Refurbished vs. New Medical Equipment: Which One is Best?

The medical equipment market grows yearly and is now worth over $500 billion worldwide. Hospitals and labs have a big choice: buy new or buy refurbished equipment. Why refurbished is better than new? These choices affect money, patient care, and daily tasks. Many health centres now consider refurbished medical equipment since it costs less but works well. People ask which option gives better value, lasts longer, and works best. First, staff need to know how new and refurbished laboratory analyzers differ. Next, they must think about what they truly need. Last, they should see how their choice will affect their money and care quality. Smart picks help health centres give great care while saving money. Better choices put funds where they help patients and staff the most.

Why Refurbished Is Better Than New: Financial and Practical Advantages

Why pick refurbished over new? Savings! You save around 40-70% on refurbished medical equipment. This helps your budget go further. Quality stays high since good providers test each laboratory equipment thoroughly. That said, Diamond Diagnostics offers great refurbished clinical laboratory analyzers. We have held ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 since 2005. All our items also pass FDA clearance and comply with the European Union IVD Directive. Our medical equipment works well for years and often runs like new ones in your lab.

Is Used Better Than Refurbished? Key Differences Explained

Is used better than refurbished? No, and here's why. Used items are sold as-is, with no fixes or checks, and they might have hidden flaws. Technical professionals thoroughly test, fix, and update refurbished medical analysers. They then work like new again. Reconditioned items fall between these two - they get some fixes but less testing than refurbished ones. Let's look at key points for each type:

• Used: Lowest cost, highest risk, no testing, no fixes, no warranty.
• Refurbished: Mid-cost, low risk, complete testing, all parts fixed, good warranty.
• Reconditioned: Low cost, medium risk, basic testing, some fixes, short warranty.
• New: High cost, lowest risk, fresh parts, full warranty.

When you buy refurbished analyzers or equipment, specialized service providers check every part, test all systems, swap worn parts, update software, clean deeply, and test again. Used items skip all these steps. Top providers like Diamond Diagnostics ensure that refurbished lab equipment meets strict rules. You get almost-new quality for much less money.

Refurbished Medical Devices FDA: Requirements and Standards

Refurbished medical devices FDA rules keep patients safe. The FDA watches over all medical equipment in USA, including refurbished laboratory analyzers. Recent FDA guides have asked for more testing on refurbished equipment. Diamond Diagnostics meets these strict FDA rules for all its lab equipment. We get proper FDA clearance for each laboratory analyzer we fix and provide to numerous laboratories and hospitals. These rules set how we test, fix, and track each tool. Good refurbishers keep detailed records of all work done. We also train their staff well. These careful steps make sure you get safe, trusted clinical laboratory equipment for your patients.

One of the top Refurbished Medical Equipment Companies in USA

When looking for good refurbished clinical laboratory analyzers, check a few key things first. Make sure the provider has been in business for many years. Look at their track record of refurbishment process and satisfied clients. Also, see if they offer good testing of all equipment they sell. The best providers of refurbished equipment follow strict rules in their work. They fully meet refurbished medical devices regulations. They also get key badges like ISO 13485 for medical tools. Top providers ensure all their equipment and parts meet refurbished medical devices FDA standards, too. Diamond Diagnostics is one of the premier refurbished medical equipment companies in the USA. We have provided lab equipment and parts for over 30 years, and our team knows every part of clinical laboratory analyzers.

Diamond's Six-Step Refurbishment Process

Every analyzer undergoes a systemized, rigorous, and unique Down-To-Frame® Refurbishment process to rebuild it to its original specification and intended use. Below are six steps to highlight each stage of the process.

Step 1: Disassembly

We start by disassembling the medical analyzer. We clean it thoroughly to remove all lab dirt, check if it works, and then break it into its frame.

Step 2: Aesthetic Restoration

We will make your equipment look new again. We strip all covers and surfaces and sandblast them to prepare for paint. We use top-quality paint in the right color. We also put on new logos to match the original look.

Step 3: Refurbishment & Reassembly

We clean all parts inside your analyzer, check each piece, and fix or replace it as needed. We install new tubing, seals, valves, and probes, throw away all old disposable parts, and put everything back together following strict rules.

Step 4: Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

We test how all systems work together, fix any errors we find, run full tests on the whole system, and set up the analyzer with certified test materials to ensure the right results.

Step 5: Performance Validation

We perform many quality tests using special certified materials. If you ask us to, we can test specific functions. We also check that the power stays steady, update software, and make other upgrades.

Step 6: Final Packing

We include all the parts you need to run the machine, clean, drain, and protect all systems. We also pack your analyzer in special heat-treated wood crates for safe shipping anywhere in the world. This careful process makes your analyzer work like new again. You get high-quality equipment for much less money. Every step follows strict FDA rules. Your lab gets reliable equipment that meets all safety standards.

When New Medical Equipment Makes More Sense

Sometimes new medical equipment works better for your needs. Newer analyzers often have special features that help your patients more. For example, new imaging equipment can show tiny details that older equipment misses. New blood analyzers may give faster results. These advances can help you treat patients better and faster. Some clinical laboratory analyzers change very quickly each year. If you work with genetic testing, cancer treatment, or robotic surgery, you may need the newest equipment. These fields grow so fast that even last year's analyzers might not work as well. The latest laboratory equipment often brings big jumps in what it can do. New systems also fit better with your current computer setup. They connect more easily to your patient records. They often work with your other digital equipment without problems. This makes your daily work smoother. It also helps keep patient data safe and easy to find. New medical equipment comes with full, longer promises to fix any problems. The provider will immediately fix issues at no or lesser cost to you. They also train your staff fully on how to use the new laboratory equipment. You can often get help by phone any time you need it.

Some of the Refurbished Equipment by Diamond Diagnostics

Beckman AU680

Diamond Diagnostics sells the refurbished AU680. This super-fast chemistry analyzer runs up to 800 tests each hour, holds 150 test tubes simultaneously, and keeps 60 test kits cool and ready. The Beckman AU680 proudly serves large and busy labs. For big labs with 200-500 daily tests, it hits the sweet spot of cost and speed. The AU680 costs more than the AU480 but works much faster. Plus, it needs less staff time per test. Yet, it takes up more counter space. For labs with high workloads, this model pays for itself in time saved.

Abbott Alinity CI

Diamond Diagnostics also provides this floor model from Abbott Diagnostics. It runs up to 1550 tests each hour, which is really fast. It holds 300 test tubes simultaneously and keeps 117 test kits cool and ready to use.

Mid-size labs with 50-200 daily tests do well with the Alinity CI. This marvellous analyzer shows how well your liver works. Most labs pick this analyzer for its mix of speed and smarts. Above all, we give you this top-notch chemistry analyzer for much less than the new price. With our wise choice, your busy lab can serve three times more people for less cost. The Abbott Alinity CI stands out for its innovative design. This sleek tool takes up less space. First, it loads samples from the front, which saves staff steps. Also, it lets you add rush samples at any time. Most mid to large labs choose this model for its speed and good looks.

Roche Lightcycler 480 96 Well

The Roche Lightcycler 480 works quite differently from the other equipment. This special device tests DNA and genes, not just blood reports. It can check 96 small tests at the same time. First, it heats and cools samples very fast. Then, it reads tiny light signals from each test well. Most labs use it to find virus types or gene health signs. It also helps find the right drug dose for some patients. It costs less than big chemistry analyzers but more than basic models. Above all, it opens up test types that other laboratory analyzers can't do.

Beckman Access 2

Diamond Diagnostics also provides refurbished Access 2. We get this bench-size unit from Beckman Coulter. This immunology analyzer runs up to 100 body tests each hour and holds 40 test tubes simultaneously. Our immunology analyzer finds bodyguards that fight germs in your blood. It also spots signs of how well your body battles illness. Most small labs love this analyzer for its right-sized speed and skill. Best of all, we give you this top-notch equipment for much less than new price.

Abbott i-STAT 1

The Abbott i-STAT analyzer is a small device that tests blood quickly. It checks oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in your blood. Doctors use it to check if your lungs and kidneys are working well. The machine is small and can sit on a table or desk. You get results in just minutes, so that doctors can treat you quickly. Abbott Diagnostics manufactures it and is available in a handheld configuration. It measures 9.25" x 3" x 2.85" and weighs only 18 ounces. You can use it with two 9v batteries or plug it into a wall outlet.

The device runs on a rechargeable battery or AC power. Its color screen clearly shows test data. The device runs 20 types of blood tests. The i-STAT 1 offers many key features. It has a built-in thermal printer. The device tests blood gases, chemistries, and cardiac markers. Each cartridge has a sample well, sensors, and a waste chamber. It runs 25 tests every hour, each taking just 2 minutes. To reduce patient pain, you need only a tiny drop of blood—17 microliters. The device stores 500 test results and 500 quality checks.

Making the Right Decision for Your Facility

First, look at your budget for new equipment. Add up what you can spend now. Then check if you need to pay all at once or over time. Many labs find that refurbished analyzers from Diamond Diagnostics cost 40-70% less than new ones. This big saving helps you buy reliable equipment with the same budget. Next, consider how much you will use the equipment each day. Count how many tests you run now, and then guess how many you need in the future. Some labs run tests all day and need very strong equipment. Others use it less often and may do well with quality refurbished laboratory analyzers. After that, figure out what you get back from your spending. Add up what you pay at first. Include costs to set up and train staff. Then add what you pay each year to run and fix it. Also, think about who will fix your equipment when needed. New systems have maker support, but it can cost a lot after the first year. Diamond Diagnostics provides good help with all its refurbished laboratory analyzers and sends parts fast when you need them. Last, follow these simple steps to choose: 1) List what tests you must run. 2) Set your budget. 3) See what space you have. 4) Check if it fits with your other systems. 5) Pick the choice that meets your needs with the lowest total cost. That said, many laboratories and hospitals choose Diamond Diagnostics' refurbished equipment because it meets all their needs at a much lower cost.

Wrapping Up

When picking clinical laboratory analyzers, consider your needs and budget first. New equipment offers the latest tech but costs much more. Many ask, "Is used better than refurbished?" The clear answer is no. Used items lack testing and fixes. Now we see why refurbished is better than new for most labs. You save significant money and still get safe, tested equipment. Always pick reliable providers that meet refurbished medical devices regulations. Make sure they follow all the refurbished medical devices FDA rules, too. Diamond Diagnostics is among the top refurbished medical equipment companies in the USA. They offer like-new quality for up to 70% less cost. Don't wait to upgrade your laboratory! Contact us today for a Quick Quote regarding Beckman AU 680, Abbott Alinity CI, Beckman Access 2 or Abbott i Stat 1! See how much you can save right now! Visit our website to browse our refurbished clinical laboratory analyzers.

Cutting costs while keeping quality high! Your laboratory deserves the best value—act now to get it!