Why Patient Monitors Die at Year 6 (and How to Reach Year 10)

Patient monitors are among the hardest-working devices in any facility, and replacing them is expensive. With a little routine care, you can keep them accurate and in service for years longer. Here is what makes the biggest difference.

Take battery care seriously

Batteries are the most common reason a monitor is pulled from service. Track battery age, follow charge and storage guidance, and replace batteries proactively rather than waiting for a failure during a transport or code.

Clean the right way

Follow the manufacturer's cleaning guidance and use approved agents. Aggressive chemicals can degrade housings, screens, and connectors over time. Pay attention to cables and connectors, which fail more often than the monitors themselves.

Keep up with preventive maintenance

Scheduled PM catches drift and wear before they affect readings. Performance verification, alarm checks, and electrical safety testing keep a monitor trustworthy and survey-ready. Skipping PM saves nothing if it leads to an unexpected failure.

Repair strategically instead of replacing

Many monitor problems, a failed power board, a bad SpO2 module, a cracked display, are economical to repair, especially through flat-rate depot service. Before writing off a monitor, get a repair quote; the fix is often a fraction of replacement cost.

Get expert help when you need it

A Biomedical Service repairs and maintains patient monitors from major brands, including GE, Philips, Mindray, Nihon Kohden, and Welch Allyn. Learn about our monitor service or call (800) 910-1422 to keep your fleet running.