You know that
repairing a malfunctioning MRI machine is cheaper than buying a new one
altogether. However, you could face having to replace it sooner than later if
you fail to buy high-quality replacement parts for it. Before you make your
purchase, you should use these tips to ensure you get the best Toshiba
replacement parts that will help your MRI machine last longer.
Research the Parts Dealer
Given the demand for high-quality machinery replacement parts, it is little
wonder that the market is full of dealers vying for your business. Some of
these parts dealerships, however, do not always have your best interest in
mind.
Before you buy Toshiba MRI replacement parts from any dealership, you should do
your research and make sure that you are doing business with a reputable company. You should look at factors like how long the company has been in
operation, what kinds of new and used parts it sells, and what manufacturers
with which it does business itself. You should also look at prior customers'
reviews if available online and consider what these people have said about
their own experiences when buying parts from the company.
Know the Parts' Appearance, Function, and Longevity
Along with researching the parts dealer with which you intend to do business, you
should also know all that you can about the parts that you need for the repair
or maintenance job. You should know what each part looks like, for example, so
that you know what to look for when shopping online or at a brick and mortar
parts dealership. This basic piece of information ensures that you get what you
need without having to return or exchange the part later.
You also should know what function it performs in the machine. This information
allows you to choose from among varying styles of the part that may be
available and also know if you need a standard model or one that is upgraded
from the part that the machine uses now. You also avoid being taken advantage
of by less scrupulous dealers who may try to sell you parts that you do not
need.
Finally, you should know how long the parts should last so that you can ensure
that any dealership or manufacturer's warranty is sufficient for the purchase.
For example, if you know that a part is designed to last for only five years
but comes with a 10-year warranty, you may avoid purchasing it because you do
not want to pay for a warranty that may be too expensive or impractical for the
part itself.
Alternatively, you do not want to buy a part that should last for a decade or
longer but is only covered by a five-year warranty. When you know how long each
part should last, you have the information you need to make a wise investment
in your MRI machine and ensure that you get a good return on that investment.
Shopping for parts for your MRI machine does not have to be a nerve wracking
process. You can be smart when shopping for replacement parts and guarantee
that you get the most for your money by having a few pieces of information
available to you before you buy. These facts help you save money and protect
your machine's longevity and usefulness.
You already have
several great magnetic resonance imaging machines, but they are all of the more
traditional type. Thinking about adding equipment that makes it possible to
conduct what is known as an open MRI scan is to your benefit and the benefit of
your patients. Here are some things you need to know about this approach and
why it matters.
Understanding the Concept
As a representative from the open MRI service will explain, the equipment works
in a manner similar to other machine designs. The device creates a controlled
magnetic field and relies on radio wave impulses to create images of what is
happening inside a patient. The benefit is that this type of imaging eliminates
the need for any type of invasive approach to determining what’s happening. If
the results do indicate surgery, the imaging results allow the surgeon to plan
the operation more efficiently and know exactly where the incisions need to be
made.
Won’t Closed MRI Equipment Be Enough?
For the majority of your patients, the traditional closed design will work
fine. The reason you want to talk with the representative who can provide open
MRI service suggestions is because you do have patients from time to time who
just can’t endure the closed equipment. For this reason, it pays to have at
least one open machine available.
What Type of Patients Would Need an Open MRI?
There are several medical conditions that would make the use of open MRI
equipment more practical and comfortable for the patient. Since it’s necessary
for the patient to relax and keep movement to a minimum, anything that helps
the individual to stay still will translate to completing the test in a shorter
amount of time. That’s something you and the patient will appreciate.
People with phobias are a prime example. Consider what it would be like for a
patient suffering from claustrophobia to go into a traditional imaging machine.
The emotional distress will be significant, making it almost impossible for the
patient to remain still enough to achieve reasonable results. An open MRI
machine is less likely to trigger distress and boosts the odds for successfully
completing the testing.
Anyone who has ever suffered with an anxiety disorder knows how every sight and
sound can cause the racing mind to go even faster. Many patients report that
sounds seem to magnify somewhat while moving through the closed machinery. That
means even if some type of covering for the eyes helps to minimize the impact
of the lighting, there is still the matter of sounds that tend to amplify and
strike the distressed nerves with a force that is impossible to describe.
An open design eases the stress on an already overworked nervous system and
reduces the chances of a panic attack occurring in the middle of the test.
There are people whose height and build is above the average. Attempting to fit
them through the closed MRI machine may be difficult and maybe even impossible.
Patients whose physical dimensions are larger can be accommodated by the open
design, and the testing will be accurate.
If you’ve never thought about investing in open MRI equipment, now is a good
time to sit down with an expert and go over the benefits of purchasing at least
one unit. After exploring all the possibilities, it will be easy to see why
having more than one machine design on hand will pay off in a big way.
You take the task of
magnetic resonance imaging seriously. After all, the results of the imaging
process have a direct impact on future health treatments for your patients.
That means the data has to be accurate and complete. In order to keep your
machines in top condition, you need to work with the right MRI service
provider. Here are some of the types of support that the ideal service will
provide.
Original Replacement Parts
Access to original components is always a plus. Over time, your machines will
need a new part now and then. Since original replacement parts are in full
compliance with the standards used for the parts currently in your machine, you
know the quality is there. That’s not necessarily the case when components
manufactured by a third party are used. In order to ensure the best results and
protect your clients, the service you choose must have access to an ample
supply of original parts.
Flexible Service Plans
While there is a core group of benefits that everyone in your field wants to
lock in, there may be other types of support that you want included. Someone
else may prefer a different set of services. When the provider offers more than
one type of service plan, that makes it easier to come up with something that
is ideal for your needs. Thanks to this approach, you don’t have to pay for
anything that you think is unnecessary, but you do have the comfort of knowing
your plan covers everything that you consider essential.
Remember that your service plan should include provisions for equipment
tune-ups, discounts on replacement parts, and special rates for any labor
involved. Keep in mind that over the course of a year, the right type of
service plan will save a lot of money.
Inspections and Other Forms of Preventive Maintenance
As part of the support, you will want to think about ways to avoid major
operational issues with your imaging equipment. One way to do that is to secure
some type of plan for preventive maintenance. Working in conjunction with your
service plan, it’s possible to arrange for a complete system inspection on a
recurring schedule.
There’s also the opportunity to lock in a specified number of system checks
during the course of the year. Those checks will not be as exhaustive as the
complete inspections, but they will ensure the major components are checked
regularly. Making use of preventive maintenance means that if a part is showing
signs of wear and is likely to break down soon, you can resolve the matter now.
That can save you a lot of time and money.
Emergency Support
The best MRI service provider will not only show up when an appointment is
scheduled weeks in advance. Emergency services that you can call upon at a
moment’s notice should also be part of the support. Ask what type of turnaround
is involved if a client calls at the start of the business day and reports that
a machine will not activate. How long will it take for a technician to arrive
on the scene? Knowing that the provider responds quickly is important, since
you will already have patients lined up for the day and need to take care of
them sooner rather than later.
Take the task of finding the right MRI service provider seriously. Ask plenty
of questions and listen closely to the responses. In the best case scenario,
you’ll find a provider who will be the ideal partner for many years to come.
A closed cylindrical
MRI scanner provides crisp images in the right situation. There are also
situations when an open MRI system can produce the same or superior images when
a closed system is not a viable option. Whether your facility is purchasing its first MRI scanner or replacing its existing medical imaging equipment, a
Hitachi open MRI can provide several advantages. Here are just five of the many
benefits that an open MRI has to offer over closed scanners.
1. Less Expensive - An open-system
scanner is generally less expensive than a closed-bore scanner because the
design is simpler, cryogen-free and more compact. The engineering, installation
and transportation costs for an open MRI are usually less expensive as well. A
facility can reduce its cost further by purchasing a certified previously owned
MRI scanner instead of buying a new piece of equipment.
2. Lower Maintenance Costs - Another
advantage of open systems is that they typically have lower maintenance costs
because the devices have fixed magnets. Closed scanners often require
considerable routine maintenance and service, such as monitoring and filling
the cryogen system, replacing the cold head and maintaining the chiller. As a
result, the maintenance costs associated with an open MRI scanner can be as
much as 50 percent less than a closed MRI scanner.
3. Less Noisy - Open MRI scanners
are quieter than closed scanners. Loud noises generated by a closed system can
make patients uncomfortable. In some cases, the noise can damage hearing, which
means that the patient must wear earplugs to protect their hearing during the
examination. This precaution is not required with an open scanner. Some
patients may have metallic implants from a previous surgical procedure that can
reduce the quality of the image generated by a closed scanner. The lower field
strength of an open MRI scanner produces less distortion. The changing magnetic
fields of a closed MRI can also generate heat within the metal implants as well
as the ink of a tattoo, which may cause patient discomfort. The design and
lower magnetic field strength of an open MRI typically prevents this thermal
effect.
4. Greater Accuracy - The open
design also enables critical body parts to be positioned near the center of the
magnet for greater accuracy. This can eliminate the need to use chemical
contrasting agents. The image is also less likely to be distorted by a
patient’s movement. The configuration of a closed MRI does not necessarily
allow all body parts to be in the best position possible. Some open-system MRI
models offer higher field strength for greater contrast between various types
of body tissue, which can make it easier to provide an accurate diagnosis.
5. Ability to Increase Patient Volume -
An open system can increase patient volume because it can accommodate existing
patients as well as those unable to use a closed scanner. These include
individuals who may become claustrophobic inside a closed MRI and patients who
are too large to fit inside the equipment. The open sides of the scanner enable
the patient to see around the room and receive reassurance from family, friends
and medical staff during the examination. As a result, the open system improves
the patient’s quality of care. Improving patient care and comfort provides the
opportunity to gain more referrals for your medical facility than it previously
received, which increases your visibility. An increase in scan volume can lead
to the organic business growth of your practice.
You take the process
of magnetic resonance imaging seriously, which is why you chose to purchase a
Vantage Titan 1.5T in the first place. When the time comes to replace a worn
component, the smart thing to do is invest in original Toshiba Vantage parts.
Here are some of the advantages that you will enjoy courtesy of your investment
in those original components.
The Parts Meet the Standards
When your Toshiba MRI equipment was manufactured, each part was constructed to
meet specific quality requirements. That’s why the machine works so well for
you and your patients. The attention to detail and function make it possible
for you to provide images that are clear, concise, and provide the information
that your patients and their physicians need to move forward with treatments.
While many third-party manufacturers will base their operations off those
original standards, not all of them will take the steps necessary to ensure the
end product possesses the same quality. They may use materials that are close
to, but not quite as good as those used for the originals. On the back end,
they may not employ the same stringent methods used by the original
manufacturer to guarantee quality. Your best bet is to stick with original
parts and avoid the risks that come with using unproven components.
You Save Money
The thing about off-brand replacement parts is that you may or may not save
money in the long run. Presumably, your rationale for trying a third-party
component was because it was priced around half of the cost of an original
part. There’s no doubt you save money on the front end, but those savings
evaporate when you end up having to replace that inferior part due to poor
quality or a breakdown over the next year. If you have ponied up the cash for
the original part, you get more years of reliable use and end up saving money.
You Have Superior Warranty Protections
You already know that the warranties on your original Toshiba parts provide a
wide range of protections. Can the same be said about parts obtained from
another producer? Not every manufacturer will offer you the same range of
benefits that you get with the original parts. That can translate into more
events that are not covered under the warranty terms and conditions. If you had
stuck with original replacement parts, getting a replacement quickly and not
having to pay another cent would be the more likely scenario.
Your Reputation Remains Positive
The reputation of your business is only as good as the results produced for
your patients. What do you think would happen if a physician administered
treatments based on the results of the images provided by your office and they
were flawed in some manner? Depending on what details those images failed to
yield, those treatments could harm the patient.
After a few flubs of this nature, you can expect physicians to start sending
patients to other imaging services. That once crowded schedule will dwindle to
the point that you wonder if anyone will be coming your way today. Along with
making sure your staff is fully competent, you must keep your imaging devices
in the best possible condition. That means investing in original replacement parts.
Don’t take chances when it comes to the quality of those images. Stick with
original Toshiba parts for your MRI equipment and you can’t go wrong.
