EBME Forums Forums Management Medical Equipment Management Out sourcing for medical equipment testing

Hi All,

Just wondered what medical equipment you have to out source for testing is the most common? I am coming across more syringe drivers at the moment but wondered if there's other equipment that we could possibly look at as an ongoing project. Any info would be a great help.

Many Thanks in advance

Hello Lee,
Nebulisers always seem to be a favourite for third parties, relatively easy to test, and of a quantity which could be commercially lucrative if properly set up by a group or an individual.

Hi Sean,

Thanks for the info. I know we currently do test nebulisers so I think I might put together a syringe driver/nebuliser offer together.

Thanks once again Sean

OK ... let's be clear:-

1) Who are your customers?
2) What do you mean by "testing"?
3) What happens when the item "fails"?

Are you talking about electrical safety testing, a "quick functional test" (followed by a sticker) ... or what?

What do you do with (how do you test) nebulizer compressors, for example?

As an old-school biomed, I have never seen much point in testing anything, unless I could also follow through and "adjust" it (calibrate it, repair it, or otherwise take whatever action is appropriate) as well.

We used to call it *PM.

In my opinion, anything else is a waste of the biomed's time (and the customer's money).

Back in my days as a hospital-based biomed, the only kit I would "out-source" is the stuff that I (we) couldn't deal with myself (ourselves):- the big analyzers in the lab, the C.T. scanner (maybe), and sometimes the ventilators. In other words, "high-end", sophisticated gear. Some other items got "sent away" for repair when needed (endoscopes, anaesthetic vaporizers immediately come to mind). Plus some of the test kit for annual calibration, of course.

So I assume that you are not addressing hospital biomeds here, but rather doctors surgeries and such. Unless, of course, what you're really after are biomed departments looking to "off-load" high volume, minor items (just as many do with medical gas regulators, flowmeters etc.). But again, I can't imagine any self-respecting biomed wanting to "farm-out" his infusion pumps and syringe drivers like that.

I have no idea about your set-up, how "big" you are, or how long established (and unless you tell us, I can only guess); but in general, my advice would be:- pick on one line of kit, and become an expert in that. If I were you, I would stay clear of infusion equipment until (unless) you are confident that you know what you are doing.

* Or, if you like (as I do):- I/PM - for Inspection/Preventive Maintenance.

Patient scales - but you need to be officially registered for these

Hi Geoff,

We were the first stand alone company that started calibration and testing of medical equipment in the UK. You may of heard of our owners PHS? we provide our services to most NHS hospitals, HMP prisons, GP surgeries, Veterinary surgeries, Dental hospitals and ambulance services. We have a 15 strong team of graduate engineers and have been established for 9 years, so by no means are we just starting out. We test most medical equipment from X-Ray machines to ventilators. I try to put across the reason for testing as comparing say for example, if you take your car for the M.O.T and it passes, do you then replace the engine? Manufacturers often replace parts that are not necessary to be replaced. We provide testing to CQC and HTM 01-05 decontamination standards. We hold ISO 18001, 9001 and 14001 and all of our testing equipment is calibrated and tested by UKAS and we are UKAS accredited along with our engineers are trained by main manufacturers such as Omron, GE, Bambi, Cattani, Baxter, Carefusion etc. @ Rojo = we can test but not repair scales, we advise - we have regular meetings with the national weighing association and weights and measures. Some of our engineers are trainers at Eastwood Park also. I'm not sure where the whole idea that we are not competent in what we are doing came from Geoff?

Perhaps it would have been useful if you had introduced yourself properly in the first place.

And (now that you've made all that clear), I can but wonder why you asked the opening question to this thread anyway.

But ... you haven't answered my question(s); you talked about "testing", but now you've mentioned "calibration". OK, but what about "repairs"? Or in other words, what happens when the kit is found to be faulty?

And (about your analogy):- but you do change the engine oil and the filter!

So I stand by what I was getting at earlier:- "testing" without the possibility of "servicing" as well must be (by definition) a "limited" service. Good luck to you, but to my mind it's a flawed business model.

PHS? Do you mean the people who service toilets? So now I think I know who you are. But why all the "mystery"?

Hi Geoff,

There's no mystery, I just thought you couldn't advertise your services etc directly on here so I have had to leave some details out. I did introduce myself on here a while back and our company is in the services/providers section on here. We test some equipment and calibrate other equipment depending on what equipment it is. Why wonder why my opening question was asked? I am involved in business development so why not ask medical engineers directly what there departments needs are? We do repair most equipment but do not get involved with certain equipment, this is just a service that we provide as an additional helping hand.

PHS just service toilets?

PHS Washrooms - washroom products and services
PHS Treadsmart - serviced mats
PHS Greenleaf - interior and exterior landscaping, decorated Christmas trees
PHS Waterlogic - drinking water dispensers
PHS Direct - washroom and workplace consumables
PHS Wastemanagement – healthcare, hazardous and difficult waste management
PHS Besafe Garment & Laundry Solutions – workwear/workwear laundering
PHS Allclear - waste collection and disposal for healthcare and leisure markets
PHS Teacrate - crate rental
PHS Datashred – confidential waste disposal and recycling
PHS Recordsmanagement – secure storage, archiving and retrieval of commercial documents
PHS Laundryserv - commercial laundry equipment
PHS Interclean - floor cleaning and restoration services
PHS Compliance – portable appliance and periodic installation testing
JPen Medical – on-site medical equipment testing and calibration
PHS Wastekit - baler and compactor rental
Ascott Design - replica plants and trees for retail/wholesale
Matta Products - safety surfacing for play, leisure and work environments
Syncros – entrance matting systems
Warner Howard – hand dryers

Anyway, a simple answer e.g Nebulisers would of sufficed.

How wonderful.

But don't worry, as I shall not be replying to any more of your posts.

That's twice now that you've "put words in my mouth" (as it were):-

1) "Just"
2) "Competent"

Crikey, this is heated for a Friday morning