Here
are the 21 steps it takes to get a C-Arm to you:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1.Locate an available system in use in the
marketplace
This is not always as easy as it seems. C-Arm users do not all upgrade at the same time. Many times, they sell us their current based on delivery of a brand new system. And, unfortunately, OEMs are notoriously late with their shipments. We’ve even seen periods of no OEM deliveries at all like several years ago when GE was shut down and could not ship OEC 9900, 9800 or 6800 systems.
This is not always as easy as it seems. C-Arm users do not all upgrade at the same time. Many times, they sell us their current based on delivery of a brand new system. And, unfortunately, OEMs are notoriously late with their shipments. We’ve even seen periods of no OEM deliveries at all like several years ago when GE was shut down and could not ship OEC 9900, 9800 or 6800 systems.
2.Examine the system
We send a service tech to examine the system, he whether the unit is suitable for refurbishment or if it is to be stripped for parts.
We send a service tech to examine the system, he whether the unit is suitable for refurbishment or if it is to be stripped for parts.
3.Offer and
Acceptance
Based on the service tech’s examination, an offer is made for the equipment, if accepted we proceed to signing contracts.
Based on the service tech’s examination, an offer is made for the equipment, if accepted we proceed to signing contracts.
4.Payment is
arranged
With an agreement in place, the unit is paid for and pickup date is arranged.
With an agreement in place, the unit is paid for and pickup date is arranged.
5.System is picked
up
A driver is dispatched with an air-ride truck to secure the unit.
A driver is dispatched with an air-ride truck to secure the unit.
6.Transport to refurbishment
center
C-ArmsUSA
utilizes relationships with several service vendors throughout the USA. Through
various refurbishment/service agreements, the unit is brought to a facility as
close as possible to the customer site (when known) and our Performance Testing
procedure is begun.
7.Test system
functionality
Performance testing assures us and you of a well-balanced system that produces high quality images. We are less concerned with replacing every part (as that is costly and highly ridiculous). Standard replacement parts such as batteries, monitors inserts, high voltage cables etc., along with known boards that need replacement are ordered from our trusted supplier list.
Performance testing assures us and you of a well-balanced system that produces high quality images. We are less concerned with replacing every part (as that is costly and highly ridiculous). Standard replacement parts such as batteries, monitors inserts, high voltage cables etc., along with known boards that need replacement are ordered from our trusted supplier list.
8.Disassembly of
the unit and cleaning
The skins and main covers are removed and inside of the unit is cleaned, filters are replaced, cables are secured.
The skins and main covers are removed and inside of the unit is cleaned, filters are replaced, cables are secured.
9.Cosmetic repairs
The skins are examined for dents, deep scratches and other blemishes as well as the body of the arc and cart. All dents are pounded out, holes filled, the unit is then sanded and taped in preparation of painting.
The skins are examined for dents, deep scratches and other blemishes as well as the body of the arc and cart. All dents are pounded out, holes filled, the unit is then sanded and taped in preparation of painting.
10. PaintingPainting
is accomplished by hand with OEM colors mixed by Sherwin Williams. The paint used is high-pigment count paint for uniform coverage and conforms to the OEM guidelines.
is accomplished by hand with OEM colors mixed by Sherwin Williams. The paint used is high-pigment count paint for uniform coverage and conforms to the OEM guidelines.
11. Reassembly of the
unit
Once all paint dries, the system is reassembled and tape removed.
Once all paint dries, the system is reassembled and tape removed.
12. Cross check and
calibration
This step is a repeat of number seven basically. It is vital precaution to ensure that the unit emerges from refurbishment process fully functional.
This step is a repeat of number seven basically. It is vital precaution to ensure that the unit emerges from refurbishment process fully functional.
13. Safety Check
All line cords and connections are double-checked, battery charging verified, safety features such as dose reduction, beam alignment and collimation are verified to be set properly.
All line cords and connections are double-checked, battery charging verified, safety features such as dose reduction, beam alignment and collimation are verified to be set properly.
14. Erase all images
in memory/hard drive
HIPAA requires all prior images be erased.
HIPAA requires all prior images be erased.
15. Put in new
facility/owner name
Your facility name is entered into the system onboard computer and will appear on all pictures along with patient name and date.
Your facility name is entered into the system onboard computer and will appear on all pictures along with patient name and date.
16. Prepare for
shipment
Shipping generally involves our own truck and driver. The unit is now stretch wrapped, the image intensifier and arc secured by an E-track system to the truck. Some times, when necessitated by using outside carriers, we build a special C-Arm crate to be used.
Shipping generally involves our own truck and driver. The unit is now stretch wrapped, the image intensifier and arc secured by an E-track system to the truck. Some times, when necessitated by using outside carriers, we build a special C-Arm crate to be used.
17. Ship
the Unit via Air-ride Carrier
It’s always important to use an air-ride vehicle. History has shown us repeatedly that system damage from bouncing and jostling in a regular vehicle is very high. To eliminate the likelihood of damage in transit, we insist the truck be air-ride suspension equipped.
It’s always important to use an air-ride vehicle. History has shown us repeatedly that system damage from bouncing and jostling in a regular vehicle is very high. To eliminate the likelihood of damage in transit, we insist the truck be air-ride suspension equipped.
18. Install
the system at Buyer location
When the unit arrives at your location, our driver will bring it to the room you designate. He will plug it in to start the initial charge.
When the unit arrives at your location, our driver will bring it to the room you designate. He will plug it in to start the initial charge.
19. Test
the unit
With the driver, or soon after, our tech will arrive to test the unit to be certain it works as it is supposed to.
With the driver, or soon after, our tech will arrive to test the unit to be certain it works as it is supposed to.
20. Train
new user in features/use
Our tech, once the test is complete, will show you how to connect the monitor cart to the C, plug the unit in, set up the overnight charge and familiarize you with the basic features and console of the unit. Please remember, this is not a full-fledged training session (we assume that you have used a C-Arm previously) but merely to help you get up and running quickly.
Our tech, once the test is complete, will show you how to connect the monitor cart to the C, plug the unit in, set up the overnight charge and familiarize you with the basic features and console of the unit. Please remember, this is not a full-fledged training session (we assume that you have used a C-Arm previously) but merely to help you get up and running quickly.
21. Turn
over the system to new owner
The system is turned over to you as the owner. The warranty commences upon delivery so you’re covered in the unlikely event of a problem.
The system is turned over to you as the owner. The warranty commences upon delivery so you’re covered in the unlikely event of a problem.
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