Hello all,

My hospital is considering new chemistry analyzers and we have a choice between the new Siemens Dimension EXL with LOCI and the Beckman DXC 600i. I am the chemistry supervisor, and I would like to know what you all think of these analyzers, such as...

1) Common performance issues.

2) Maintenance, ease of use and safety.

3) If you worked with both companies, which you thought was better and why.

4) Overall satisfaction with the analyzer. I know the EXL is new, but there are a few out there.

Basically, I'm trying to gather as much real world information from the people who use these instruments every day, instead of relying on just Sales Rep opinions. No opinion will be considered too bias as long as it is honest and presented in a professional manner. I would appreciate it if all answers are as honest as possible, on both the positive and negative side. Since the EXL has fairly small numbers out in the field, the RXL Max is very similar in reguards to film, windows, flexes, calibrators, QC power Pak, software, HM, IMT, etc... so opinions on the MAX will be appreciated as well.

 Thank you all for any and all replies.

Beware of Beckman Coulter!  I have used their CX5, CX7, LX20 PRO, and DXC 600 over the past 10 years - all garbage. 

We currently have the DXC, which is only 3-4 years old.  It is constantly breaking down, the service stinks, and calibration & QC are

a nightmare.  Part of their sweet deal that swayed our CEO & board members from our choice of Ortho's Vitros 5.1

was that they'd throw in the cals & QC for free.  Now, just this month we were notified that they're not making the

unassayed Triads that we use and we only have one month to find and set up something else from Biorad.  Also,

within the next year or two they will be phasing out their entire QC line & QA program!  So much for their great deal!

My suggestion, ask other labs in your area for a visit to see their analyzers.  Look at their maintance records and QC

problems thoroughly.  Good luck and don't let anyone bully you into something you don't want!  We're regretting it!