'Refurbished' Means Nothing Until You Ask These 4 Questions

Buying pre-owned medical equipment can stretch a capital budget a long way, but only if you understand exactly what you are getting. Condition terms are used loosely across the industry, so it pays to know what each one should mean and what to confirm before you buy.

The common condition grades

• As-Is / Untested: Sold without a functional guarantee. Best for buyers who can repair or harvest parts themselves, and priced accordingly.
• Tested: Powered on and confirmed to perform basic functions. Not the same as a full refurbishment.
• Refurbished: Inspected, repaired as needed, cleaned, and returned to reliable working condition, often with a warranty.
• Biomed Certified / Patient-Ready: Serviced and tested to be ready for clinical use, typically with the most thorough documentation.

Questions to ask before buying

Because terminology varies between sellers, ask specific questions: What testing was performed? Is there a warranty, and what does it cover? Are accessories, cables, and batteries included? Will you receive documentation of the work performed? Clear answers separate a reputable seller from a risky one.

Why documentation matters

For clinical equipment, documentation is not a nicety, it supports your compliance program and protects patients. A device that arrives with a record of what was tested and repaired is far easier to bring into service than one that shows up with no history.

Buy from a partner who services what they sell

The strongest signal of quality is a seller who also repairs equipment, because they understand what "working" really means. A Biomedical Service sells tested and refurbished equipment and stands behind it. Browse equipment or call (800) 910-1422 with questions about a specific device.