Frequently Asked Questions
We compiled the questions most frequently asked to our technical team along with our field experience.
Medical imaging devices operate constantly under high voltage, high magnetic fields and mechanical load. Preventive maintenance allows early detection of wear, leaks and calibration drifts before they turn into failures.
According to our field data, unplanned downtime is reduced by up to 60% on regularly maintained devices, and the lifetime of high-cost components such as tubes and gradients is significantly extended. Maintenance records are also mandatory documents for accreditation and quality audits.
The generally accepted approach is at least 2 (preferably 4) periodic maintenance visits per year for MRI systems. However, daily patient volume, device age and environmental conditions affect this frequency.
- Helium level and cooling system: monthly remote monitoring
- Chiller and water circuit: every 3 months
- Comprehensive maintenance and quality tests: every 6 months
- Coil and accessory inspection: every 6 months
The X-ray tube is the highest-cost consumable component of a CT device. The main factors affecting tube life are cooling performance, heating-cooling cycles and protocol selection.
- Never skip tube warm-up procedures
- Regularly check cooling unit filters and airflow
- Keep room temperature within the manufacturer range (usually 18-24°C)
- Avoid unnecessarily high mAs protocols, apply dose optimization
Image quality degradation is often caused by environmental or accessory issues rather than a device failure. Check the following in order of priority:
- The coil used and its cable connections (most common cause)
- Patient positioning and sequence parameters
- RF cage door gaskets and cabin integrity (RF leakage)
- New electronic devices brought into the room (interference source)
- SNR and shim warnings in system logs
If these checks do not resolve the issue, service should be called for measured inspection of the gradient, RF amplifier and shim system.
A second-hand device is a serious investment advantage when chosen correctly; when chosen wrongly it can generate repair costs exceeding the device price.
- Tube / gradient counters: the most critical data showing remaining life
- Software version and licenses: transferability of application licenses
- Spare part availability: manufacturer support status (end-of-support)
- Test in working condition before deinstallation: must be seen with an actual scan
- Coil and accessory inventory: the cost of missing coils is very high
At TecnicaMed we provide independent inspection and test reporting before purchase.
We respond to remote support requests within an average of 1 hour. On-site intervention, depending on the maintenance contract scope and location, takes place within 24 hours in Istanbul and surrounding provinces and within 48 hours in other regions.
Institutions with an SLA contract receive priority intervention and critical part stock guarantee.
