Axess Ultrasound Introduces In-House Probe Asset Management Program

INDIANAPOLIS (March 6, 2012) - Axess Ultrasound, which provides comprehensive ultrasound services, training, parts and repair, is now offering a proactive probe management program that helps facilities effectively manage probe assets to reduce maintenance costs and risk to patients. The new Probe P.R.E.P.™ program improves ultrasound clinical performance and patient outcomes by helping a facility develop and implement proactive strategies and regular monitoring of probe inventory.

"Ultrasound probes account for 70 percent of ultrasound service issues, and many of these can be avoided with proactive maintenance and care," said William Gulley, executive director of Axess Ultrasound. "And with the potential to have hundreds or even a thousand probes in a given inventory, it is critical to have an internal asset management program in place to help reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of ultrasound equipment."

As many as 25 to 30 percent of probes currently in use have some type of defect which can cause risk to patients from potential cross-contamination, misdiagnosis or escalation to additional procedures that are more intrusive and not necessary. Yet, most hospitals have no internal program in place to proactively manage ultrasound probes resulting in lower image quality and higher costs when it comes to maintenance, repair and replacement.

The Probe P.R.E.P.™ asset management program starts with a comprehensive diagnostic study that identifies issues by evaluating current process and procedures, conducting on-site inspections and testing, and compiling historical data on probe expenditures. Once the diagnostic study is complete, Axess Ultrasound experts help to establish corrective processes, policies and procedures while providing in-service training with appropriate staff on-site. On-going monitoring of the assets for three months identifies areas of effectiveness in quality improvement and cost reduction and also helps to identify where procedural changes or re-training is needed.

The Probe P.R.E.P.™ provides a comprehensive plan for preventive maintenance, repair, expert consultation and planned replacement so the facility can be proactive about costs and patient safety. "If we can address defects before they negatively affect patient outcomes and before they result in the need for costly probe replacement, we can reduce the risk and lower the costs for the facility. Properly managing probe assets is a win-win for any facility," added Gulley.