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Radiation Oncology Equipment

A variety of radiation oncology equipment tools are used to provide radiation therapy. In radiation therapy high-energy radiation is transmitted with the goal of shrinking tumours thus killing the cancerous cells. There are a number of different types of radiation used to kill cancerous tumour cells including x-ray, gamma ray, and other charged particles. Radiation is emitted from a machine, such as a linear accelerator, that is used on the outside of the body. Occasionally doctors will recommend placing radioactive material directly on the part of the body where the cancer cells are developing.

A number of manufacturers provide radiology equipment as well as a number of independent medical equipment specialists. Many times facilities looking to maximize their budget will look into refurbished machines. There are a number of machines that play a role in delivering radiation to patients including: linear accelerators (LINACS), CT scanners, HDR systems, PET CT scanners, MRI systems, conventional simulators, treatment planning systems, and more.

A linear accelerator is a piece of radiation oncology equipment that is designed to specifically deliver high energy x-rays, charged electrons, that conform to the shape of the tumour and destroy the cancerous cells without damaging nearby healthy tissue. LINACS were built with several security measures in place to monitor and control the dose of radiation that is emitted during each session.

A measurement is prepared ahead of time to calculate the correct dosage of radiation that each particular patient needs. Having this prepared ahead of time helps to ensure that a dose that is higher than what has been prescribed is not given to the patient. More radiation then is absolutely necessary will not increase the chances of the cancer shrinking but will increase the likelihood that damage is done to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Radiation oncologists operate linear accelerators (LINAC) to deliver radiation therapy to patients as their treatment plan states. A detailed treatment plan is prepared by a team of physicians including the radiation oncologist, radiation dosimetrist, and medical physicist. This plan is then reviewed in depth by your personal physician to ensure that the information goes through a number of cross checks before starting the plan.

Cancer is not a disease of convenience. Thankfully developments within the medical industry have allowed for technology to adapt to ever changing treatment plans. Large scaled equipment such as linear accelerators are designed with a number of options that allow it function on a sliding scale. Treatment can be directed at the smallest, most delicate parts of the body to annihilate cancerous cells while leaving the healthy tissue surrounding the area unaffected.

Learn more about Radparts and the variety of services and parts they offer to repair medical equipment including: linear accelerators parts, CT scanners parts, linac parts, and radiation oncology equipment at www.radparts.com. To contact one of our medical equipment repair specialists for parts or service call toll free 877.704.3838 for 24/7/365 support.

Different Applications of Linear Accelerators within the Medical Industry

Many of us have never heard of a linear accelerator. Unless you are in the medical field or involved in radiation treatment you might not realize how important this one piece of medical equipment is to the health care industry. No time is a good time for medical facilities to have a piece of equipment down but especially so in the case of radiation oncology equipment like linear accelerators.

This is one of the main reasons that replacement parts for linear accelerators and other radiation oncology equipment are in high demand. When a piece of radiation equipment breaks down it is crucial to the treatment of patients that it is repaired quickly to avoid downtime in patient care. In this installment we will look at the applications of linear accelerators in medical facilities.

Radiation Treatment For Cancerous Tumors

Linear accelerators are mainly known as the machine that is used in radiation therapy to target cancerous tumors. Linear accelerators accelerate electrons. When they are speeding up, that is when they would be getting the heavy metal target. This is where the x-ray would be generated. Once that radiation is generated, then only it is targeted towards the tumor. This is one of the first methods used in chemotherapy that targets and destroys cancerous tumors. Without the actual acceleration of the electrons, the radiation which is required for the radiation therapy would not be produced at all. That is why the linear acceleration is always required when it comes to the radiation therapy.

LINAC Treatment

This treatment is similar to the laser technique which is used in a wide variety of cosmetic treatments. This ensures that the healthy cells and issues around the area where it is focused are not destroyed as well. This is the reason that this application is used in treatment. The risk of destroying the healthy tissue is minimized because the radiation is focused in on the tumor.

Linear accelerators are also used in MRI tests. In this test, the scanning of the different body parts is conducted in order to find out whether there is any problem with these body parts. The electrons are accelerated in order to produce the right kind of effect.

These are just some of the applications linear accelerators can be used within the medical industry. We can appreciate why there is such high demand for replacement parts for linear accelerators and other types of radiotherapy equipment knowing how crucial on time treatment and regime is in treatment.

The Importance of Immediate Service When Radiation Equipment Fails

Repairing radiation equipment, such as linear accelerators and CT scanners, can be a very demanding a job. Most medical facilities choose to work with a company that is on call to service medical equipment verse hiring a full-time, in house technician. Working with a company that services medical equipment ensures that if at any point equipment fails a technician is on call and can immediately begin working to get your equipment back up and running. Radiation equipment is vital to the treatment of so many patients on a daily basis that it is imperative to have it serviced immediately.

Not only is it important to have a company that services medical equipment available at a moment’s notice it is crucial that they have access the parts that will be needed to fix any and all issues. Replacement parts for linear accelerators and other radiation equipment can be difficult to find without the right resources. Linear accelerators can break so being able to find accessible replacement parts is needed. Even better is finding high-quality replacement parts for Linac systems that are readily available.

Few companies are dedicated to stocking the 650,000 different parts that could need to be replaced in radiation equipment. Establishing a relationship with a company that offers replacement parts for radiation oncology equipment is important when you are a technician that is in charge of performing radiation services or a repairing it.

Radiation equipment, CT scanners, and linear accelerators offer patient magnificent results. The idea is that they are in proper, working order a hundred percent of the time. Medical equipment that breaks down during treatment can be an incredibly challenging experience. This is why it is important for medical facilities to work with a team that provides regular maintenance, immediate service, and has easy access to linear accelerator parts. This will help to eliminate the amount of down time your facility experiences.

Companies in the industry of selling parts to repair radiation oncology equipment know the importance of delivering the most innovative solutions. In an industry that immediate results are needed it is important that medical equipment service and repair companies are ready to jump at a moment’s notice when needed. Results are needed in little to no time.

In the medical industry there are constant challenges to overcome, and in the end, there is a certain appreciation that comes along with getting immediate results to your equipment failures. What matters most is that you are able to get in touch with a professional to fix your equipment as fast as you can.

Five Reasons to Purchase Refurbished Linear Accelerators

Wondering why you are safe to buy used linear accelerators?

Looking for someone to supply Replacement Parts for Linear Accelerators?

Thanks to the unrelenting spirits of radiation technology experts, linear accelerators continue to maintain their place as among the most sophisticated tools in the treatment of cancer. They produce and deliver radiations with utmost precision, and thus helping a great deal in the fight against one of the dreaded maladies. And, while the best is often perceived as the finest in buying this piece of equipment, it also pays to consider a refurbished linear accelerator.

The decision to buy a new or used linear accelerator machine boils down to your pressing needs and your budget. A second-hand machine is oftentimes recommended when the facility aims at treating fewer than 8-10 patients on a typical day. Additionally, those facilities located in countries with limited budgets also qualify to buy a refurbished one.

A refurbished doesn’t mean that the machine is faulty and ineffective. Instead, it could have been used and its parts replaced, but still in pristine condition. The machine might have been in use at one of the big institutions, and perhaps it’s sold because it has no purpose. So, if you are a budding private veterinarian, a research fellow, a non-medical student or just about anyone looking to buy a low-budget linear accelerator, this post is for you.

Five reasons to invest on a refurbished Linear Accelerator

Hone your skills at your pace

As you work on meeting more challenges at your line of duty, such an affordable tool grants you a chance to hone your expertise. Especially if you are opening your center, expanding or just hoping to up your game, expenses can be the greatest worry. Thankfully, a refurbished linear accelerator will not be a bad idea.

Be a bit more flexible

In the medical world where machines are pretty much essential, being smart enough to have a backup tool often pays big time. When the main one fails, your facility will not stall simply because you have another linear accelerator.

The need to improve

As much as you are spending more in buying a second or third linear accelerator, the same investment might be helping you offer better services in the long run. In the end, the new tool will make your facility a go-to location, perhaps perfect for that much-needed expansion.

Strengthen your tools of work

There’s a certain form of uncertainty surrounding looming reimbursement cuts, and one of the best ways of staying put, despite the turbulence is investing in a second-hand, but still perfect, machine. A refurbished machine such as one linear accelerator strengthens your firm’s usual practices.

Peace of mind

When all’s said and done, peace of mind knows that you have a reliable tool when handling a massive and challenging assignment. And, if the unexpected happen, find a firm that offers the best replacement parts for linear accelerators.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment. We provide high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. For more information on low cost parts for repairing Linac equipment find us at http://www.radparts.com.

Outsourcing Medical Equipment Maintenance Is Beneficial

Indeed a hot and never-ending topic in the medical world, outsourcing seemingly has more benefits than its demerits. Especially whether they are the pricey equipment or just the Replacement Parts for Oncology Equipment, outsourcing the maintenance services serve a great money-saving idea. The following benefits are merely an eye-opener.

Benefits of outsourcing medical tools maintenance services

Arguably the greatest motivator behind outsourcing the maintenance services, the practice eliminates the need to hire in-house personnel. The need to repair and replace the machines isn’t as always as the other gigs, and thus, there’s no reason to hire someone whose job will not be a guarantee.

Moreover, most of the best persons skilled and experienced in doing the maintenance will consume a massive chunk of the facility’s funds. The biomedical technicians are so trained that the medical facility can’t guarantee their average salaries. So, an outsourced program reduces the overall costs of managing the most vital clinical assets.

An independent medical equipment company is a sure bet and will oversee the huge scope of work in a much reduced period. Such a firm is usually a collection of specialized minds who guarantee the highest standard of quality. And, granted that they can be only alerted whenever the job pops up, that’s a good idea considering their reliability and credibility whenever there’s a problem.

Pretty much like the medical sector is a dynamic and ever-growing industry, the ability to get skilled Biomed technicians always isn’t always guaranteed. A medical facility might choose to hire someone responsible for all the repairs, and that will not mean they’ll get the best brains. Clinical engineering technicians are a rarity, especially when the need for quality services is concerned.

Another benefit that comes with hiring independent medical equipment maintenance experts is their perfect knowledge concerning the best spare parts. When it comes to selecting the best tools like the Replacement Parts for Oncology Equipment, someone who is actively engaged in the industry have the answers. They’re also equipped with the latest manuals, test fixtures, and diagnostic devices and are less likely to fail.

For a facility that’s highly essential in offering the most reliable services for all, choosing a professional with experience can’t be overestimated. Being a professional extends to how you handle those less-important tasks. There will be no unpleasant glitches in your facility, and in the end, you’ll grow and become a viable solution for your patients.

There you have it; outsourcing can be expensive, but not as costly as having in-house personnel who is regularly paid for services needed once for an extended period. Firms to outsource the services from aren’t hard to locate.

What Is a Linear Accelerator?

A linear accelerator is a device that uses high Radio-Frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves to accelerate charged particles to high energies in a linear path, inside a tube like structure called the accelerator waveguide. The resonating frequency of the medical linac is about 3 billion Hertz cycles per second. This is the most common device to treat cancer with external beam radiation. Accelerator is basically an apparatus for accelerating charged subatomic particles, used in radiotherapy, and the production of radionuclides.

A pulsed electron beam generated by an electron gun passes through a long, straight vacuum tube containing alternating hollow electrodes. The electrodes are arranged so that, when their high frequency potentials are properly varied, the electrons passing through the tube receive successive increments of energy. The electrons are stopped abruptly by a heavy metal target and directed by a collimator to deliver super voltage X-Rays to the patient receiving radiotherapy.

The linear accelerator (Linac), uses microwave technology to accelerate electrons in a part of the linac called waveguide, then allows these electrons to collide with a heavy metal target. As a result of these collisions, high energy X-Rays (Photons) are produced from the target.

Linear Accelerator Technicians: Performs advanced technical support related to the maintenance and operation of medical linear accelerators. Jobs include preventive maintenance scheduling and responding to down linear accelerator parts and services, Coordinates vendor service and documentation, when necessary. Maintains inventory and orders parts for linear accelerators. Can assist in the design and modification of treatment accessories for physics and other departmental equipment as needed for patient treatment, quality assurance and research support. May require an ASEE or equivalent or Bachelors’ degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or a directly related field. A senior position requires five (5) years of directly related experience maintaining and servicing medical linear accelerators. Specific experience is typically required on Varian Linear Accelerators. Authorized Varian training is highly desirable. Manufactures of these items include Siemens, Philips, Varian, and Elekta. Repair organizations include Acceletronics, Centura, and Altair.

When linear accelerator parts and services breaks down it is imperative that repair services are almost immediate. Downtime in a medical setting can literally be the difference between life and death so having the ability to have direct access to medical equipment repair services should be of the outmost priority. Another detail that is forgotten is the urgency of finding the parts for medical equipment. Without the proper parts to fix down machines technicians are at a stalemate with getting much need equipment like LINACS and CT scanners up and going again.

Having instantaneous access to OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators, Radiotherapy CT Simulators and Radiation Oncology equipment is pertinent. With newer equipment it is often difficult to find access to replacement parts. Newer medical equipment can be difficult to find replacement parts for simply because of the newness of the piece to the market.

Choosing refurbished vs. new

The best cancer treatment starts when patients have a proper diagnosis. It is crucial to have a definitive plan of action when treating cancerous tumors. Top medical facilities, skilled professionals, proper medical equipment, and a complete and accurate diagnosis allow patients to have the best possible outcome with their cancer treatment.

Radiation therapy is used in the treatment of most cancer patients. This is true even when patients are being given a cocktail of other drugs used to treat cancer. Radiation is a service that is provided by oncology practitioners. According to a research, about 60% or more cases involving patients with cancer in the United States undergo radiation therapy to treat or cure their cancer. Radiation cannot be delivered with using a linear accelerator.

A linear accelerator is machine that is able to shoot radiation onto the cancerous tumor without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. With innovative attempts to make linear accelerators more advanced, they would give guaranteed accuracy at all times. This will ensure the least possible impact on the surrounding tissue around the tumor. Damage to the surrounding tissue is one of the greatest drawbacks of using radiation in the first place. This issue can come to an end with this more technological attempt at radiation treatment using linear accelerators in treatment.

Oncology care providers can only get the equipment their facilities can afford to purchase. New linear accelerators can cost upwards of four million dollars. This is where purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator can sometimes offer facilities a chance to offer top notch treatments at a fraction of the cost. Refurbished medical equipment can save companies upwards of fifty percent off the cost of buying new.

Refurbished equipment is reliable, secure, and effective while taking in consideration your facilities budget and is surely a good approach to offer to cancer patients. These newly advanced linear accelerators offer precise treatments that are carried out by best of engineers and technicians.

One of the most important reasons to buy a refurbished accelerator is that it frees up your remaining budget to help you continue to grow your practice. With updated equipment you have the chance of treating more patients. This in turn increases your experience and your practice. With a refurbished linear accelerator you have more chances of saving the patients you treat and curing them of cancer. Advances in technology and equipment give your patient’s confidence in the effectiveness of your treatments.

Access To Immediate Medical Equipment Repair Services and Parts Is Imperative

When medical equipment breaks down it is imperative that repair services are almost immediate. Downtime in a medical setting can literally be the difference between life and death so having the ability to have direct access to medical equipment repair services should be of the utmost priority. Another detail that is forgotten is the urgency of finding the parts for medical equipment. Without the proper parts to fix down machines technicians are at a stalemate with getting much need equipment like LINACS and CT scanners up and going again.

This is just one of the many reasons that when medical facilities are in need of new equipment they look into purchasing refurbished equipment. Parts are more accessible for older, refurbished equipment. The more universal and successful the model, the more readily replacement parts will be. The more readily available the replacement parts for LINACS, CT scanners and radiotherapy equipment the less likely you are to have downtime due to service issues. The ease of accessing these parts will make them more affordable to purchase. Affordable replacement parts make it possible for facilities to keep key medical equipment replacement components on hand and ready to be installed if equipment failure should occur.

The cost savings associated with purchasing refurbished when looking to replace important medical equipment. This allows newer, smaller facilities to afford top quality, name brand equipment at a fraction of the cost of buying a similar machine brand new. It is important to note that we aren’t just talking about a few thousand dollars here. When looking into buying a Linear Accelerator or CT scanner facilities are looking at a bill upwards of three million dollars. Many times the purchase of refurbished equipment can save facilities upwards of fifty percent of what they would have paid to buy the equipment brand new. Think about that, the savings could be upwards of one point five million dollars. This isn’t small change no matter what industry you come from but especially not in medicine.

From easy access to replacement parts and immediate service to cost savings and customer service buying refurbished medical equipment is a solid business decision.

Outsourcing Medical Equipment Maintenance

Medical facilities need to depend on outside medical equipment service providers when in-house service specialists are not on staff. Regular maintenance, including preventative and corrective measures, needs to be done to keep medical equipment safe and running smoothly. Updating software and worn parts adds to the longevity of medical equipment thus resulting in savings for your facility.

Many facilities try to cut corners by having personnel perform regular maintenance and minor repairs. While this may occasionally work it is always better to enter into a service contract with a third party service company or equipment vendor to perform corrective and preventative maintenance. A service contract will ensure that your equipment is maintained at regular intervals. This will help to combat against unexpected machine failures. There are several options when choosing a service contract. We will look into the options below.

Third Party Equipment Service Contracts Available To Medical Facilities

24/7 Full Coverage: A medical facility can request services anytime, day or night.
Business Hour Coverage: With this type of service contract a medical center will receive service during normal business hours, five days a week for eight hours a day.
Extended Business Hour Coverage: This service contract offers the same coverage as business hour coverage except that it covers more than eight hours. If your facility is open from nine in the morning until nine at night this would be one of the contract options to consider.
Extended Business Hour and Weekend Coverage: Similar to the above except it adds hours to cover facilities on the weekend.
Preventative Maintenance Coverage: This type of service contract only covers planned maintenance and does not cover unplanned corrective services.
Time and Material Coverage: A time and material coverage contract is where a service provider is paid based on the actual cost of parts and labor used. This contract is usually based on a specific cost per hour of labor.
Loaner Service Contract Coverage: This type of contract allows medical facilities to return the unit to the vendor and the vendor provides a loaner unit until the equipment is returned to its original state. This is a difficult service contract to have in place with large scaled equipment such as linear accelerators and ct scanners.

In our next installment on medical equipment service contracts we will discuss tips on negotiating a contract that best meets your facilities needs while maintaining a reasonable budget.

Medical Equipment Service Contract Negotiating Tips

We talk a lot about cutting costs when it comes to medical equipment service contracts from service contracts to onsite personnel in charge of regular maintenance. When medical facilities rely on outsourcing medical equipment maintenance and repair it is important that you enter into a contract that makes sense for you. It is important not to pay for contract features that you will not use. These features add to an already tight budget that most facilities are already trying to maneuver. In this installment we will discuss negotiating tips between medical facilities and medical equipment maintenance and repair companies.

Take note of the options available in service contracts from the vendor. Consider the details that layout time, materials and labor charges of the different companies you are looking into before making a contract purchase.
New medical equipment is less likely to break down than older equipment therefore requiring a less detailed service contract. New equipment does not usually require the twenty four hour, seven day a week contract that older, essential equipment may. New equipment can most likely exist on a regular maintenance contract for the first three years. Not to mention that most new medical equipment repairs are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Certain medical devices, such as slit lamps, don’t require service contracts from out sourced entities. Some equipment can be maintained with regular inspections and maintenance that can easily be provided by in-house equipment specialists and sometimes even the personnel in charge of running it.
Some large scaled medical equipment will require only a limited out sourced service contract. Equipment such as ultrasounds, scanners and lasers are all fairly reliable and in house personnel can perform initial inspections and can be the first responders to issues when they arise. These pieces can often benefit from remote support which can be provided at a lesser cost basis than on service support.
Backup equipment is another area where facilities can lessen the service contract associated with each machine. Most back up equipment does not need to be services at all hours of the day and can utilize a less stringent service contract such as a business hours only contract.
When entering into a service contract it is crucial that you have everything in writing. Verbal commitments are often hard to uphold. When you are contracting outside medical equipment service specialist it is crucial to document everything within the contract. This protects both parties later on from miscommunication.