The newer equipment should allow one to obtain more information, to get better images and to do the exam faster than before. An older machine may still function but at a cost to the sonographer and sonologist. We try and turn over equipment every 5-7 years. It is probably still diagnostic but in this day and age there are significant advances in technology every year or two. Finally, companies will only support a scanner for so long. Without investing in a major hardware and software upgrade the machine becomes obsolete. Why not just upgrade to a new machine?
Ted
E.A. Lyons OC MD
Winnipeg
From: ultrasound@obgyn.net [mailto:ultrasound@obgyn.net] On Behalf Of DuBose, Terry
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2007 12:03 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list ULTRASOUND
Subject: FW: Sonographic Equipment Survey
What is the average life-time of standard sonographic equipment?
We have a question from one of our graduates who is now the Senior Sonographer at a local hospital about how long the average sonographic machine should last. It piqued my interest and I would like to do a survey about this issue.
Below are questions that I would like for you to answer and email the results to DuBoseTerryJ@UAMS.edu with a subject “Sonographic Equipment Survey.” If I get more than 30 responses, we will publish a short article with the aggregate statistics. Estimates in even years are fine, and we are not particularly interested in specific models or manufactures. Thanks Terry.
1. What is the LONGEST period of time that you have personal knowledge of a sonographic machine continuing to function.
2. What is the SHORTEST period of time that you have personal knowledge of a sonographic machine dieing (not worth repairing).
3. In your opinion, what is the AVERAGE time that a sonographic machine should live, or continue to function diagnostically? The question is about function, not obsolescence.
4. In your opinion, what is the AVERAGE time before most machines become OBSOLETE; still functioning, but needs to be replaced because it is too limited as to modalities?
5. Finally, what type of sonographic equipment you are discussing?
General (Abdominal & OB/GYN) sonography
Echocardiography
Vascular sonography
6. Additional comments:
Thanks very much, Terry
Terry J. DuBose, M.S., RDMS, FSDMS, FAIUM
Associate Professor & Director
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, CHRP
4301 West Markham St. Mail Slot #563
Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205 USA
501-686-6510 or 501-686-5948
DuBoseTerryJ@UAMS.edu
http://www.uams.edu/chrp/sonography/
http://www.obgyn.net/us/panel/panel.htm
http://www.io.com/~dubose/
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