On to my question - does anybody have any views on using spares from a 3rd party? For example, it is possible to buy ECG cables from somebody else other than the OEM. In our case here we can purchase 5 lead ECG cables & leadwires for less than half the price of the OEM.
Recently I was requested to sort out a few problems with a 3rd party supplier of ECG leads that persisted in providing incorrect, supposedly compatible, ECG leads for anaesthetics monitoring. Wrong lead connections, lack of defibrillation protection, inappropriate ECGs being indicated and random lead switching from 3-lead to 5-lead mode, etc, etc. I had to go to the trouble of physically determining the connections on the monitor, the requirement for in-line resistors, identification link, and then check the connections and suitability.
All for the sake of 4 sets of 3rd party leads that I re-specified and subsequently checked before they were put into use. Savings for theatres but costs incurred for EBME plus the risk that ECGs were being misinterpreted by anaesthetists during anaesthesia whilst the incorrect leads were being used. I believe arrythmias are something quite important to look out for during anaesthesia.
SPO2 probes - well, eventually the OEM have given us them at a price we are happy to pay!
SpO2 probes are active devices thus there is a danger that if they fail, if they're not fully compatible and verified, they can cause burns long term or premature failure. Physical size and other characteristics, e.g. site pressure or biocompatibility of materials the probe is constructed of, may be different or unspecified. Also if they're not 100% electrically compatible or calibrated they could give inaccurate readings. Reliability and warranty may also be an issue with 3rd party items. Manufacturers don't help by using the same connectors for incompatible probes of course.
Batteries tend to be bit easier because you know that you are getting the same cells in different packaging.
This is not necessarily true since 3rd parties can supply battery packs that are not individually matched for voltage/capacity, use lower grade batteries or old stock. The method of assembly and/or quality of construction may not be identical to the OEM suppliers. Some batteries are for emergency backup if a device fails - from experience; if they're not up to it 3rd batteries can fail before the device they're meant to be backing-up do (inbetween manufacturers service intervals or recommended replacement).
We had issues with resistance welded connections of lead-acid battery terminals in battery packs from a 3rd party supplier causing excessive voltage drops (two spot welds instead of 4 per connection). Thus normally reliable infusion pumps gave almost continuous "low-battery" prompts, when running on battery, after being fitted with cheaper 3rd party batteries.
The problem was corrected over time but the hospital was effectively used in development of a 3rd party product and Medical Physics was running around wasting time replacing new 3rd party batteries for months. The continuous, audible, "low battery" alarms were particularly annoying given a Childrens hospital full of ambulatory kids wielding infusion pumps, on stands, running on battery. Or is that kids running around wielding infusion pumps on battery?
I feel that now some formal evaluation & risk assessment is required.
I'd agree since responsibility for choosing 3rd party accessories and spares falls to whoever buys and fits the modified items, not the supplier of them, necessarily. At best the responsibility might be shared if the product is not suitable/fit for purpose as advertised I'd have thought. They also need to be evaluated fit for purpose, I'd have thought and the pros and cons carefully weighed up, prior to purchase and use in the clinical environment.
One exception is possibly lamps/bulbs where manufacturers will most likely recommend alternative suppliers that are recommended for use with their products.
