EBME Forums Forums Free discussion Free discussion The Purchase of Medical Equipment

I was just wondering whether 'anyone' can buy/sell medical equipment (assuming there is proof of ownership).

Can anyone contact, for example Carefusion and purchase a syringe driver or does it have to be a healthcare professional? And if so how are the sales monitored?

I have noticed certain medical devices are for sale on such sites as E-bay, are there any legal implications associated with selling equipment in this fashion?

If there is any legislation/links that people could send or even just word of mouth advice, this would be greatly appreciated.

This is a question of pure curiosity.

Thanks,

Are you thinking of having a go, then?

This issue (and those related to it) has been batted about on here so many times before, that five minutes with the Search facility would be time well spent (if you're really that interested).

Other than that, to put it simply:- in the UK, although there may well be restrictions on buying from new, once stuff is "out there" it's just part of the "free market" (just like everything else). In other words:- "let the buyer beware"!

Thanks for the clarification.

The thought may have crossed my mind at some point as I'm sure it has many others.

I've spent a bit of time investigating possible legislation (both legal and NHS related), yet nothing has given a definitive description on regulations (regarding the end user or equipment provider).

I may look in to this a little deeper.

You may not like what you find.

My own experiences suggest that the used medical equipment market (and there is such a market - a global one, in fact) can be frequented by some decidedly "dodgy" characters. Even the "charity scene" can be a bit murky, or so I have found.

In short:- used equipment dealers and decent biomed techs are not a good mix! Chalk and cheese, in fact (or perhaps I have just been unlucky).

As I have advised many others in the past:- far better to stick with the honest business of equipment tech support. You won't make any Big Bucks, but at least that way your conscience should remain clear.

On the other hand, if you have Mega amounts of money (to risk), and are prepared to shrug off any ethical questions that can emerge ... then go ahead!

I like the reply.

If nothing else this will give me something to research (out of interest).

It's a shame that I am almost at the point of completing my BSc dissertation. This could have been a very interesting topic

Sorry for the thread revival but thought i'd add my thoughts

The nature of the medical industry will always attract the morally wrong and unethical, the minority thankfully but they do exist sadly so you need to be cautious.

The best reason to get involved is to have a genuine interest and the knowing that your work will benefit others greatly.

Give me an email if you did ever take this further.