» Archive for January 2012

Upgrading Hospital Medical Equipment Can Prevent Electromagnetic Interference

Wireless technology is more prevalent today in hospitals than it ever was before and hospital personnel are quickly realizing that electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency (RF) can adversely affect various types of medical equipment that is commonly utilized in hospitals and increase the hospital’s liability. Therefore, wireless communication devices, that are routinely used in hospitals, such as Bluetooth, laptop computers, tablets, pagers, cell phones, and two-way radios have become a valid concern in the medical field due to the fact that they can pose many problems, including misdiagnosis, which inevitably leads to improper treatment and can cause patient injury.

In the early stages of wireless technology, cell phones were the primary concern of interference with specific types of medical equipment. Initially, cellular phones were operated on an analog system which used extensive radio frequency outputs. This system caused certain types of medical equipment, such as cardiac pacemakers, anesthesia equipment, and electric wheelchairs to be extremely vulnerable to interference. When wireless technology was relatively new and not commonly used in medical equipment, this particular issue was easily resolved by asking visitors and staff to refrain from cell phone use while they were in the hospital.

However, today, with the widespread use of portable medical equipment devices that are being used to treat patients, it is more difficult to avoid some type of interference. Consequently, technology is continuously evolving to design standards for medical equipment that incorporate more advanced systems that will ultimately provide intense protection from electromagnetic fields. A common solution to the problem is to shield certain devices in plastic or metal boxes and paint them with a protective coating. In addition to shielding, other typical RF immunization strategies include the grounding and filtering of devices.

The American Medical Association (AMA) strongly recommends that medical treatment facilities replace older medical equipment with newer medical equipment since the older devices were constructed with a type of shielding that operates inadequately when exposed to EMI. Fortunately, these techniques are both beneficial and cost effective when they are incorporated into the initial manufacturing of the medical equipment.

Technorati Tags: Medical Equipment, medical supplies, Used Medical Equipment, used medical supplies

Economic Hardships Causing Rise in Used Medical Equipment Demand

Used medical equipment sales are skyrocketing in a not so stable economy. Many medical professionals are finding that they have perfectly good working equipment that they no longer have any use for in their places of business. In some cases, when a doctor retires his or her practice, it is sold to another doctor who just takes over the office and utilizes the equipment that is already in place. However, if the practice closes, selling their gently used medical equipment is a practical idea. Since hospitals frequently update their equipment, they are also often in a position that they need to unload items that are in good working condition.

New medical equipment typically comes with a hefty price tag. Medical establishments with larger budgets are accustomed to these costs and incur few problems making them fit into their budgets. However, in small clinics and other facilities where budgets are squeezed tighter, purchasing used medical equipment is a wonderful alternative since it can be purchased for a fraction of what new equipment costs.

Used medical equipment is safe to buy from a reputable online dealer. Their professional representatives will gladly answer any questions or concerns you may have about your purchase and will provide you with warranty guarantee information and any maintenance records or testing results that are available for the merchandise that you are purchasing. Occasionally, buyers will be able to purchase new equipment that was simply overstocked for the same discounted price as used equipment. Buyers should always research products and compare prices to find the best deals. Used medical equipment can sell for as low as 50% off new equipment costs. Item prices can fluctuate, so buyers should check the website frequently to ensure that they are getting the most accurate information.

Technorati Tags: Medical Equipment, medical supplies, Used Medical Equipment, used medical supplies