These tips first appeared in the August 2012 issue of DOTmed Business News

Lasers cost thousands of dollars and should be cared for like any other expensive piece of medical equipment. We asked some industry experts to give us their advice on proper service and maintenance to keep these devices in tip-top shape.

Here’s what Dan Herbert of Laser Concepts, Thomas Merolla of Phase 2 Laser, and Scott Buckler of Laser Repair Network had to say:

• Make sure to properly clean your hand piece and have preventive maintenance performed at least once a year.

• Use a service company that owns test systems. Also, make sure the service person has the right software. A lot of newer product models require software for testing.

• If test units are available, ask for a video of the unit working with the date and serial number of your unit shown.

• Ask for references of service work the service company has done in the past with your particular unit.

• Find out what the service company’s exact turnaround time is for your unit.

• Repair components versus doing full core replacements. This will save money.

• Is the group using OEM parts? Or are they secondary sourced parts?

• Make sure you get a warranty with service work completed. It is important to understand that sometimes after one part is fixed, another part may go bad.

• Make sure you request a service report after the unit is repaired.

• Be gentle while using the hand pieces. Laser and IPL hand pieces are often damaged when dropped or slammed into a counter or wall. This “user error” damage may not be covered under warranty.