What is the Difference Between Remanufactured and Refurbished?

There are many words in the English language that have become interchangeable however they should not be because they don’t mean the same thing.  Two of those words are “remanufactured” and “refurbished”.  There is a world of difference in the meaning of these words and buyers need to be aware of what those differences are.

Remanufactured – if something is remanufactured it had more than just a new coat of paint and some new decals.  A remanufactured product, such as a surgical table, has been stripped all the way down and gone through piece by piece.  Every nut, every bolt has been taken out of the piece of equipment cleaned up or replaced if necessary.  Once it has been taken completely apart it is then put back together.  The remanufactured piece of equipment then goes through quality testing to ensure it works exactly as it should and is then certified in good-as-new condition.  Future Health Concepts guarantees our remanufactured products with a one year parts and labor warranty.

Refurbished – when a product or piece of equipment is refurbished it is tested and some non-working parts are replaced in order to put it back in working order.  Or the paint is touched up, dents removed and decals replaced… more like a face lift than a complete overhaul.  Medical equipment such as anesthesia machines or electrosurgical units are examples of equipment that get refurbished and not remanufactured. This is due to guidelines set forth by the FDA on how previously owned medical equipment can be processed for resale. Any reputable company will offer a warranty on these items as well, which we do. Typically a one year parts and labor warranty for these items.

Understanding the difference between these two words can save the buyer a lot of headache down the road.  A remanufactured product has gone through a more vigorous process to ensure it works almost exactly like it did when it was new including detailed testing before being sold.  A refurbished product is checked to make sure it works and sometimes given a slight “face lift” before being sold as “used” however it has not been taken completely apart.

Future Health Concepts is an FDA registered remanufacturer of medical equipment.  We carry new and remanufactured medical equipment such as blanket warmers, operating tables, sterilizers, anesthesia machines and much more.  Contact us today at 888-282-8644, or online and see how FHC can help ensure your hospital or surgical center has the equipment it needs to be able to give your patients the highest level of care.