your list. With all said above, you can drop the stress and move on to make an investment that will yield profits only. If you are willing to seek our experts support, we will help you assist with the professional knowledge and skill set that we have earned over the years.

KB Consulting provides a full line of ultrasound machines for sale. Get in touch with us to buy ultrasound machine at the best price.

To get further information on availability, price, specification, and condition, please feel free to call us at +1 586 917 0245 or email us at sales@kbdentalconsulting.com.

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