The pitfalls of untested ultrasound parts and how to avoid them

Medical online marketplaces including DotMed.com, MedWow.com, MedicalEquipmentFinders.com and LabX.com, are flocked by medical professionals, engineers and healthcare technology technicians for affordable medical parts or equipment. Although there is a strong surplus of medical equipment listings online, it is hard to determine which sellers disclose the conditions of their medical equipment, in this case, ultrasound parts.

Small sellers market untested parts for a reason

Small sellers harvest these ultrasound parts from the few used systems in their warehouse once orders for specific parts come in. These sellers “source” these parts by mass email to the 400 or more companies comprised of dealers, brokers and companies.

Ultrasound companies also use this method when they don’t have a part in stock by asking buyers if they would allow the company to source limited parts. These parts get reconditioned to manufacturer specifications, leaving the buyer with functioning factory-grade quality parts and probes.

Major ultrasound parts companies have invested millions of dollars in test beds for testing ultrasound parts. Since small sellers do not have the financial resources to make the investment, these people buy the parts at low prices and sell at a price lower than what everyone who reconditions their parts, charge.

Buying untested ultrasound parts is potentially dangerous

1. Untested ultrasound parts often translate to defective equipment.
2. Studies have shown that an untested harvested part ends up costing more than three times the cost of the original part so it make sense to get the best part the first time.
3. When buying from unknown sources where you are buying on price, you do not fully understand the processes they put the part through.
4. Untested ultrasound parts can lead to ultrasound system failure and even fires, observed in three cases during the past five years.

With the gravity of these risks involved, finding the right people for the job is crucial. It is still the best decision to consult with certified ultrasound parts providers for guaranteed high maximum equipment up times. Though there are a lot of online sellers out there, relying on these ultrasound experts for your specific ultrasound needs can greatly avoid the pitfalls of untested ultrasound parts.

This article will be continued in next month’s TechNation Ultrasound Expert issue, focusing on what to watch out for when searching for ultrasound parts sellers online. To get your free subscription to TechNation click here.