Tag: Oncology Equipment - page 7

Proper Medical Equipment Maintenance

The rate at which hospitals are seeing patients continues to grow each and every year.  In order to continue to compete against one another hospitals must maintain state of the art facilities and equipment.  From simple procedures to complex surgeries, patients expect the highest level of patient care available. Physicians and patients alike rely on medical equipment to be in working order for proper diagnosis and treatment.

In order to maintain a high level of care medical facilities must rely on independent medical service companies for proper equipment maintenance and repair.  With regular checks and balances performed on medical equipment, proper repairs can be made right away allowing for fewer mistakes.  Regularly scheduled equipment maintenance and repairs help save time, money, and lives.

The number one concern of any hospital or equipment manufacturer is patient safety.  As part of a quality control routine, hospitals and medical equipment manufacturers regularly calibrate and test machines.  Strict calibration and testing on medical equipment helps with quality control measures, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans.  This also helps to increase the longevity on medical equipment such as linear accelerators and ct scanners.

Another vital part in making sure medical equipment is running at its peak performance and is producing accurate results is routine maintenance.  Regular machine maintenance guarantees accuracy in patient diagnosis and treatment.  It is crucial to perform medical equipment maintenance routinely and not just when machines break down.  With annual machine calibration services, routine maintenance and timely repairs medical equipment is sure to run at peak levels and yield accurate life saving results.

Medical imaging displays are becoming critical in displaying fast and reliable test results.  The displays must reproduce images properly while displaying subtle differences.  As a display age’s clarity may diminish.  To ensure the accuracy of the grayscale and ensure the highest level in patient care routine medical equipment calibration must be done.  Keeping the gray scale accurate on image displays allows physicians to make accurate diagnosis.  This can be done by performing regularly scheduled maintenance and calibration.

Medical monitor displays are highly important in the medical community.  It is important that they are displaying images appropriately to avoid difficulty in reading images and prevent misdiagnoses.  Medical display systems must be monitored, maintained and calibrated on a regular basis to guarantee uniformity in test results.  Don’t rely on self-calibrating systems as they do not account for overall uniformity.

To be certain nurses and physicians alike are able to treat patients appropriately it is crucial the medical equipment such as linear accelerators and ct scanners go through frequent calibration updates and routine maintenance and repairs.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Safely Delivering Radiation Using Linear Accelerator Equipment

Linac, short for linear accelerator, is a piece of medical equipment used in radiology.  It matches high powered x-ray energy up with the shape of cancerous tumors, destroying the cancerous cells while preserving the healthy tissue surrounding the area.    Using a linear accelerator, oncology radiologists can be sure that a higher does than what has been prescribed is not being delivered to the area.  The machines are frequently checked by medical physicists to ensure proper function.

As a patient needing radiation therapy a treatment plan is developed specifically for you with the support of experts including a radiation oncologist, a radiation dosimetrist and a medical physicist.  Before the treatment begins your oncologist with double a triple check the plan and create a course of action to ensure that the radiation is delivered in the exact same manner each and every time.

LINAC devices are used to provide external beam radiation treatments for cancer patients.  The linear accelerator treats various areas throughout the body.  The concentrated x-ray beams are centered on the tumor in hope that the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor will be spared.  The linear accelerator allows the x-rays to be sent in the shape of the tumor using blocks in the head of the machine or a multi-leaf collimator that is a part of the machine head.

During treatment the patient is positioned on a moveable couch like table.  The patient remains still while the table and linear accelerator is moved into position for optimal treatment of the tumor.  The linear accelerator is operated by a radiation therapist.  This professional is in charge of actually delivering the correct dose of radiation prescribed by the radiation oncologist.

When radiation is delivered the safety of the patient and the therapist is of utmost importance.  In order to ensure that the proper treatment plan is in place it is thoroughly checked by the radiation oncologist, radiation dosimetrist and physicist before the treatments are performed.   Several quality control checks are in place to ensure that the treatment is given as prescribed.

Systems are built directly into the linear accelerator to ensure that a dose higher then what is prescribed is not delivered to the patient.  Checks are preformed daily by the linear accelerator operator, radiation therapist, to make certain the radiation intensity is uniform across the beam and that the machine is in proper working order.  On top of this the radiation physicist performs weekly and monthly checks on the machine.  Modern day LINAC have internal systems that check the machine and do not allow it to be turned on until all of the treatment requirements are met.  Patient and operator safety is of utmost important when radiation distribution is concerned.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Success In Expanding Medical Facilities

Medical facilities are in a constant state of growth.  Centers that continue with the status quo path become stagnant.  It is imperative, for services to continue, that facilities keep up with the changing treatment options technology offers patients.  Refusing to keep pace with changing technology will inevitably cause your medical center to crumble.  In order to thrive and be successful in your endeavors your goal must remain steadfast; you must offer patients an unwavering commitment to the quality of patient care through trained staff and up to date equipment.

As a hospital or clinic continues to increase the services they provide they will most likely encounter the need to purchase large scaled equipment like linear accelerators and ct scanners.  Medical machinery is not mass produced and therefore each piece of equipment will have its own unique set of quirks.  With most facilities purchasing refurbished medical equipment, parts and supplies a review of the machines service history can be quiet telling.  Take a close look into what services have been performed and the frequency of service.

After this step is complete the next step is to analyze how the machine was previously utilized.  In linear accelerators each system has a set number of hours beams can expect to perform.  Reviewing this will allow you to see just how much the equipment has been used therefore allowing you to make certain estimations about its future.

The final step before making any purchase is to perform a physical inspection of the piece of equipment you are looking to purchase.  When performing the inspection you can get a detailed look at the machine.  It is also the time when you can ask questions regarding the systems usage on a daily basis.  This is crucial in learning the machines idiosyncrasies prior to using it in your own facility.

When budgeting for the purchase of a used or refurbished linear accelerator one of the main concerns should be the overall cost of owning and operating the machine.  When a machine is refurbished it is either done so for mechanical and/or cosmetic purposes.  Linear accelerators that have been refurbished operate as good as new LINAC.  Ask the seller for a detailed service report that includes all of the services that were performed before and during the refurbishing process.  Decipher what parts on the equipment have been replaced.  Were they replaced with new or refurbished parts?  Understand the warranty for both the machine and components to determine what you will be responsible for verse what is covered if the machine should fail in the future.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

The Process Of Buying A Linear Accelerator

It takes a great deal of forethought when purchasing any large piece of medical equipment, especially a linear accelerator.  The process of buying medical equipment should be left to an experienced team of experts.  It takes a great deal of planning and commitment to quality in order to ensure the equipment purchased meets your facilities exact needs.

Each of these three elements: an experienced team, commitment to quality and detailed planning all make for successful purchasing of a linear accelerator or other large pieces of medical equipment.  When you begin researching linear accelerators there are a number of things to take into account including: the facilities budget, the actual cost of the equipment, operating costs and the facilities objectives.

Linear accelerators are an essential piece of equipment for a radiation oncology department to successfully treat clients.  This piece of machinery allows for a complete patient treatment plan to be provided. Although necessary the purchase of such large scaled medical equipment can be complex and expensive.  Purchasing used or refurbished LINAC machines over brand new equipment allows medical facilities a more reasonably priced manner in which to accumulate pieces; thus allowing them to continue bringing unparalleled care to their patients.

Your facilities needs and budget will help to define whether you should be looking into new, used or refurbished linear accelerators.  In smaller medical facilities purchasing used or refurbished equipment may offer you the best of both worlds: superb patient care along with profitability.  Refurbished linear accelerators are also a good option for facilities needing LINAC technology at a reasonable cost such as vet clinics, industrial users, research facilities and other non-medical uses.

There are many benefits to purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator for your facility.  It allows you to offer a service that may not have been previously offered which in turn allows your business to grow.  If your facility already offers radiation services, purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator allows you to service more patients and offer a backup in case one of the systems should fail.  It also allows for machines to be maintained and serviced without affecting the patient’s treatment plan.

Independent suppliers and service companies dedicated to selling and servicing refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners are available to facilitate your purchase from start to finish.  They will assist your team of experts in creating a detailed plan considering physical building and room constraints as well as power and plumbing issues.  With your budget and timeline in mind they will help find refurbished equipment that meets your facilities needs.

From finding a machine from a preferred manufacturer, a machine that will meet or exceed your longevity needs, to obtaining equipment without unnecessary accessories and upgrades, the teams at Acceletronics and Radparts will help you find a refurbished linear accelerator or ct scanner that fits your facilities needs.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

 

 

Refurbished Medical Equipment Is A Solid Choice For Your Budget

Medical facilities seeking to purchase top brand name equipment should look to suppliers selling and servicing refurbished medical supplies.  Choosing new or refurbished medical equipment for your facility is n undertaking that should be overseen by an expert task force.  Finding a company to supply and service your medical equipment is quite a task.  Refurbished equipment can be as reliable as brand new medical equipment at a fraction of the cost of the original, name brand piece.

When looking into buying new or refurbished equipment there are a few questions that medical facilities should ask medical equipment suppliers when considering a purchase.  The first thing to discuss is the price difference between new and refurbished medical equipment.  It is also crucial to discuss exactly what the facility needs to avoid purchasing equipment that has a number of features that are not needed.   Speak to referrals to make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable company.  Discuss with the supplier the special needs of purchasing refurbished equipment.

There are sometimes when purchasing refurbished equipment is not necessarily that much of a cost savings to your facility.  Items that are stainless steel, step stools and such just don’t save that much over new.  Purchasing these items new will allow for the same or better life span without forgoing cosmetic or operational pitfalls.  Larger items like linear accelerators, tables to perform operations, monitors and such can offer a significant savings when comparing between the cost of new and refurbished medical equipment and supplies.  Some refurbished medical suppliers can save facilities upwards of fifty percent of buying new.

When buying medical equipment that is new facilities often end up paying for features that are not needed.  Some that is completely useless. What is more important when purchasing medical equipment is that it comes equipped with the features you will need and use.  A reputable supplier of refurbished medical equipment and supplies should have distinct knowledge of what your company is in need of and what fits your medical centers needs.

A reputable company that sells refurbished medical equipment will never try to oversell you.  Well established refurbished medical suppliers are around for reasons other than ripping off medical facilities.  Companies that you will want to work with don’t try to oversell you because they have abundance of a certain unit or because of an increased profit margin. They will sell you equipment based on your facilities needs and desires.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Choosing A Reliable Company To Purchase New and Refurbished Medical Equipment From

Medical facilities that are looking to buy new or refurbished medical equipment are presented with a task that seems quite overwhelming.  To find quality equipment and supplies for your medical practice or hospital it is important to find a reliable company to work with.  A company that will supply new and refurbished equipment while linking with a superior maintenance and repair support center is something all medical facilities look for.

Consider the following questions prior to selecting a company to work with in purchasing new and refurbished medical equipment and supplies.

  • When purchasing equipment and supplies from your company what is the price difference between buying new and refurbished medical equipment?
  • Are there features on the equipment that are not needed that we are paying additional for?
  • How long has your company been doing business with medical facilities? Do you have recent referrals that we can speak with that have bought new and refurbished medical equipment?  What do you offer to your clients that make you a more reputable supplier than other companies in the industry?
  • What is the process that is followed to refurbish medical equipment?

At times it will be a more realistic to buy new medical equipment over refurbished.  Sometimes the price difference will not be enough of a difference to merit purchasing refurbished equipment over new.  Some products like step stools, bed pans and stainless steel supplies don’t save enough in the long run for it to be necessary to consider buying refurbished.  Purchasing these items new will guarantee the cosmetic and operational functions without affecting longevity.

Other times, when purchasing larger pieces of equipment such as operating tables, stretchers, patient monitors and such the savings may be quite significant in purchasing refurbished over new.  The savings have been known to be upwards of fifty percent.  When looking at the overall expense of larger medical equipment like linear accelerators and ct scanners the savings can be quite substantial.

Be wary of purchasing refurbished equipment is paying for features that your facility does not need.  If your facility has a policy against treating patients with a body weight over five hundred pounds then a surgical table rated for a thousand pounds would be useless.  A quality supplier will understand what you need and will not try to sell you a product that does not fit that need.  Suppliers of medical equipment, new and refurbished, are in the business to build relationships not to rip clients off by selling them equipment with features that are unneeded.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

You Don’t Have To Compromise When Choosing Medical Equipment

In order to run a competent medical facility such as a hospital, diagnostic health center or pharmacy you must not only have a solid team of professionals but also top notch medical equipment.  Without the right equipment and staff in position to operate them it is likely that your facility will be bypassed by patients looking for top quality care.

When medical facilities are looking to choose equipment they should never compromise.   A professional team should be established to check into the right parameters and purchase the top equipment and devices that can be purchased within their budget.  Often times a way that this can be done without breaking the facilities budget is with the purchase of refurbished medical equipment.  The choices available within the market should be examined thoroughly.

The difference between life and death can come down to the equipment that a facility chooses to purchase.  Purchasing a quality piece of equipment is something that facilities should never ignore.  The best product is one that often is backed by a top brand name.  Often times the price tag which comes with these top brand name products will break the facilities budget for medical equipment.  What is important is that facilities seek to get the best quality equipment at the best price even if it means purchasing refurbished medical equipment.

It is important to know the supplier in which you are purchasing medical equipment from.  Without a doubt, you should know that you are getting the best equipment at the best price.  Ask the supplier for referrals of clients that are currently using them to supply their equipment.  If you are interested in doing business with the supplier it is important to ensure that they take care of their existing customer base while building upon their business.  The more positive referrals you are given the more likely you are to be convinced that you are making the right decision when it comes to who will supply your medical equipment now and in the future.

The cost of medical equipment will always be a factor in the decision making process.  Suppliers should offer competitive pricing for the quality of equipment being purchased.  The value if your dollar should be equivalent to the value of the equipment you are receiving.  Never compromise on the quality of the medical equipment you purchase, it is crucial in the treatment of your patients and the quality of their care.

Another important factor to consider is the care you will receive after the sale.  The after sales support and service received is of the utmost importance when choosing the right supplier to purchase your medical equipment from.  Complex medical equipment must be serviced properly to increase its longevity.  It is crucial that when choosing a supplier to purchase medical equipment that your medical facility take the above into consideration to ensure the best possible results for your facility.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Treating Cancer With Radiation

Radiation therapy involves using specific energy carried by waves or streams of particles in order to treat numerous types of cancer.  When it involves radiation there are several different levels of energy.  All of us have been exposed to certain low levels of radiation through things like the sun and x-rays.  Higher levels of radiation energy however can be used in the treatment of cancers and other illnesses.  Radiation therapy takes and makes use of these high-energy rays and particles to treat cancer.

By definition cancer is a tumor which consists of an overgrowth of abnormal cells.  As the abnormal cells grow they multiply and begin to divide quickly producing new cancerous tumor cells.  This ability, to multiply and divide without any limits and take over normal cells, makes cancerous cells different.

There are numerous types of cancers.  Each different cancer is unique in how it grows and reacts to treatment.  Radiation therapy is just one type of treatment for cancer.  It helps treat cancer by interfering with the cell’s ability to multiple and divide.  In high doses, radiation, defeats cancer by stopping the growth of further cells and killing the existing cancerous cells.

There are four main approaches to treating cancer including: radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and biological therapy.  No two cancers are alike therefore no two treatments are alike.  Cancers are each unique, research has helped physicians determine the treatment or combination of treatments that is most useful in treatment.  Surgery may be used in combination with radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or biological therapy.  In order to treat cancer or relieve patients from the undesirable symptoms of cancer, like bleeding or pain, radiation therapy is used.

Many types of cancer such as brain tumors, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, rectal cancer, cervix cancer, uterine cancer, lymphoma and sarcoma are all commonly treated using radiation therapy.

There are two different manners in which radiation therapy can be given: external beam irradiation and brachytherapy, or internal radiation.  External beams irradiation is the most common method of treating cancer using radiation.  The treatment distributes radiation to specific, targeted areas of the body using a large machine similar to an x-ray machine called a linear accelerator.  Treatment using linear accelerator equipment is given every day, Monday through Friday, for anywhere between one and eight weeks depending on the type of cancer and the reason why the patient is receiving treatment.  It can be given between once a day to three times a day depending on the cancer that is being treated.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Step By Step Cancer Treatment Planning

There are many steps that need to be taken in the treatment of cancer.  With advancements in technology and the use of equipment such as CT scanners and linear accelerators cancer is more treatable than ever before.  The treatment of cancer varies slightly depending on the type of cancer being treated however the steps involved in the process remain virtually the same throughout.

Consultation: When a patient is first diagnosed with cancer and radiation is needed patients will make an appointment to meet with a radiation oncologist for a consultation.  During this visit the patient’s medical history will be reviewed at great lengths.  Recommendations will be discussed so that a plan for radiation treatment can be formed.

Simulations:  The next step involved in radiation therapy as part of a treatment plan for cancer is simulation.  This is the visit in which patients will be positioned for treatment.  It is important that treatment positioning is done to determine how the body should lay during treatment to best target the tumor.  Often immobilization devices are designed to mold to a patient to allow them to easily be positioned for treatment.  Medical immobilization devices are not always needed for radiation therapy.

During simulations x-rays and CT scans are performed to compare the tumors location to the location of the healthy tissue surrounding it.  Often times contrasting material is used to allow technicians to visualize certain landmarks that would not otherwise be visible.  These are removed after the x-ray is taken and in their places small markings are left on the skin to allow visual representation for treatment the following day.

Planning: Radiation oncologists, physics staff and dosimetrists are all three linked in the treatment planning process. Radiation oncologists design the field for treatment using the x-ray images that were obtained during the simulation process.  The physics staff is in charge of shaping the radiation beams that are to be used in treatment to prevent the healthy tissue from being damaged while targeting the cancerous tumor.

Along with computer technology the dosimetrist and radiation oncologist work together to determine the best dose of radiation for the treatment field selected.  This process may take more than one visit.  The goal being that each day the same treatment field is receiving the needed radiation without damaging healthy, surrounding tissues while not over treating the tumor.

Treatment:  Radiation treatments themselves do not hurt.  It is however crucial to have the patient remains completely still throughout the entire treatment process which often can be difficult.

Typical Treatment Day:  During treatment the radiation patient will check in at the reception desk.  They will then be escorted into the treatment room where the clothing that is covering the area that is to be treated is uncovered.  Patients are made comfortable, shielding is set in place, therapists place the linear accelerator and the appropriate does is given.  Once this is complete the patient is free to leave.

Side Effects of Radiation:  The most common side effects in radiation therapy are exhaustion, loss of energy and skin tenderness.  Most often skin irritation only occurs at the area where the treatment is being administered.  Other side effects such as hair loss, sore throat, coughing, nausea and vomiting can occur but are not as common.  It is good to note that most side effects will usually resolve themselves in four to six weeks after completing treatment.

Aftercare: In any surgery or procedure the support before and during are as equally as important as the support and care the patient receives after.  A crucial element in the recovery process after radiation therapy is to keep you radiation oncologist keyed in on changes to your health.  It is also important that the patient stay on track with the scheduled treatment plan to avoid having a negative impact on the outcome goal.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Key Players In The Treatment Of Cancer

There are many key players involved in using radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer including: radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists and nurses.  Working in collaboration with one another a plan of action is developed that is unique to each and every individuals cancer and treatment goals.  Each player being a central piece in ensuring that the plan for treating the cancer runs smoothly, patient care needs are exceeded and that end treatment goals are met.

A radiation oncologist is the physician in charge of treatment that has completed their residency specializing in radiation oncology.  They control the role that radiation therapy will play for the patient.  From patient care, treatment planning through to evaluating the patient’s response to treatment the radiation oncologist is accountable.

Both physicists and dosimetrists aid the radiation oncologist in treating the patient.  These individuals are the ones that are depended on to create immobilization devices that will hold patients in one position throughout radiation treatment.  This ensures that the patient is still and the beams of radiation from the linear accelerator machine can narrow in on the cancerous tumors instead of the healthy tissues surrounding the area.  They are also responsible for generating computer plans, calculating radiation doses and carry out a system of checks and balances to ensure that treatment is accurate.

The radiation therapists are in charge of daily treatments and for the simulation procedures.  Every day radiation therapists work closely with patients to assist in care including treatment positioning, making sure the radiation field is on target and delivering treatment.  Radiation therapists work closely with radiation oncologists to determine changes that need to be made before the next treatment.

Nurses carry a great deal of responsibility when it comes to cancer treatment.  They are the individuals that are responsible for the patients care before, during and after treatment.  Nurses assist radiation oncologists with everything from coordinating appointments, keeping up to date on client’s symptoms relating to their treatment as well as making referrals for social services as needed.  Nurses are the people that work to keep not only the patient but also their families up to date on treatments, side effects, medications and plans for long-term.  Nurses are the main support staff for the patient.

Many different professionals are needed to provide radiation therapy effectively to patients. There is not one job more important than the next when it comes to ensuring that patients are receiving adequate care and treatment.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.