The Hologic Dimensions 3D Mammography system is among the most advanced products available. The device is clinically proven to be more comfortable than other mammograms and offers clinicians improved workflow. However, the system requires adequate preventative maintenance to deliver consistent clinical services.
This article explores why Hologic Dimensions preventative maintenance is critical and the steps involved. We discuss the process and how Mammo.com can assist by providing devices, support, and ongoing maintenance servicing.
Why Hologic Dimensions Servicing Is Essential
Hologic Dimensions systems are highly capable but also complex. Devices feature Genius 3D technology that provides high-resolution images of breast tissue with low radiation doses. Systems also reduce the risk of false positives and negatives, enhancing patient care and improving clinical reputation.
Hologic Dimensions servicing is essential for ensuring optimal performance and reliability of the system. Maintenance procedures include cleaning, backup, and calibration of system components. Parts replacement is also sometimes necessary, depending on the age, usage conditions, and model.
Mammo.com provides technical and product support for Hologic Dimensions systems over the phone, online, and in the form of service training. Leveraging these services increases system lifespan and reliability. It can also reduce downtime and improve patient care by ensuring devices function optimally. Ultimately, a proper servicing arrangement with third-party professionals reduces costs by avoiding frequent breakdowns and equipment replacements.
How Hologic Dimensions Preventative Maintenance Works
Hologic Dimensions and 3Dimensions AWS preventative maintenance involves various steps. Completing these increases system lifespan and reliability.
Cleaning And Inspection
Hologic provides detailed equipment cleaning and inspection instructions for 3Dimensions systems, which Mammo.com follows. Engineers first inspect the system for any signs of damage, internally and externally, to identify issues requiring resolution later on.
They then proceed with cleaning each component, including the acquisition workstation, touchscreen display, fingerprint scanner, and keyboard. Professionals use EPA-approved disinfectants on all patient-facing surfaces to prevent possible equipment damage and protect patients. They also avoid using any corrosive agents or abrasive detergents that could harm the system and cause damage.
Calibration
The next step is calibration, a critical part of Hologic Dimensions sand 3Dimensions AWS servicing. This part of the procedure ensures the equipment provides adequate images for radiological analysis and involves using a “phantom” – a device that mimics the properties of human tissue – to test system performance under different conditions. Calibration is done periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations and maintains optimal image quality and radiation dose for patients and operators.
Flat field calibration is one of the most critical elements of servicing. This process uses an image of a uniform object to correct for variations in pixel response and detector sensitivity. Technicians acquire Hologic Dimensions flat field images by placing a flat field phantom on the system’s detector and then exposing it to various target/filter combinations and kilovoltage peak (kVp).
Software Updates
After that, service engineers apply software updates. Hologic periodically releases patches for the following reasons:
- Enhance image clarity and quality
- Speed up scan times and reduce radiation dose
- Improve the user interface and workflow
- Comply with the latest regional and national standards and regulations
- Add new features, such as synthetic 2D images and contrast-enhanced mammography
Hologic recommends that customers update their software regularly. They are a form of preventative maintenance because they ensure systems are up-to-date.
Performance Testing
The last step is performance testing. It requires ensuring the system is set up properly for the clinic and that images are accurate.
Engineers first prepare the system for testing (using the above steps). They also ensure that it has sufficient consumables, such as cassettes, films, and paddles, to complete the testing.
After that, engineers select an appropriate test protocol based on their objectives and requirements. Some examples of test protocols are ACR accreditation, FDA compliance, image quality assessment, and dose measurement.
After that, they perform the test by simulating various conditions and scenarios and recording all results and errors that might arise.
Lastly, they analyze the test results, comparing findings with the manufacturer’s expected values. If there are deviations that could affect system performance, they repeat the process or replace parts until they achieve the desired outcome.
Get Hologic Dimensions Preventative Maintenance From Mammo.com
Mammo.com offers comprehensive support and preventative maintenance for clinics and hospitals using Hologic Dimensions or 3Dimensions AWS systems. We supply parts and complete systems, provide direct servicing, and train engineers to complete work locally. Working with us can enhance the lifespan and reliability of your systems dramatically.
