The price of a refurbished device tells you very little. What protects you is the paperwork behind it: what was tested, what was replaced, who stands behind the work, and how long you can keep the device supported. If a seller can answer the questions below in writing, you can compare offers on equal terms. If they can't, the low price is probably covering a gap.

1. Confirm exactly what you're buying

Start with the make, model, serial number and year of manufacture. Then match the model to your need, not only the device category. Software version, configuration and installed options can change what a unit does, and two units with the same model name may not be interchangeable. Ask which accessories are included, because cables, probes, sensors and batteries are often where the real cost sits.

2. Ask what was done to it

"Refurbished" has no single meaning, so ask for specifics. A useful record shows:

  • Which parts were inspected, repaired or replaced
  • Whether the unit was calibrated, and to what specification
  • Whether functional and electrical safety tests were performed, and the results
  • Who did the work and what test equipment they used

Precision MedLab issues a certificate of conformance with each re-certified unit. Whichever seller you use, read that document closely, because it usually sets the scope of the warranty as well. You can see how our work is structured on our re-certification process page.

3. Check for recalls and support status

Before you commit, search the model in the FDA medical device recall database and ask the seller how any open action was resolved for that serial number. Then ask whether the manufacturer still supports the model. A device can work perfectly and still be a poor buy if parts, software updates or consumables are about to disappear.

4. Read the warranty for scope, not length

Ninety days of broad coverage can be worth more than a year of narrow coverage. Look for:

  • What is covered, and whether it's parts, labor or both
  • When the clock starts: delivery date, invoice date or ship date
  • What is excluded. Consumables and wear items usually are
  • Who may service the unit without voiding coverage
  • Whether extended coverage is available and what it costs

Our re-certified equipment includes a 90-day limited parts-and-labor warranty from delivery, and 12-month coverage can be purchased on most equipment. Exclusions and claim steps are on our warranty page.

5. Know the return terms before you need them

Ask how long you have, whether you need authorization first, what restocking fee applies, and who pays return freight. Also ask what your own team may do during that window. This one catches people out: at many sellers, including us, opening or servicing a unit during the return period can end your right to return it, even when it's your own biomed doing the work. Details of our terms are on the shipping and returns page.

6. Plan how you'll receive it

Inspect the shipment before signing for it, and note any visible damage on the delivery receipt. Keep the packaging until you know the unit is good. For incoming acceptance, follow your own process, but confirm first which steps are allowed during the return period. An external inspection, a power-on check and a functional check rarely raise a problem. Opening the case, changing software or adjusting calibration might.

7. Compare the full cost

Add up the unit price, freight, installation, accessories, consumables and expected service for the time you plan to keep it. Include the cost of downtime if the device is hard to replace. A quote that is lower on price can easily be higher on total cost once these are counted.

A quick checklist

  • Make, model, serial, year and software version confirmed
  • Written record of testing, calibration and replaced parts
  • Recall search done and manufacturer support status known
  • Warranty scope, exclusions and start date understood
  • Return window, fees and service restrictions in writing
  • Accessories and consumables listed on the quote
  • Delivery, site readiness and acceptance steps planned

Browse current inventory, or send us your list and we'll confirm availability, documentation and lead times for each item.