There is a huge difference between getting an ultrasound probe working again and getting it back to OEM form, fit and function.
Probe repairs you can depend on to perform and last for years are those that adhere to the following four steps. While these may seem obvious for quality outcomes, these steps are not standard across repair providers. When choosing partners for probe repair, it is important to ask how they execute each of these protocols. Not only are these four steps important for performance, they are critical to helping you save money by avoiding frequent and costly repairs.
Four Steps to Sustainability and ROI:
- Benchmarking: Each component on each probe model has been carefully selected by OEM engineers and all probes of like model should perform within specific ranges. Innovatus Imaging invests in researching and testing functions, components and outputs of new probes to characterize each model. Findings are used to identify the best processes for returning a probe back to the performance level it was originally intended to achieve, and ensure the device is safe and effective. We call this Gold Standard Testing.
- Holistic Approach: As tempting as it is to go with the “quick fix” promise, you may be trading a small amount of time for a bigger headache down the road, as short-cuts may be only addressing the failure at hand or may render the probe unrepairable on its next service event. Short-cuts and quick fixes can often lead to latent, secondary failures as parts not inspected during the initial repair may fail. Our approach, examining performance as a whole and addressing all points of interest, helps to ensure a lower cost of ownership over the probe’s lifetime.
- Quality Replacement Parts: When harvested vs. new or specialty-built parts are used in a repair, you may end up with a short-term fix vs. a long-term solution. Many harvested parts, such as cables, may have been repaired multiple times or spliced making them unstable. Our approach involves utilizing new parts to insure longevity similar to the OEM. Any harvested parts undergo a rigorous qualification process to insure consistent performance and longevity prior to placement into finished goods inventory.
- Chemical Testing and Biocompatibility: OEM’s spend considerable time and money ensuring their materials can withstand exposure to harsh chemicals and environments with minimal deterioration and no irritation effects to the patient. You should expect the same from materials and chemicals used during a repair. The materials used in our repairs have undergone similar testing used by the OEM and have been certified ISO-10993 compliant.
At times like now, the pressure is especially high to save money and deal with the outcomes later. Yet choosing providers strictly on who offers the lowest price can often cost a lot more in the long term. Like any decision involving choices for long-term impact, create your own checklist of criteria which partners should meet. One of these is the length of time that repairs last. Our warranty period on ALL standard probe repairs is 12-months and 6-months on all specialty probes
If you are finding that your probes end up back in the repair shop sooner than expected, maybe it’s time to evaluate the relationship with your current repair provider and start looking at other partners with a track record for sustainable high-performance. Consider reaching out to other facilities to see who they use and how long their repairs last so you can make informed decisions that will actually extend the life of your devices.
Innovatus Imaging has a track record for sustainability backed by a vast inventory of loaners covering hundreds of makes and models. Our experience covers more than 30 years of proven practices for repairing more than 150,000 probes.