Medical Imaging Equipment Guide

Turning Used C-Arms Into Refurbished C-Arms

Aug 28, 2018 4:13:00 PM

A refurbished C-arm offers access to late-model technology at a much more affordable price than buying brand new. Sometimes though, the definition of "refurbishment" can vary from vendor to vendor.

While “refurbishment” can be a somewhat vague term, we want to be clear about what happens to C-arm systems that pass through our doors. The video clip below will show you the processes Block Imaging uses to return used C-arms to OEM specifications for image quality, cosmetic appearance, and overall performance. If you prefer text, scroll down for a written description of our process.

Topics: Buying Imaging Equipment, C-Arm, Refurbished Medical Imaging Equipment, Used Medical Imaging Equipment

OEC 9800 vs. OEC 8800

Posted by Chris Sharrock

Aug 23, 2018 3:21:10 PM

If you were to line an OEC Flexview 8800 C-arm up alongside an OEC 9800, you would probably get the impression that the 8800 was the 9800's "little brother". In some ways, you would be correct. The 8800 is not quite the multi-specialty, workhorse system the 9800 is known for being, but there are plenty of scenarios where it will get the job done, or even be a better fit altogether.

Watch the video clip below for further details on the technical similarities and differences between the OEC 9800 and OEC 8800 C-arm systems.

Topics: C-Arm, Buying Imaging Equipment

When to Rent a C-Arm vs. Buy a C-Arm

Posted by Gary Dodge

Aug 15, 2018 2:30:06 PM

While it's always important to have the right tools for serving patients, sometimes budgeting for those tools can get complicated. This is especially true of imaging equipment like C-arms, where the up-front cost of an outright purchase can be daunting. Fortunately, there are other options available to the facility that needs to get work done now, but might not have surplus cash until later.

Watch the video below to learn a few scenarios where you'll be better off buying a C-arm, as well as a few where you may want to put that purchase on the back burner and rent, at least for a while...

Topics: C-Arm, Buying Imaging Equipment

How to Fix Your Sagging Mini C-Arm

Posted by Simeon Lowe

Aug 13, 2018 2:42:00 PM

Are you having trouble keeping your OEC 6800 or 6600 mini C-arm in position? Does the articulating arm gradually sag lower and lower throughout your scans? If so, there's no need to worry. This is actually a very common problem, you'd be far from the first mini C-arm user to ask us about it, and it happens to be a very easy problem to solve as well.

Follow the 5 simple steps in the video below (or scroll to the text version if preferred) to return your OEC mini C-arm to the firm, stable positioning it had when you first acquired it.

Topics: Imaging Equipment Service, C-Arm

Does My C-Arm Require Lead Shielding?

Posted by Chris Sharrock

Aug 1, 2018 10:39:00 AM

People frequently ask us what, if any, requirements have been set for X-ray shielding in rooms where C-arms are in use. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to the question.

Regulations for shielding during C-arm use vary across a number of factors, including site location, location of the C-arm within the site, and the type of usage the C-arm will see. Some states don't require any shielding at all, but have other requirements that must be met. Take Texas, for instance: a C-arm doesn't need to be shielded, but its dose must be monitored for a year after installation. Other states, like Ohio, require a physicist to visit your site and advise specific shielding measures for your individual building.

Because there are no across-the-board regulations for C-arm shielding, we put together a few "rule of thumb" recommendations for new C-arm owners in the short video below.

Topics: Buying Imaging Equipment, C-Arm, Imaging Equipment Project Management