We get a great deal of questions when it comes to our clients asking, “Should I repair this medical instrument, or simply replace it?”

The answer isn’t always so simple. Here’s what we find in most cases. A great deal of facilities have an “equipment maintenance and care” program in use to ensure certain protocols are followed concerning the handling, usage and processing of instruments. Smaller institutions and clinics do not tend to have the same stringent policy regarding care and use.

We recommend that all clinics and sites implement an action plan such as the 10 Tips listed below:

1. Start off by buying exceptional quality instruments. Stay away from cheap quality, it won’t last and it can’t be as easily repaired. There really is a “you get what you pay for” approach to instrument and equipment purchases. Ask for referrals and recommendations – we can help by letting you know what items we see that consistently exceed quality checks, and those that fall short
2. Not all instrument types are created equal. Different manufacturers may offer different methods and instructions to use. Always pay attention to each instruction set from each manufacturer.
3. Ask your instrument and equipment manufacturers to clearly define an expected maximum life-expectancy in normal use. Don’t be afraid to ask them how the maintenance should be performed, and how often to maximize this timeline. Clearly communicate this with all staff members to ensure proper care.
4. Plan and budget to include maintenance as part of operations. The longer life you can get from each instrument gives you an overall lower cost of ownership/operation – saving tremendous cost on premature replacement.
5. Never compare the cost of a new instrument to that of a repaired, higher-quality instrument. Consistent patterns show that a higher quality instrument will offer less overall cost when maintained properly, versus replacing with substandard instruments purchased as new.
6. Ensure all staff maintains each and every piece of equipment. Mishandling and improper care in between use and repair can cause early failure. We find that a good portion of repair issues can be averted with proper training of staff on how to handle and care for surgical instruments.
7. Keep a record of all equipment purchase manufacturers, vendors, dates and the warranty period. This is easy to do with a spreadsheet or database, depending on how many tracked items you must maintain. Another reason is to simply ensure you don’t pay for unnecessary repairs.
8. Know the difference between reputable repair companies and repair brokers. A broker simply picks up your instruments and locates the repair shop that will get him the best profit margins. This can give you highly mixed results in quality and durabulity. Find a firm you can trust, that represents itself locally so you can always reach them in a pinch.
9. Be clear that when a reputable surgical repair company advises replacement, it is because they know the difference between a working instrument, and that of a failing instrument. It could mean the structural integrity of the unit has been compromised and is no longer safe to use.

Always play it safe. Be prepared and know what can happen.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Give us a call to find out how we can help you: (909) 982-3477