Devices the practice depends on.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE BUYING ANY EQUIPMENT
What volume justifies it What it costs to run and maintain Whether servicing and parts are available locally What training is required What consumables it requires continuously
WHY CONSUMABLES MATTER
Some equipment is inexpensive and its consumables are not.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Cost per test at your realistic volume.
WHY REALISTIC
Equipment justified on optimistic volume becomes a fixed cost with no return.
WHAT MAINTENANCE REQUIRES
Servicing on schedule Calibration, where applicable Records
WHY CALIBRATION MATTERS
Uncalibrated diagnostic equipment produces wrong results, which is a clinical risk.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
The calibration interval and who performs it.
WHAT TO RECORD
Every service and calibration, with dates.
WHY
Regulators examine them, and results are only defensible if the equipment was verified.
WHAT POWER REQUIREMENTS TO ESTABLISH
What the equipment draws What happens on interruption Whether it requires stable supply
WHY STABILITY MATTERS
Voltage fluctuation damages sensitive equipment.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Protection and backup, for anything critical.
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
Failure, and what the practice does meanwhile.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether an alternative facility can be used.
WHAT TO BUDGET
Maintenance, calibration and eventual replacement.
WHY REPLACEMENT
Equipment has a life, and unplanned replacement is a crisis.
