When choosing a supplier for diagnostic imaging equipment, there are many things that healthcare facilities need to consider. Diagnostic imaging equipment is not only a purchase, but it also requires some workflow planning, installation, training and support as well.
Healthcare facilities should take into consideration such factors when evaluating suppliers: technical knowledge, equipment range, installation support, service capabilities, and radiology workflow support.
This guide gives advice to UAE healthcare facilities about the choice of diagnostic imaging equipment supplier.

What Is Diagnostic Imaging Equipment?

Diagnostic imaging equipment helps to capture visual data that is used during assessment and care planning of patients. The departments in healthcare facilities use different categories of diagnostic imaging equipment based on their clinical needs.
Diagnostic imaging equipment may include:
• Radiology systems
• X-ray systems
• Ultrasound systems
• Mobile imaging equipment
• Mammography systems
• Fluoroscopy-related systems
• PACS and imaging workflow solutions
• Imaging accessories and related components
Depending on the category of healthcare facilities, there could be certain needs for the equipment.

Why Supplier Selection Matters?

The supplier of diagnostic imaging equipment should not only know which products to offer, but also understand what needs it would meet.
The supplier could assist facilities to evaluate:
• Equipment category
• Clinical application
• Room and site requirements
• Workflow requirements
• Installation planning
• Service and maintenance needs
• Availability of spare parts
• Need for PACS or image management
• Training needs
It is especially important for the departments of radiology and diagnostics centers when equipment downtime could affect scheduling and workflow of departments.

1. Evaluate Equipment Range

The supplier should be able to provide or support equipment categories that are relevant to the facility.
It is necessary to find out whether they provide:
• General radiography systems
• Ultrasound systems
• Digital imaging equipment
• Mobile imaging systems
• Accessories for radiology
• PACS integration
• Imaging workflow solutions
• Spare parts
• Service and maintenance support
If the supplier has a focus on diagnostic imaging equipment, it would be easier to plan current and future needs for equipment.

2. Review Technical Knowledge

The diagnostic imaging equipment requires technical knowledge. The supplier should be able to talk about equipment application, installation needs, department workflow and service requirements.
Important questions are the following:
• What kind of equipment is suitable for the department?
• What kind of technical information is required before quotation?
• What should be reviewed regarding the site?
• What training may be needed after installation?
• Is there any maintenance support?
• Is there service or spare parts support for the equipment category?
The supplier should be able to assist your team without making any unsupported claims or unclear promises.

3. Check Installation and Site Planning Support

The diagnostic imaging equipment may require careful planning before the installation. The facilities should review site preparation early enough to prevent any delay.
The planning may include the following items:
• Dimensions of the room
• Electrical requirements
• Route of equipment access
• Radiation protection (when applicable)
• Environmental requirements
• Workflow and patient movement
• Requirements for PACS or network integration
• Delivery and installation timing
• Requirements for staff training
The installation needs depend on the category of equipment. It is always necessary to clarify technical requirements before the procurement.

4. Consider Imaging Workflow

Equipment selection should correspond to the way the department works. The diagnostic imaging system should correspond to clinical workflow, patient volume, reporting process and image management.
The facilities should find out the following:
• Who will work with the equipment?
• What examinations will be performed?
• What patient volume is expected?
• Is mobility required?
• Is PACS integration required?
• What image storage or transfer process is required?
• What training is needed for users?
Such workflow planning would help to avoid the purchase of equipment that does not correspond to operational needs.

5. Review Service and Maintenance Support

The imaging equipment requires service and maintenance support. Before choosing a supplier, it is necessary to find out whether the service support is available for the equipment category.
The service support may include:
• Preventive maintenance
• Technical inspection
• Repair support (if applicable)
• Calibration review (if required)
• Support for spare parts
• System performance review
• User guidance
• Service documentation
The availability of service support depends on the category of equipment, its model, condition and technical requirements.

6. Ask About PACS and Digital Workflow

The diagnostic imaging equipment is usually connected to the image management systems. The PACS integration and workflow planning are important for the facilities that work with digital imaging.
It is necessary to find out whether the supplier is able to assist in discussion of:
• PACS connectivity
• DICOM workflow
• Image transfer
• Reporting workflow
• User access
• System integration
• Department workflow
The PACS requirements should be reviewed at the early stages, especially when the facilities are installing or upgrading imaging systems.

7. Review Training Requirements

The user training is important for the imaging equipment. The advanced systems would not give the expected workflow value if users are not familiar with features, settings and equipment operation.
The training may support:
• Radiology technologists
• Sonographers
• Clinical users
• Biomedical engineers
• Department supervisors
• Operations teams
It is necessary to find out whether application training or user orientation is available after delivery or installation of equipment.

8. Evaluate Spare Parts and Long-Term Support

Before choosing the diagnostic imaging equipment supplier, it is necessary to find out how the spare parts and long-term service needs would be met.
The following questions should be asked:
• Are the spare parts available for supported equipment models?
• Is the inspection required before ordering spare parts?
• Are OEM parts required?
• What information is needed for spare parts enquiry?
• Would the supplier be able to support the future service needs?
• Is there any documentation after service?
The long-term support is very important because the imaging equipment is the operational asset of the facility.

9. Avoid Generic Supplier Selection

Not all medical equipment suppliers have knowledge related to imaging. When it is required to get diagnostic imaging equipment, facilities should choose the suppliers who understand the workflow, installation planning, technical support and service coordination.
The strong supplier should be able to coordinate communications between the following groups:
• Procurement teams
• Departments of radiology
• Biomedical engineers
• Facility management teams
• Teams of IT or PACS
• Service teams
This coordination is very important for the imaging equipment planning.

How Ultravision Medical Supports Diagnostic Imaging Needs?

Ultravision Medical provides healthcare facilities in Dubai and the UAE with diagnostic imaging equipment requirements, ultrasound systems, radiology service support, PACS integration, spare parts assistance, application training and healthcare project solutions.
The facilities could contact Ultravision Medical to discuss imaging equipment requirements, service support, installation planning and workflow.
The availability of service depends on the category of equipment, model, project scope and technical requirements.

Conclusion

The choice of diagnostic imaging equipment supplier in UAE requires careful evaluation of product range, technical knowledge, installation planning, workflow support, service capabilities, PACS requirements, training and spare parts support.
Healthcare facilities should choose the suppliers who understand the equipment and operational requirements.
Contact Ultravision Medical to discuss diagnostic imaging equipment, radiology systems, PACS integration or service support.