The evolution of contrast injector training for healthcare technology management (HTM) and clinical engineering professionals mirrors the growth of Maull Biomedical Training LLC.
“In 2008, I was doing some industry research into what clinical engineering training was in demand but not being met,” said Stephen Maull, founder and owner of Maull Biomedical Training LLC. “That’s when I came to realize that the contrast injector industry was completely unrepresented in the training sector. I thought it was odd because I had worked on contrast injectors in the military and they didn’t seem that difficult.”
Maull served in the United States Air Force as a BMET and BMET Instructor for 11 years. He realized his expert military training could benefit others and have a positive impact on patient outcomes throughout the nation.
“Nobody, and I mean nobody, was providing training on these devices,” Maull said.
Maull thought it over at length before jumping in with both feet.
“After a couple of months of thinking and wondering and fretting about it I finally thought, ‘Screw it, I’m doing it.’ So, in the summer of 2008 I started Maull Biomedical Training and had a stomachache for a year,” he added. “Eighteen years later, we’re still going strong and growing.
Looking back, Maull recalls that he was not the only person who saw a demand for training on contrast injector service.
“I didn’t run into any challenges as far as convincing the industry this training was needed. It was actually a large organization that came to me asking if I could find or develop training for them for certain modalities and contrast injectors was one of them,” Maull said.
The more industry research he did, the more apparent it became that contrast injector service training was something the HTM field needed.
A reason for the company’s success is that it is on the same page as healthcare providers when it comes to cutting costs and providing cost savings. Maull Biomedical Training also provides a unique service.
“The OEMs offer training on some of their injectors, but they are much more expensive than we are. Plus, if you go to the OEM for training, you only get trained on their equipment whereas our training encompasses the injector models of multiple manufacturers.”
Maull Biomedical Training provides very in-depth training on various product lines from subject matter experts.
“We train BMETs on the principles of contrast injection (what it is, what it’s used for, and so forth) and then we teach them how to operate, PM, calibrate and repair the contrast injectors,” Maull said. “The students get on actual working contrast injectors where they learn to operate it, then perform a full PM using our custom MIST training software. We also go over the most common malfunctions with each model and the most likely fix. We currently have 13 different models of injectors that we provide training on.”
Maull has another excellent idea when he decided the company would provide in-depth, high-level training online. “We have taken our training to a place no other comprehensive BMET training has ever gone; completely online and computer based. If you go to our website and register (MaullBiomedical.com) you can see the ‘Introduction to Contrast Injectors’ and operational training videos for all the models we provide training on,” he explained. “The first step is to watch the ‘Introduction to Contrast Injectors’ videos and take the in-video quizzes. Once they pass all the quizzes, they receive a training certificate stating they have successfully passed the Introduction to Contrast Injectors Training Course. Then, they can take the Operational Training Courses (online videos) for any particular model they wish. All of this training is free to anyone who registers on our website. Then, they can purchase the PM training software for each model they wish.”
“The PM software is best described as a comprehensive computerized PM check sheet with how-to videos for each PM step. We actually have a free demo version online that anyone can download,” Maull said. “After they have finished performing their first successful PM on that particular model they email Maull Biomedical a copy of the PM report that gets generated. Then, they get another training certificate stating they have been successfully trained on the PM and calibration/verification procedures for that particular model.”
Maull’s genius idea makes training convenient for everybody.
“What this allows is for you to get your contrast injector training when you need it and where you need it. No more travel and being away from your hospital and home for days,” Maull said. “The BMET can download this software and learn at their own pace anytime, anywhere. This is truly the best computer-based modality and model-specific BMET training in the world. If a BMET still wants a classroom setting for the training, we can still arrange that as well.”
The online training was especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel to training sites was very limited. Next up is another high-tech way to provide expert training to HTM and clinical engineering professionals around the world.
“Online/remote training is what actually what kept us afloat during the pandemic in 2020. The next step that coincides with our remote training option is to make it virtual reality (VR) training; this will take the remote training option to the next level,” Maull said. “Right now, the remote students watch videos on the proper operation of the injector then they download our maintenance software that takes them through the maintenance procedures and helps with troubleshooting. VR will replace the online quizzes for the operation training and aid in the maintenance training. Instead of the student watching videos and taking quizzes on how to properly operate a contrast injector, they will have a virtual injector in front of them that will allow them to virtually operate a contrast injector just like you would a real one –instead of just watching videos.”
Maull’s decision to provide training in 2008 has proven to be the right call for him and HTM professionals. The results speak for themselves.
As healthcare technology continues to evolve, the expectations placed on HTM and clinical engineering professionals are also changing. Hospitals and imaging centers no longer seek only reactive service support; they increasingly seek highly trained in-house teams capable of maintaining complex imaging support systems efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. That shift has created a greater appreciation for specialized education and practical skills training that can be applied immediately in the field.
For many healthcare organizations, reducing equipment downtime is a top priority. Contrast injectors play a critical role in diagnostic imaging procedures, and even minor operational issues can disrupt patient schedules, delay diagnoses, and increase operational costs. By equipping BMETs and clinical engineering teams with specialized training, healthcare providers can respond more quickly to service needs while reducing reliance on outside service providers for routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
Maull Biomedical Training’s approach reflects a broader transformation taking place across technical education. Instead of limiting learning to occasional classroom sessions, the company has embraced a continuous-learning model that allows technicians to build confidence over time through repeated exposure, hands-on exercises and model-specific instruction. This type of ongoing education is especially important in imaging environments where equipment configurations and software capabilities continue to advance.
For additional information about Maull Biomedical Training, visit MaullBiomedical.com.
