ultrasound maintenance contract

Re: ultrasound maintenance contract

Rob Loxley — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:33:26 GMT

Don't think we're have had our scanner serviced since we bought it and I'm not sure what we're missing out on? (it is regularly PAT-tested)

How often do people's machines break down that they need a service contract? As I hear the biggest expense is dropping the probe or running over the probe cable, which are usually excluded?

Re: ultrasound maintenance contract

Kate Richardson — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 04:12:02 GMT

Don't know much about the servicing side but seriously use the machine more! Why is it not being used much currently- is it lack of experience/competence or lack of interest or lack of cases? It is one of the most useful diagnostic tools around- I would reach for ultrasound over xray for abdominal imaging as first line in the majority of cases and depending on what you charge you should be able to cover even those service costs (which do seem incredibly high) much more easily than over 12 months.

Re: ultrasound maintenance contract

Hanna Bennett — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 21:31:57 GMT

how much? ours is £300 per year...

Re: ultrasound maintenance contract

Andrew Mellor — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:45:15 GMT

Thanks so much it has been soooo long coming banks have been a nightmare took almost a year to finally pin down finance ! I wonder if the grey hairs I have developed in the last 12 months will go black again

Re: ultrasound maintenance contract

Andrew Mellor — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:43:00 GMT

The guy comes out every year and says wow it is just like new , we don't use it much and are very careful about cleaning etc and it is not moved around so I think you are right I will wing it.

Re: ultrasound maintenance contract

Michael Woodhouse — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:42:08 GMT

Oh and congratulations on the buy out. 11 months in and it's the best thing I could have done.

Re: ultrasound maintenance contract

Michael Woodhouse — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:40:38 GMT

Our US machines get used hard (cattle rectal scanners). They are rattled about in cars, washed, kicked, banged against gates etc etc. When something happens we send them for repair. Personally I think BCF are quite dear on that side but have never had a bill even approach the level of your contract. I'd guess one of the two machines goes off for repair every couple of years. Yours sounds like it has an easy life.

In your situation I'd 'wing it' and see what happens. If it breaks then get some one out. There's no real moving parts to wear. Might give you 10 years trouble free.

I think you'd regret downgrading to a lesser machine.

X-rays are different, legislation.