Choosing a used ICP is very similar to selecting a new model direct from the manufacturer. However, when buying pre-owned equipment, there are a couple of extra considerations to keep in mind.
When buying any ICP-MS system, it will be important to understand your needs. To do this, take the time to carefully consider the essential components to the system that will form the basis of evaluating if a particular model is a good match for the requirements of the lab.
Without this prior assessment of what is required, it is easy to get caught up in the additional features and miss some of the basics. Although buying pre-owned equipment will save money, these are still large investments for labs of any size. Taking the time to be specific about what is required is an essential component of the purchase and evaluation process.
Price
Price will always be a factor with new or used ICP. Price will vary between used lab equipment suppliers, but the price can also be misleading. Look for a pre-owned equipment dealer that offers not only a reasonable market price but also has a top reputation in testing and marketing only quality equipment.
Often the very low-cost equipment is provided by third-party sellers or equipment brokers with limited expertise in the equipment. This will make it a buyer beware situation with any purchase.
Performance and Capabilities
As with new equipment, it is critical to understand the specifics when it comes to performance and testing capacity or capability of the used ICP system. This will be defined by the various tests performed by the lab, the number of tests that have to be completed on a daily basis and the specific test that will need to be performed.
The additional features above the basics will also be included in this part of the comparison. By focusing in on user-friendly designs and operation as well as the detection abilities of the equipment, it will be easy to narrow down the choices.
