If you're in the market for densitometers, you have a wide range of options to consider depending on the type of business you run. Reflection densitometers, color densitometers and scanning densitometers are typically used in graphic arts and printing, whereas nuclear densitometers play a role in the mining industry.

Densitometers measure the value of something, be it bone mineral density or the value of light absorption. These valuable tools provide medical staff with precise and accurate measurements that can drastically improve someone's life or add years to it. As you begin the process of finding a densitometer that meets your business needs, try taking the following steps to save money and locate the best resources:

1. Consider using portable densitometers for greater mobility.

2. Save money and buy a refurbished or used densitometer.

3. Buy densitometers from dealers that sell Lunar, Noland and Hologic.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Increase your mobility by using portable densitometers

Portable transmission densitometers measure optical density and are used for X-ray, microfilm and photographic applications.

I recommend: Thomas Scientific offers the Densito 30PX Portable Densitometer. This easy to use instrument gives accurate results and can transfer data to a printer or computer. The TQ Computing B&W Portable Transmission Densitometer by Tobias Associates measures with high accuracy and stability the minute you turn it on. Take readings anywhere and transfer data to your PC or printer when your return. Inquire about the densitometer competitive trade-in offer.

Ask sellers of densitometers for information on a used or refurbished densitometer

Purchase a used desitometer from a reputable dealer if buying a new one puts a strain on your financial business resources. Look for name brand densitometers that are refurbished or new and save money.

I recommend: Choose a Xrite 301, Xrite 331 or Macbeth TD 932 with a two-year warranty and NIST traceable certification from the selection of products offered by Sam Coniglio. Either one of these transmission densitometers can facilitate any X-ray application in a laboratory. Bob Weber sells refurbished densitometers. Get name brand favorites such as Gretag, Tobias, X-Rite and more from this dealer.

Seek Hologic, Norland and Lunar bone densitometers for sale

Bone densitometers provide an X-ray of bone mineral density through techniques called ultrasound, Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and Single Photon Absorptiometry (SPA). Hologic, Norland and Lunar are manufacturers of bone densitometers. Find sellers of densitometers that carry these name brand products when you're ready to make a purchase.

I recommend: GE Healthcare's Lunar iDXA provides high fidelity images with a precise geometrical measurement as well as color bone mapping and other advanced technological features. GE Healthcare specializes in transformational medical technologies, one of which includes medical imaging. Absolute Medical Equipment sells used densitometers within a reasonable price range that can work for your business budget. This company guarantees the bone densitometer you purchase is tested and ready to perform at the manufacturer's specifications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask your manufacturer if it is possible to repair densitometers before purchasing a new one.