DOTmed Industry Sector Report: Injectors (CT, MR, Special Procedure)

by Keith Loria, Reporter | November 05, 2009

Leaks can also develop in a syringe and contrast will then find its way into the system internals.

Servicing

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The preventive maintenance of contrast media injectors is typically conducted on an annual basis to allow for performance assurance to confirm that the equipment is operating per specifications and to identify and resolve any conditions that might later pose a risk of shock or other safety hazard.

"Our preventive maintenance inspection procedures are extensive and are designed to ensure the contrast injector meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications," says Scofield. "This includes operation and physical inspection, pressure, flow, volume delivery and cables. Unlike most manufacturer service offerings, suspension systems (AKA OCS ARM) are included with our fee."

Final Thoughts

Contrast media is being treated more like a pharmaceutical drug than ever before and documentation is becoming more critical on how much contrast a patient should receive. Companies are creating products with that in mind.

"MEDRAD launched Connect.PACS (part of the Certegra Informatics Platform), which allows you to automatically import into PACS the injection profile," Farrell says. "Previously, the doctor received an image and when they did dictations, they had to rely on the notes from technician. Now, it's automatically imported from the injector, so it offers huge efficiency gains and accuracy."

Lately, we have seen the OEMs move towards software calibration, which requires systems needing an interface when it comes to maintenance. That takes away from the end user performing some service on the systems. Potential problems that could develop include computer-related issues such as power surges or contrast infiltration into the electronic system.

All these efforts continue to inject new life into a market segment that keeps flowing.