Universal offers a Preventive Maintenance Only contract that covers two maintenance visits per year. We also offer a “Plus” version that includes a capped annual amount based on equipment type for additional time and material services provided at the standard rate. For those who would like to perform a PM on their own, we also offer a PM Kit for the e.cam and the Infinia complete with OEM Specified lubrication, a hard-shell case for storage and a convenient reorder card.
What should a PM strategy include?
At Universal, we believe any preventive maintenance program should strictly follow the OEM recommendations and add in experienced-based recommendations based on years of in-the-field experience. At the very least every SPECT camera should be scheduled for a detailed condition, and functional evaluation of the entire system two-times a year.
Mechanical preventive maintenance checklist items include a visual review of the camera’s motion, verify that all components are properly lubricated, assess whether location sensors, limit switches, and gears are in good working order.
Environmental checks for proper heat dissipation include ensuring that fans spin smoothly, and filters are clean and free of dust. Fan noise may be a flag that a fan needs replacement.
Image Quality checks include making sure energy peaks are within the acceptable range, and all uniformity values are within OEM specification. Center of Rotation (COR) calibrations are verified, and new COR corrections acquired if needed.
Ensure that all calibrations are backed up on the server.
The Devil’s in the Details
There are dozens of essential details in performing proper preventive maintenance. As an example, each check-up should include an evaluation of all moving mechanical components, explicitly looking for worn or missing parts. The camera’s rotate and radius mechanisms, which are under continuous load, should be examined, gears greased, and emergency stops checked for proper operation. During greasing, all bolts should be checked and tightened if needed. Cables should be checked for fraying, wear or friction effects which if left unaddressed may lead to system failures.
For patient safety and system longevity, a PM should be performed by experienced technicians who know what to look for and where trouble is likely to be found.