If you are in the market for an ultrasound machine, then there are several factors you need to consider when you are comparing ultrasounds – price, ease of use, features and software to name just a few. But one thing that is sometimes overlooked it the expected repair and maintenance costs. While it’s impossible to predict those expenses exactly, you can come up with a pretty good estimate after doing some research. After all, if you save $5,000 by purchasing one model as opposed to another, but after two years you’ve spent $10,000 in repairs and maintenance, then you really didn’t save any money at all.
First of all, do a little checking on the ultrasound manufacturer and ask around about the reliability of a particular model. If you can find someone who has the same or similar model, give them a call or send them an email and ask how it has performed for them and if they’ve had any major problems with it. It also makes sense to call up a qualified ultrasound repair technician and ask about any particular models that you are comparing. Most experienced ultrasound owners will tell you that it’s hard to go wrong with machines by the major manufacturers, like GE, Acuson, HP, ATL, Philips, Sonosite, Toshiba, Sonoscape and Siemens. Of course there are other brands worth looking at too, and that’s where a little research will help. If you have settled on a particular brand and model, you will often have some different options if you are buying a pre-owned ultrasound machine. While a machine built in 2005 as compared to one built in 2006 might be essentially the same and have similar prices, it might be that one model has a better record of reliability. So do some checking when you are comparing ultrasound systems and it might save you money in the long run.
