Xybix vs. AFC Industries

The Xybix Healthcare Imaging Desks go head-to-head with AFC Industries Adjustable Desks for Radiology. Both workstations are legit when it comes to key features such as managing multiple monitors, providing design and installation services, meeting BIFMA durability standards, and offering optional niceties such as cup holders, personal heating/cooling systems and task/bias lighting. AFC Industries workstations are more affordable and available off the shelf, but the long-term value suffers by comparison. Xybix shines when it comes to more refined ergonomics and warranty coverage.

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE FOR ALL SIZES

The ergonomics of a desk need to be just right to prevent painful and costly repetitive stress injuries. And beyond that, it is just the right thing to do! To help avoid tendonitis, carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel, you must be able to sit or stand at your workstation with your wrists in a neutral position. In addition, the right desk height also is important for achieving proper focal distance to monitors, thereby preventing eyestrain, neck pain and headaches. While seated, you must be able to place your feet comfortably on the ground and have ample leg room to stretch out to prevent lower back and hip pain.

Healthcare workstations are highly adjustable to ensure that all users can achieve proper ergonomics. According to the ANSI/HFES 100-2007 ergonomic standard, this means a workstation should adjust to meet the needs of a 4’11” sitting user, a 6’6” standing user and everyone in between.

AFC Industries workstations only lower to a standard desktop height of 28”, best suited to people in the neighborhood of 5’10” (which is 1” taller than the average American man). Shorter users will need quite a foot stool to keep their legs from dangling, invading AFC’s already limited knee and leg room. Xybix exceeds the ANSI/HFES standard with a height-adjustable range of 22” to 48” inches, easily accommodating nearly everyone. If you have an ergonomist on site, he or she will appreciate compliance with ANSI/HFES and the flexibility it provides when tailoring a workstation to each user’s needs.

A WARRANTY THAT COVERS EVERYTHING

As a customer, you can see the confidence a company has in their products through the warranty. With healthcare imaging desks, the warranty is particularly important because the desks are in use for long hours and they bear the weight of heavy equipment. If a monitor arm malfunctions or a lift column fails, you may be out of commission as surgeons and doctors wait for scans. You not only need confidence that the desk is built to last, but that if something does happen, customer service is there to help.

AFC Industries covers certain materials and workmanship for the life of the product. High-wear and movable parts are covered for 6 years and electronics, motors and lights for 1 year. While AFC expresses confidence in what it manufactures, the parts manufactured elsewhere (such as the motors) get short-shrift on the warranty. Should something go wrong, you’ll need to wait until regular office hours to reach AFC’s customer service.

Xybix, too, offers a lifetime warranty on the products manufactured in-house, including the steel frames and desktops. To share confidence in suppliers, all other parts are covered for 10 years. Xybix offers a single point of contact no matter what goes wrong—plus 24/7 access to live customer service.

Xybix vs. Biomorph Desk

The Xybix Healthcare Imaging Desk compares to the Biomorph Plus Series, Level Series and Flexo Series. Both companies meet ergonomic standards in terms of height, but Xybix clearly provides a better viewing experience for radiologists. Biomorph beats the industry on price but not necessarily in service and usability—the company offers a more bare-bones, DIY experience than Xybix.

MONITOR ARMS OR MONITOR ARRAY

The eyes have it in radiology. Users need fresh eyes to provide the best care. This means placing monitors at the proper focal distance to prevent the headaches, eyestrain and neck pain that can result from comparing images on multiple monitors.

Biomorph desks use monitor arms that require users to adjust each monitor individually, a tedious process with 5 or 6 monitors in play. In a shared workstation environment,users may not take the time to adjust the monitors despite the tired eyes that may follow. Xybix helps users achieve proper focal distance with the patented Rollervision monitor array. One touch brings all the monitors to the right spot, and the rollers offer the flexibility to pull the monitors in for a closer look as needed.

WHEN DESIGN MATTERS

If you’re just adding or replacing one desk, design services may not matter. But when you’re taking on a major remodel or designing a new radiology room from scratch, support from an experienced team is invaluable. With a degreed and dedicated designer, you can create a reading environment that propels productivity, increases efficiency and decreases errors—all contributing to better patient outcomes.

Biomorph provides some assistance with selecting and placing desks—after you fax (!) or email in your space layout. Xybix really shines in this area, starting with on-site consultations for remodels and services for architects when involved in a new build. After a sales pro analyzes your space and needs, a degreed designer takes over and remains with your project until it’s complete. Xybix designers are experts in all aspects of space planning, from efficient and productive desk configurations to ADA compliance and electrical requirements. Your project comes to life through 3D renderings that showcase colors and finishes in addition to the overall layout.