EBME Forums Forums Management Medical Equipment Management Poor Rigid Scope Repairs

Hi all, Just to make you all aware we are seing some shocking Endoscope Repairs just recently.

If you are see an increase in moisture damaged scopes get them checked out.

We are seeing them closed with Gasket sealent and plumbers tape......and cssd are wondering why they fill up with moisture when autoclaved!

And the person/company who does the repairs say........?
Are you going to name them?
Robert

Who are you (they) sending them to ... the same bloke that fixes the tractors, and the combine harvesters?

[Forty minutes or so later ...] OK, I get it now. Nice one!

I would love to know who is repairing scopes like this.

We repair scopes to OEM specifications.....and they don't mention gasket sealant or plumbers tape!

Hospitals must be spending thousands of pounds on their scopes being repaired for them only to breakdown 3 months later....due to a poor repair!

That's terrible.

So were those scopes sent to you after they were sent to someone else first - by the hospital?

Right, we have seen an increase in Endoscopes repaired by other companies who are clearly not setting the scope up after being repaired. Looks like they are just taking the scope apart, replacing broken parts and re assembling them.

Once an Endoscope is taken apart all its manufactures settings will change. Each scope make/model have different settings depending on its use. Once the scope has been repaired it should then be set up accordingly.

Its also worth asking for the broken parts to be return with the repaired scope then you can see what the company is charging you for. This prevents them charging you for a complete lens system when they have only replaced 1 or 2 lenses.

I have put together a test sheet that you can send in with your Endoscope for them to fill in. Then if you want i can clarify whether the scope has been set up correctly. If they choose not to fill it in.....why not?

PM me yours email address and i can send you a copy.

Informative article from the USA, which highlights things to consider when determining Endoscopic repair service providers.

Endoscope Repair

We prefer soldered distal and eyepiecewindows.
Glue is an inferior choice considdering the aging due to autoclaving.

Teflon tape is used OEM by storz in the past.
Goal is that it will hold small particles away from the occular and window surfaces.

For sealing this scope you need to place a new aluminum ring and use a torque wrench.