"All we do is train biomedical service engineers, OEMs or third-party technicians on the different models of contrast injectors," says Maull. "We offer extensive service training."

Instruction begins with a history of contrast injectors, what they are and how they operate. Then the class will split up and spend a day working on one particular model of injector, doing a total operational inspection and a complete PM and calibration. The next day they will switch to a different model.


"All contrast injectors are for the most part the same with the same functions and features," Maull says. "Some will have a few more bells and whistles, but if you know how to operate one, you can mostly operate them all."

Problems Abound

The biggest cause of problems with injectors involves the contrast dripping onto the optical sensors.

"Allowing contrast buildup can lead to a multitude of problems including head replacement," says Scofield. "We counsel our customers on the importance of regular cleaning of their injector. Preventing contrast build up will save $1,000 to $10,000 in annual repairs."

When contrast ends up on the hands of the operators during the course of using the equipment for a clinical procedure, infiltration can occur. Manufacturers recommend replacing circuit boards rather than attempting a cleanup when the contrast media is found to be crusted, caked on and built-up.

"If optical sensors have been doused with contrast, infiltration can create problems. The most important thing that our customers can do on a daily basis is keep them contrast free and keeping them clean because when that contrast dries out, it is the stickiest stuff on Earth and it will bind up anything and everything," says Mangione. "They should take care of their injector because it's an expensive piece of equipment. We have seen what people can do to these machines and it never ceases to amaze me."

He also mentions that a lot of the machines are very static-sensitive. This means touch panels coupled with static discharge can create problems with the units. Other issues include motor problems, such as bearings going bad and interconnect cable problems.

Since the injector head is constantly being moved, cables and connections often get loose or break. Another common problem is found with syringe heaters-these dangle from the injector head, which pull at the connections.

You also see problems dealing with pressure. "During an injection, you don't want to create too much pressure in the syringe or injector in tubing inside the patient," says Maull. "One of the things techs will do is select pressure limits. Sometimes the users will set that pressure limit too low and when it hits, an alarm will go off and it will look like something happened to the flow rate. They are typically dealing with user error."

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