Whether you have a SPECT, SPECT/ CT, PET or PET/CT, they all require a certain amount of upkeep in order to get the most life out of them. Three experts shared their tips with DOTmed HealthCare Business News on how to do just that.

• Full service contracts. “Those who don’t have full service contracts will tend to let little things go,” said Grant Norris of Associated Imaging Services Inc. “Those little things can turn into bigger, more expensive service calls that can shorten the life of your equipment.”



• Good service people. “If your service person cannot fix all the problems or diagnose them, then the people using the equipment do not feel comfortable,” said Daniel Gasparovich of DEG CORP.



• Appropriate power protection. “Our belief is that, in all instances, imaging devices should have appropriate power protection,” said Kenneth Smith of BC Technical Inc. “We believe this is key to system reliability and customer satisfaction.” Power issues such as surges, sags, brownouts, spikes and noise all impact the system’s performance and reliability. Even though power spikes and surges do unseen damage to electronic components and they might not fail immediately — they are still weakened and their lifecycle is shortened, said Smith.