Medical imaging plays a crucial role in modern healthcare. It is almost impossible to diagnose and treat most health conditions appropriately without state-of-the-art imaging equipment. High-tech imaging equipment requires advanced electronics, mechanical engineering, and functional design. It is a very active research sector. Decade by decade, technological progress offers considerable improvement in terms of quality and security, both for diagnostic and therapeutic imaging. When it comes to the efficiency of an X-ray machine, parts and maintenance of the equipment play a vital role in smooth functioning.
Besides providing a fast and accurate diagnosis, advances in radiology equipment offer new and previously non-existing options for treatment guidance with relatively low morbidity, resulting in improved health outcomes and quality of life for patients. This article will discuss the life span of your X-ray equipment and other aspects to consider for equipment renewal.
Efficient working of X-ray machine parts requires timely repair services. 1904 HTM can help you maintain your X-ray machine with cost-effective solutions. Call today for a free consultation.
Evolution in medical imaging
Interestingly, innovation in imaging technology leads to better images while also improving security. CT cardiac imaging is a classic example of how technology is evolving to reduce radiation exposure levels while improving lesion visibility; the latest technology provides 10–30% of the radiation exposure levels of systems that were used 5 years ago. Therefore, even though newer technology is being used more, it will result in a reduced overall radiation exposure to the patients and the medical community – but only if the X-ray machine parts are up to date and the system is in good repair.
Life span of your X-ray machine
Radiological equipment, including X-ray machine parts and C-arm parts, have a limited lifespan, resulting in unavoidable breakdown and deterioration of image quality, rendering the equipment outdated after a specific period. Utilization and maintenance also affect the condition of the equipment. The high risk of failure and breakdown with older equipment may cause delays in crucial diagnosis and treatment.
Technical or functional obsolescence might deteriorate the functionality of radiology equipment. Older equipment can pose safety issues for both the patient and the medical staff. As opposed to new equipment, older equipment has higher operating costs, and maintenance can be impossible if there are no spare parts available. With 1904 HTM by your side, the preventive maintenance services provided to your equipment will not only extend its life span but also provide better care and feedback to your patients.
Other aspects to consider
The age profile of X-ray machine parts and other radiology equipment hardware is not the only factor impacting the viability of these machines. Technological advances render some equipment obsolete or require software and hardware upgrades to keep the existing equipment in the state-of-the-art or simply functional for a while. However, upgrades and repairs are no longer effective after a certain age.
Therefore, equipment becomes progressively under-used and discarded, serving at best as a source for spare parts. Another limit of old equipment is its inability to be included in an up-to-date communicating environment which requires a performing electronic infrastructure.
Economic considerations
In the USA, modern healthcare is very competitive, and patients and healthcare authorities are demanding the best for the patient. The use of state-of-the-art imaging technologies can only achieve this. However, imaging equipment can be costly to install and maintain. Constrained healthcare budgets create dilemmas in almost all countries, but especially practices in the USA vary widely regarding the renewal of X-ray machine parts and other radiological equipment.
Equipment renewal
Renewal of X-ray machine parts and other equipment relies on a combination of multiple criteria: age, breakdowns and availability rate, operational costs, repair possibilities, the medical benefit of the technology, functionality as regards the clinical requirements, image quality, safety (radiation), risk of claims, regulatory obligations, equipment efficiency (ergonomics, patient throughput), strategic factors such as attractiveness for the employees and patients.
Users should collect precise information on equipment malfunctions (number of hours of partial or total failure) and estimate the consequences (reducing appointment times, underemployment of human resources). Furthermore, when the quality of an X-ray image is low, the radiologist is forced to increase the dose of radiation to obtain a clear image, a strategy which can adversely affect the patients’ health. One of the most important reasons to get your X-ray machine parts renewed and the instrument repaired and maintained regularly is this safety concern.
Experts recommended equipment maintenance strategy
It is essential for every healthcare facility or authority to have a medical imaging equipment upgrade or renewal plan. These plans should be reviewed at least every 5 years. Research has shown that the lifespan of medical equipment will be prolonged by up to 50% if it is not utilized often compared with institutions with high utilization rates of the equipment. Also, if maintenance is neglected, equipment lifetime will be shortened by up to 50%. Another consideration is the changes in medical practice which will affect the need for some types of imaging.
1904 HTM strongly promotes the use of up-to-date equipment to improve quality and safety in medical imaging. Most experts agree that equipment that is up to 5 years old is still considered state-of-the-art. It is still safe to use equipment that is between 6 and 10 years old when adequately maintained. However, a replacement strategy has to be developed. If the equipment is older than 10 years, it is not accepted as latest equipment, and replacement is essential.
Extending the life of your X-ray machine parts
1904 HTM stands ready to serve the healthcare community with our expert service and repair for medical imaging equipment in the Puget Sound area, including Portland, Seattle, and Tacoma. Our highly qualified technicians have over 50 years of combined experience. We understand the importance of having reliable equipment, and we are here to help you keep your imaging system up and running. Whether you need routine maintenance or a major repair, our team is equipped to handle the job. We also offer preventative maintenance programs to help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Contact us today to learn more about how we can partner with you to ensure the longevity of your medical imaging system.