Re: Equipment lifespan

Posted by fraser gilmour on
URL: http://art-forum.84.s1.nabble.com/Equipment-lifespan-tp1036p1046.html

Thanks guys.
I've just had a rep ask me what I think about the RA "guidance" on replacing equipment after 7 years, and it was also brought up recently by a CQC auditor quoting the same "RA guidance". As far as I can see there is no current RA recommendation on this, and the last thing I can find relating to equipment was in a 2009 version, stating it was only a (2C) weak recommendation with no firm evidence to support it. See below
Where did 7 years come from? does anyone know if this is a requirement for equipment manufacturers after last date of manufacture? Where did 40000 hours come from?

Guideline 2.3 - HD: Haemodialyis equipment and disposables
We suggest that machines should be replaced after between seven and ten years’ service or after completing
between 25,000 and 40,000 hours of use for haemodialysis, depending upon an assessment of machine
condition (2C).
Rationale
The routine maintenance of the equipment used for renal replacement therapy is essential and the service history of each
machine should be documented fully throughout its use-life by the renal unit technicians. Renal units should endeavour to
adopt a programme of phased replacement of older HD machines. Although it is possible to keep a dialysis machine
operating safely for many years, practical considerations of obsolescence and maintenance costs require a more structured
approach. When a particular model of a machine becomes obsolete, companies generally only undertake to supply
replacement parts for seven years. Intensive use of HD machines for three 4 hour shifts per day, 6 days per week would
complete 26208 hours of use after 7 years. We accept that there is no firm evidence that replacement, as suggested
above, is the most cost-effective strategy.