The Role of Digital X-ray in Lowering Maintenance Contract Costs

Did you know that digital X-rays reduce the radiation exposure by 70-80% than traditional mechanisms? Yet, the latter systems are highly prevalent across the world due to lower cost, especially in developing countries. They fear that modern, high-tech equipment often means higher purchase and service costs – but not always. Digital X-ray simplifies the hardware and can actually save you money. Their more straightforward mechanics, minimal maneuvering parts, and an absence of film processors 

Not sure how? This blog gives you a comprehensive overview of how digital X-rays reduce maintenance contract costs and are an economically viable option in the long run.

Eliminating High-Cost, High-Maintenance Components

Interestingly, the component cost of traditional X-rays is way higher compared to digital X-rays. Their components are not high maintenance or involve a complex servicing process. Below is a quick rundown of reasons why digital X-rays are a better option:

• Goodbye to Processors 

Are you still using a film-based X-ray system? Chances are that you are incurring expenses that will never go away. The charges include single-use films, chemical developers and fixers, and hazardous waste, such as chemical by-products.

Digital X-rays, on the other hand, do not have a high after-purchase cost. There’s no film processor, chemical waste, or rental darkrooms to pay for. They 

• Simpler Mechanics

The traditional machines consist of complex computed radiography (CR) that uses readers and plates, and offer a slow workflow. CR readers are also high-maintenance due to multiple moving parts.

On the contrary, digital radiography (DR) panels offer a high throughput and instant images. They have a simpler, faster mechanism that makes them more efficient.

• Fewer Moving Parts

Traditional imaging assets use a source, a film cassette, and a darkroom infrastructure. Their ancillary systems have control consoles and film processors.

A major benefit of digital X-rays is that they don’t consist of multiple moving parts. Thus, the chances of mechanical failure are low, reducing CM schedules.

How Digital X-ray Reduces Maintenance Contract Scope

Digital machines reduce the scope of the maintenance contract by preventing the need for consistent or specific service. It eliminates chemical processing, extensive physical components, and image clarity issues. Here is how the modern tech saves your cost:

• Shift from Mechanical Coverage to Detector/Software Support

Servicing traditional systems requires inspecting film processors, mechanical assemblies, and chemical-handling components. However, taking care of digital X-rays is easier as it only involves checking up on the detector health, software, and system calibration.

• Lower Rates for Preventive Maintenance

Since there are minimal moving parts and zero consumables, there are no labour-intensive tasks. The routine checkup becomes quicker, and service visits involve less downtime. It allows the providers to offer a maintenance contract at a lower rate.

• Easier Remote Diagnostics

Digital X-rays support remote monitoring and diagnosis of issues. Additionally, several of the problems can also be solved without an on-site visit requirement. Thus, there are minimal on-site callouts and quick troubleshoots.

The Cost of Detector Replacement

Although digital X-ray systems are cheaper to maintain, that is not true in every case. Their digital detector panel is an expensive and critical component. Unlike mechanical parts that are repairable in case of damage, detector issues often require complete replacement. Below is a quick overview of the estimated cost of the detector panel:

• The main risk: damage to the detector panel

Detector panels are sensitive and prone to power surges, physical impact, and fluid ingress. Improper handling during operation can also impact the component. In fact, a minor event, such as pressure damage or a drop, can result in detector failure and dead pixels.

• The importance of including detector coverage in your maintenance contracts

Detector replacement is a major addition to the expenses. Its exclusion can lower the AMC cost, but expose healthcare centres to significant replacement expenses and longer downtime. Detector coverage in your maintenance cost can help with financial security, uninterrupted operations, and reliable recovery. That’s why it is a critical addition to your maintenance contract.

Conclusion

There has been a rapid transition from traditional to digital X-rays in recent years, mainly to achieve a higher diagnostic efficiency in healthcare centres. They offer improved image clarity, quicker diagnosis, and improved patient care. But that’s not the only thing the machine helps with. Modern machines also support financial efficiency in service management through reduced maintenance requirements and improved image storage capabilities.

When paired with the right detector coverage, it offers a balanced approach. You can be sure of reliability, financial security, and uninterrupted workflow.

Healthcare centres require consulting a trusted service expert to maintain their digital X-rays. Ultravision Medical is a reliable medical equipment supplier and service expert in Dubai and the UAE that helps achieve excellent patient care.