What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Veterinary Equipment Manufacturers

Running any type of clinic can get expensive, whether that involves human medicine or a veterinary office. A lot of animal owners appreciate the latest and greatest in treatment technology but might not have the funds to pay for it. Plus, the fact that medical equipment constantly evolves requires constantly updated ultrasound machinery for treatments and scans to go off without a hitch.

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How do new, used, and refurbished ultrasound equipment options differ? Choice Medical Systems, Inc. breaks down the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each type below so that you can make an informed purchase for your practice.

Why Ultrasound Serves a Veterinary Setting So Well

The importance of ultrasound in veterinary settings increases by the day, and it's surprising how versatile these applications are among different animal owners and breeders.

For example, ranchers with various livestock will breed for meat and animal by-products. They aim to maintain herd health to offer their customers better products. They also want to follow sound breeding practices, so ultrasound offers deep insights that aren't invasive.

The animal keepers at zoos or aquariums invest lots of money into animals to educate visitors about wildlife. Keeping these exotic critters healthy protects their investment and wildlife preservation efforts. Ultrasound smooths their monitoring and recovery process, often considerably.

Everyday pet owners, too, leverage your ultrasound equipment to become increasingly knowledgeable about their pets' needs and health. A veterinary care provider with the latest and most reliable imaging equipment helps animals lead longer lives. 

Types of Ultrasound Equipment on the Market

You might run into the following product descriptors when shopping for quality ultrasound machines for your clinic:

New Ultrasound Equipment

Purchasing new ultrasound technology gets you something no one else has used before. It's fresh off the lot, so it costs more than used or refurbished alternatives. However, it's worth the features, including the latest imaging technology and improvements. 

Used Ultrasound Equipment

Purchasing a piece of used ultrasound equipment means no updated features, but this choice is often cost-effective if you're on a budget. You're looking at a unit that is five or more years old and has at least one previous owner.

Refurbished Ultrasound Equipment

Purchasing a refurbished piece of ultrasound equipment is another option. It was likely used before a certified refurbishing service updated some parts and software to ensure the machine could still perform well. Refurbished equipment is reasonably priced and often has the latest upgrades installed.

What Does New, Used, or Refurbished Equipment Bring to the Veterinary Operating Table?

Should you spring for a brand-new ultrasound machine or save with a used or refurbished option? Read the advantages and disadvantages below before you buy. 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of New Ultrasounds

Many clinics prefer to purchase brand-new equipment. It offers the most recent technology advancements ultrasound developers can muster, plus a few notable advantages of new equipment like:

• Generous warranties
• Perfect function and performance
• Integrated software and features

These facets sound appealing to any forward-thinking veterinary manager, but the price might be less so. New products cost a lot, especially if you're essentially agreeing to pay more for features that get in your way or you don't need. A waiting list is also a possibility. 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Used Ultrasounds

Since used ultrasound equipment has served at least one previous owner, wear and tear would be a reasonable expectation. Other disadvantages of used equipment may include:

• Zero quality or performance guarantees or warranties
• Unexpected repair needs soon after purchasing
• Fewer modern features

Still, industry experts will usually advise that these disadvantages are rarely a problem. After all, you can reap countless used ultrasound machine benefits that include sustainability, much lower prices, and immediate availability. Quality sellers also ensure everything works and may even cover your purchase with a warranty.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Refurbished Ultrasounds

Refurbished options are often used machines. However, most come with the following perks:

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• Performance and quality guarantees (three months)
• Lower costs than new ultrasound equipment
• Careful recalibration, refurbishment, and testing by qualified refurbishers
• Modern technological features to accommodate recent software needs

The main pitfall of purchasing refurbished equipment is that you don't know who used it and how they treated it. Does it need maintenance within the first year of ownership? It may also look a little rough around the edges if the refurbisher didn't focus on cosmetic improvements.

Still, refurbished options offer the best of both worlds ' cost-effectiveness and ecological sustainability. Accessing modern features also makes refurbished and new machines more attractive than used versions.

What To Consider When Shopping for New, Used, or Refurbished Equipment

Buying quality ultrasound equipment isn't just about price or tech. How well will it serve your veterinary clinic's needs? A reputable brand, refurbisher, or dealer also offers greater peace of mind about this important purchase. 

At a minimum, factor the following elements into your final ultrasound equipment purchase:

• Availability: New machinery requires wait time. If you need immediate access, shop for used or refurbished units and just deal with the shipping and receiving logistics.
• Capability: Does your practice utilize modern features? For instance, a new or refurbished machine is better if you want 4D imaging and the clearest possible picture.
• Modality: What are you using the ultrasound for most? Imaging superficial structures has different technological requirements compared to scanning deep tumors and monitoring animal pregnancies.
• Cost: How much can you budget for this veterinary equipment? Some manufacturers and providers have installment plans, but brand-new equipment can still be pricey. 
• Coverage and guarantees: Do you want lasting warranty coverage or service guarantees? Go for new or refurbished ultrasound equipment. 

There are many reputable suppliers of used ultrasounds out there, but remember that not all options are retrofitted and thoroughly checked. Your chosen supplier matters.

Decide What's Right for Your Clinic With Choice Medical Systems, Inc.

It costs about $1 million to start a small animal clinic, according to Veterinary Practice News, with major costs being acquiring the necessary veterinary surgical equipment to treat animals. This includes surgical equipment, anesthesia machines x-ray machines,  ultrasound machine, and orthopedic products; if you want to extend your services. Equipment alone can run in tens of thousands of dollars.  

You can minimize some of these costs if you consider purchasing used veterinary equipment or refurbished surgical equipment. But should you do that? What are the positives and negatives?

Used veterinary equipment

When you buy something labeled 'used,' it doesn't mean that it won't work as it did when it was new. It just means that the equipment was purchased from its previous owner. Many times, you can get used medical equipment in good condition that still functions properly. 

There are companies that offer pre-owned Certified equipment, this may be an option if the product was gently used and the company offers readily available spare parts in case of break down. Consider the cost of the replacement part and the interruption to your veterinary services. 

Refurbished veterinary equipment 

Purchasing refurbished equipment is common in the veterinary market. Although there are some risks associated, there are also a number of benefits, especially when it comes to cost. 

The key to purchase refurbished veterinary equipment is to do the proper research about the seller and ask the right questions. Do they offer a warranty? Have the products been tested? What they are offering are returned products? Do they come with a certification from the manufacturer? How soon can you get spare parts in case of a breakdown? What are the most common pieces that need to be replaced including cost? Where and how to contact customer service in case of questions? How do you get training on the usage of the product?

Consider that doing your research before you decide on refurbished veterinary equipment will take time and this could be a disadvantage.

New veterinary equipment

New medical equipment comes right from the manufacturer, and generally costs more than used or refurbished equipment. With new equipment, you can feel confident that it will work as it should, and you'll get a manufacturer's warranty. This means the manufacturer will be responsible for any breakdowns and should be available for training on the use and/or any questions the user may have about the product. 

Bottom line?

Every veterinary clinic, especially now during COVID-19,  is concerned about cost, but safety and infection control should still be the main priority. While you can purchase refurbished and used veterinary equipment, you should do your due diligence to find a reputable seller. Still, nothing compares to a brand-new surgical tool.

How to address the cost challenges 

There are many costs associated with the opening of a new veterinary clinic. Acquiring your orthopedic tools at an affordable price can reduce your startup cost and allow you to offer orthopedic services to your furry clients. Arbutus Medical powered orthopedic products have the best features without the price tag seen on other models on the market. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Veterinary Equipment Manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

• Affordability ' Arbutus Medical systems help maintain infection control for thousands less than other surgical drills on the market. 
• Reliability ' In collaboration with DeWalt and Makita, Arbutus Medical has designed a reliable tool for your surgical environment. 
• Sterile tool ' Patented, waterproof, and pathogen-free barrier for the orthopedic drill, keeping the surgical device sterile without the need to autoclave. 
• Long-battery life ' Orthopedic drills need autoclaving, but doing this can lead to battery damage by overheating and/or moisture. This will cause the surgical device to wear out faster. Arbutus Medical has teamed up with known brands to provide you with Li-Ion batteries for your orthopedic drill, that recharge within 30 minutes. Users should get about 1,000-charge cycles (or three years), depending on use. To replace the battery you can call Arbutus Customer Service or go to any hardware store and purchase it for less than $100.
• FDA-registered and Health Canada-licensed ' Arbutus Medical has converted a typical hardware drill into a fully-sterile and licensed surgical drill. The simplicity on the design offer users the ergonomics, torque, and speed of a high-end surgical drill for a fraction of the cost. 
• Warranty ' Arbutus Medical offers a two-year warranty, ensuring users that the product will be safe and effective, free of any defects in both materials and workmanship when the device is used as intended. 
• Customer service ' Arbutus Medical offers customer support before and after purchase. A market expert is available to answer any questions via , , or chat. We also offer online video training, literature, and video calls when requested.