Why You Should Consider Replacement Parts for Your MRI Equipment

There’s no doubt that your patients have benefited from the ability to undergo magnetic resonance imaging. While there are other methods like X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds that aid in detecting issues without the need to do exploratory surgery, MRI can provide more information and make it easier to settle on a course of treatment quickly. Given the advantage that the equipment provides for you and your patients, it makes sense to keep the imaging equipment in top condition. Here are some reasons why replacement parts make more sense than buying something brand new.

The Equipment is in Generally Good Condition

While there is a loss of efficiency, it all tracks back to one worn component. Why junk what is otherwise excellent equipment because of the one part? In many cases, replacing the one component will restore the imaging equipment to full efficiency and save your practice a great deal of money. Best of all, the part replacement will take less time than the installation of a new unit. That means a minimum of rescheduling for you and your patients. 

Protecting Your Investment

MRI equipment does constitute a major investment in your practice. While it will certainly pay for itself over time, choosing to have a professional come in and replace things like the cold head when the unit seems to be burning off too much helium extends the live of the machinery. More years of use makes it all the easier to recoup the original investment and begin to really enjoy the returns from that purchase. 

Upgrading is Easier Than You Think

Technology in general continues to evolve. That is certainly true when it comes to imaging equipment. What you may not realize is that even with advances in technology, your older unit can often be enhanced so that it performs at the same level as the new machinery on the market. A professional can let you know what type of enhancements can be done and how they compare with what newer models have to offer. 

The upgrades provide you with the best of both worlds. Along with keeping equipment costs within reason, you are still able to provide the most accurate assessments for your patients. Depending on the nature of the condition under investigation, the accuracy of the test results can make a huge difference in terms of successfully treating the ailment. 

Maintaining the Resale Value

When you do decide to move on to newer imaging equipment, something must be done with the older system. If you’ve made sure the older unit is in top working condition, getting a reasonable price for it allows you to enjoy one last return from the original investment. Your diligence in maintaining the system also means that another healthcare professional will be able to serve more patients in a different setting. 

Remember that the goal of using magnetic resonance equipment is to get answers quickly about what is happening with patients. Choosing to maintain your units and ensure they are in top working condition improves the odds of finding answers to what patients are experiencing, and making it possible to begin treatments sooner rather than later. Don’t take chances by trying to get by with a part that is not in top shape. A professional can help you find the right part, arrange for the repair, and ensure you always get the best possible test results.

In-Office MRI

Adding an MRI machine to your business is a costly investment, which is why it is important to identify which type of machine is right for your office and for your patients. Various practices have different needs based on their clientele, and buying the wrong machine can be a wasted investment rather than a benefit to your practice.

Closed MRI

Since their introduction in 1977, MRI machines enclosed the patient in the chamber to diagnose issues with the internal body structure or diseases that may be present in the patient. While this removes outside interference, it also causes stress for patients who are frightened of or simply unaccustomed to being in tight, enclosed spaces. The trauma resulting from the experience could inhibit patients from repeating the process in the future, thus exposing them to more health risks that could be identified through MRI.

Closed MRIs also posed difficulties with pregnant or severely overweight patients, as their girth may create a tight and uncomfortable fit in the chamber. Because the MRI testing is lengthy and relies heavily on the subject remaining still, children and infants are often sedated. These considerations also must be taken into effect for the well-being of the patient.

Open MRI

The answer for claustrophobic patients came in the 1980s with open MRI scanners. However, due to their openness, they must operate at a lower magnetic field than closed scanners, making their scans inferior to closed MRI scans. The recent introduction of commercial tesla systems has increased the image quality of open MRI scans, making them more attractive.

The benefits of an open MRI far outweigh the costs associated. Not only does its open design relieve claustrophobic patients from feeling encased in a box, it allows anyone accompanying the patient to be readily available to comfort them during the procedure. Open MRIs also have the ability to concentrate on a singular body part that would otherwise be difficult to center on in the closed MRI. Patients also will not experience the loudness associated with closed MRIs because the openness allows for the sound to escape, providing a more comfortable experience for the patient.

Additional Costs

There are potential additional costs to the patient or their insurance provider based on the machine chosen. Patients anticipating a closed MRI may experience higher anxiety that would require the patient to be sedated for the test. However, sedation is not always a guarantee that the patient will be able to relax during the test, and an additional test in an open MRI may be warranted.

Service

Because of their sensitivity, MRI machines need regular maintenance to make sure imaging is calibrated properly. It is important to find a reliable, experienced company to provide quality service that won’t dramatically increase the costs associated with owning an MRI machine. However, it is necessary to keep the machine in good working order to maximize your investment, so regular service is worth the cost.

While cost is always a factor with purchasing anything for the office, some investments are necessary for the enhancement of your business. The benefits of having an MRI machine in the office far outweigh the costs in terms of patient care, immediate results and business progression. With thoughtful consideration, adding an MRI machine to your practice will be well worth the investment.

MRI Repair

Who Do You Call for MRI Repair?

Technology plays a huge role in virtually every facet of modern life, including the health care system. Sophisticated pieces of equipment like magnetic resonance imaging scanners, also known as MRI systems, are used to peer inside the body, offering much-needed insight into what goes on beneath the surface. The information provided by these scanners can pinpoint a health problem, provide guidance for an upcoming procedure or offer peace of mind by showing that all is well, but that information is only useful if it is accurate.

What happens when that technology fails? Who gets the call when an MRI machine breaks down? In that situation, medical facilities turn to medical equipment repair technicians. 

What is a medical equipment repair technician?
A medical equipment repair technician is a skilled professional who installs, calibrates, maintains, upgrades and repairs the complex medical equipment that patients, doctors and hospitals rely on. In 2014, there were some 48,000 people working in this field and earning a median annual salary of $46,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nearly half of all medical equipment repair technicians are employed by companies that supply or service medical technology. Others work for hospitals, health care centers and health stores. One in seven is self-employed. 

How do you become a medical equipment repair technician?
Individuals interested in careers as medical equipment repair technicians should start by taking advanced science and mathematics courses in high school so that they'll have a strong foundation to build on. In college, they'll need to complete an associate degree program in biomedical engineering technology. Earning this degree will involve course work covering topics that include information technology, electronics, science, and human anatomy and physiology. Hand-on lab experience in repairing and maintaining medical equipment will also be part of the program.

Earning a degree is only the first step for people interested in following this career path. Newly minted medical equipment repair technicians must spend months working on each type of medical equipment under the careful eyes of experienced technicians. 

Are there certifications for medical equipment repair technicians?
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation offers several certifications for medical equipment repair technicians who would like to demonstrate their commitment and competency by proving their mastery of the theoretical and practical aspects of their profession. These include the CBET credential for biomedical equipment technicians, the CRES credential for radiology equipment specialists and the CLES credential for laboratory equipment specialists. 

To become certified, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements by completing an appropriate educational program and an accepted period of work experience. In addition, they must pass a comprehensive exam. 

What goes into keeping an MRI system working properly?
Ensuring that an MRI system provides accurate results takes a little work and a lot of training. 
Medical equipment repair technicians might be called on for a variety of service needs, including:

• Installation
• Calibration and magnet shimming
• Tune-ups and maintenance
• Coil repairs and parts replacement
• Troubleshooting and repairs

The public rarely sees medical equipment repair technicians at work. Their role is less visible than that of doctors, nurses and other front-line medical personal, but they are an important part in the health care system. 

Components for Repairs, Replacements, and Upgrades to Medical Equipment

Today's medical facilities utilize equipment like MRIs frequently throughout a typical day. This machinery is used a number of times each day for diagnostic purposes. Medical providers rely on the facilities' MRI machines being safe and operational. 

However, like any machine an MRI can break down and need to be repaired or upgraded before it can be used for patient care. Individuals in charge of such maintenance and repair tasks have access to Toshiba Vantage parts that can be used to restore the MRI's proper function.

Parts Selection and Purchase
People tasked with fixing these high-dollar and complex machines must obtain the correct equipment with which to repair, replace, or upgrade the MRI. They can choose from parts like compressors, power supplies, boards, and other gear. 

When making these repairs or upgrades, it may be important to keep the machine's warranty intact as much as possible. Doing so may require that the technicians making the repairs use the same parts that were originally used in its creation. Finding a part that will be identical to the one that must be replaced can be accomplished by using the component's parts number. The number identifies what kind of part is needed and also how and where it should be installed into the MRI.

Technicians who shop online for the needed components can enter the parts number into search field on Toshiba's website to find the gear that they need. They can also use the company's toll-free number or use the website's social media plug-ins to ask about the part or find out how to obtain it quickly.

Another option that technicians have involves requesting the parts that they need from the manufacturer's website. Toshiba, for example, makes available a request form on its parts website. The form asks for identifying information like the parts number and description. Technicians can also ask for the part's availability and price using this form.


Requesting Technician Services
Hospitals and medical facilities that do not have technicians on staff may have their MRIs repaired or serviced by logging onto Toshiba's website. The website makes it possible for these facilities to request service using the appropriate link at the top of the page. The link allows people to schedule an engineer to come to their location and make the needed repairs and replacements.

Individuals comfortable enough to try their hand at making the needed repairs can be guided in their work with the resources found on the parts' manufacturer's website. Resources like how-to videos are available under the Discover Resources link. The videos reduce the likelihood that the repair personnel will make a costly mistake, thus making it necessary for the facility to buy another MRI machine. 

Online training courses are also available to help technicians learn how to use the parts that they order. Repair personnel may also wish to use these courses from time to time to brush up on their knowledge of how to repair the MRI machines at their place of employment.


MRI equipment is vital to diagnostics and patient care. When these complex machines break down, they can be repaired using Toshiba Vantage parts that can be purchased online. The website has a plethora of resources for locating, ordering, and using these parts correctly.