Is Used Medical Equipment Safe to Use?
Inspecting medical equipment before use is important. Used medical equipment can be safe to use but it can also pose a risk to individuals if not used properly. Just like you may opt to buy a used car instead of a new one, you first must take critical steps to do your homework about the equipment and inspect it. If you’re considering either buying or borrowing used (pre-owned, refurbished) durable medical equipment, always proceed with caution. Be sure that the equipment you intend to borrow or purchase meets your needs.
Risks Linked to Used Medical Equipment
Buying or borrowing used medical equipment can pose a risk. Risks may include outdated medical equipment models, expired product warranties, and more. These risks may mean that if a component breaks the replacement part may no longer be available. If you decide to borrow medical equipment from a medical equipment lending closet, many times trained equipment repair technicians or trained volunteers have repaired the equipment suitable for use.
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to determine whether the used medical equipment you are about to purchase is safe for you to use.
Ask and Inspect Before You Buy Used Medical Equipment
A salesperson at a medical equipment supply store is usually ready to assist and guide a customer when purchasing a new piece of medical equipment. When you buy or borrow used medical equipment, you may not have a medical equipment professional to inform and guide you about the medical equipment device. Knowledgeable and trained volunteers or employees can provide you with more details about their medical equipment inventory.
Here are a few tips on how to prepare and what questions to ask before buying or borrowing used medical equipment. Use your discretion on which questions are applicable to the product you are seeking.
Inspect the equipment and look for scratches, if it’s unkept, rips or tears, and broken or missing components. If the user of the product is unable to be present at the time of inspection or to test it out, make sure you know the individual’s measurements.
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- Is the item clean and in working condition?
- Is it fully operational?
- What is the best way to maintain the upkeep of the item?
- How much does it cost to maintain the item in working order?
- How many pounds is the item approved for?
- What height is the item approved for?
- Does the item require assembly?
- What are the dimensions (height, weight) when the item is folded down? I need to know for traveling purposes.
- Can I self-transport or do I need assistance with this item?
- How do you set up or break down the item?
- Do you need any tools to set up or fold down the item?
- Can I modify the item to fit the individual’s needs?
- Is the item missing any components/parts?
- Where can I get replacement parts for this model?
- What is the maximum height of the seat? Is it adjustable? (Commode)
- What is the diameter of the bucket underneath the toilet seat? (Commode)What is the age of the item? Are you the first owner?
- How much does the item weigh?
- What parts are removable?
- How much clearance space does the product around once it’s in place?
- Is this item appropriate for bariatric use?
- Is there a product manual available?
Confirm the Condition of the Used Medical Equipment
Nothing would be more frustrating than to purchase a product that quickly deteriorates and stops functioning at its full potential. Test out the item yourself and check for weak spots or potential hazards. If you are concerned with the condition of the equipment, decide whether you can easily repair it.
Medical Equipment Repair
Where might you go to have the item repaired? Sometimes durable medical equipment is large, such as a hospital bed. In this case, taking it to a repair shop would be extremely difficult, and your loved one would need a replacement before removing the product for repairs. It can be expensive to have a technician come to your home to repair a medical equipment device. On the other hand, buying a new model can come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Many times pre-owned medical equipment cannot be returned to the seller. Be sure to ask the seller about the purchase agreement details.
Borrow Used Medical Equipment
If you choose to borrow, instead of buying, used medical equipment from your local medical loan closet, you can speak to trained staff or volunteers. Community medical loan closets were created out of a need to help people with temporary disabilities facing financial difficulties or uninsured or underinsured. Their main goal is to match individuals with disabilities with available medical equipment, that meets their temporary recovery needs, at low cost or no cost.
Taking Home Used Medical Equipment
It is very important to consider the equipment’s hygiene. Individuals who require specialized medical equipment are likely to have temporary disabilities. Bringing in a used, unsanitary item could jeopardize your health and well-being. Find the parts that can be removed and sanitized. Cloth materials may be easily replaceable, and the hardware often can be disinfected. Note that metal items could be prone to rust, especially when using cleaning chemicals. Check the item thoroughly for rusting and weak spots. Read the labels on your cleaning supplies before cleaning your new item.
Don’t know what cleaning supplies to use for sanitizing and disinfecting used medical equipment? Read our post “How to Clean Used Medical Equipment.”
Individuals should seek additional guidance about the use of medical equipment from their primary care provider or medical loan closet program staff.
Do you have used medical equipment you would like to sell or donate? Read our post “Donate or Sell Your Used Medical Equipment” for tips.
Not convinced about buying or borrowing pre-owned, gently used medical equipment? Read our post “Where to Buy New Medical Equipment.”