From the November 2021 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Flat-panel digital detectors
Customers considering the purchase of a flat-panel detector (FPD) as part of a new system purchase or upgrade are often concerned about image quality, flexibility, and dose rate. Cesium iodide (CsI) detectors are the most popular option, as they provide better image quality with lower dose. For customers with limited budgets, gadolinium oxysulfide (Gadox) detectors are a more budget friendly option that can still provide quality images at a lower price. Vendor neutral panels are also a popular choice, as they can be used with most other vendors’ DR equipment, allowing for detector sharing within the department. FPD vendors offer a wide variety of sizes and software options to meet the needs of every facility.
Dealers
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Third-party dealers also offer a wide-ranging selection of DR equipment from high-end to more economic value-based systems. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEM) partner with dealer channels to sell and promote their DR portfolios. Dealers also offer low-cost configurable DR system options for a variety of applications. In addition to selling equipment, many dealers offer maintenance options for both OEM and third-party equipment coverage.
Secondary market
The secondary market is also a good choice for facilities wanting to upgrade to newer technology on a budget. OEM vendors offer demo, used, and refurbished units that can offer the same technology at a lower cost. Vendors specializing in the secondary market can also help facilities dispose of trade-in models and can typically offer a high purchase price rather than just a trade-in with the OEM vendor. This is something that should be considered when a trade-in system is involved.
Maintenance
An important but sometimes overlooked consideration when purchasing a DR system is the maintenance agreement. Glassware and detectors are typically very reliable and do not often fail, but they are expensive to replace. symplr recommends full-service agreements on radiographic systems with both tube and detector coverage including accident drop protection. At the very least, we recommend each vendor should provide upfront pricing and lock in the replacement costs over the term of the service agreement, should these components fail.
About the author: Julie Johnson is R&A senior advisor for symplr.
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