Sphygmomanometers

	Kingyield makes model BP209, a blood pressure monitor with MWI technology that inflates and deflates automatically.

Suppliers of health monitors in China are enhancing product features under efforts to boost competitiveness.

Expanded capability is lucrative particularly in promotional designs. Accordingly, multifunction models are being released in greater numbers. Most of the latest blood pressure monitors, for instance, have a heartbeat counter. Clinical thermometers work as a clock, calendar or LED torch. Body fat analyzers and heart rate monitors double as a weighing scale and a watch, respectively.

Better performance is another trend, especially in professional-grade models. Made more intelligent, the latest health monitors can be programmed to inflate and deflate automatically. Electronic designs also feature a report function, with some even alerting the end-user when the preset or default limit is reached. Several clinical thermometers, for example, beep and display a message if the temperature reaches 38 or falls below 35 C. Companies are likewise developing chips that can improve product speed and accuracy.

Further, upgrades are paving the way for new-generation models. A handful of blood pressure monitors now feature MWI or measure while inflating technology, which shortens the operating time. Infrared sensors are also increasingly being used in thermometers to allow temperature readings at a distance from the ear or forehead.

The latest body fat analyzers can recommend ideal fat content and daily calorie intake based on the user’s data. For greater convenience, these may come with a remote control onto which the result can be transmitted and displayed.

Ease of application is a concern primarily for multifunction designs, which tend to be perplexing to novice users. R&D technicians address this by employing single-button operation and a detailed menu guide.

Some models also boast extra-large backlit LCD screens for greater readability. A number of body fat analyzers have displays adjustable to different angles.

China’s health monitor suppliers are either medical equipment makers or electronic premiums specialists. The former offers a range of instruments for personal and professional use. The latter, on the other hand, typically produces only one basic type.

Most manufacturers in the country are private, local companies. Small and midsize makers, with plastic-injection, metal punching and printing capability, dominate the industry. While many have direct export rights, some ship via agents. Basic low- and medium-priced designs account for the bulk of output. More expensive multifunction versions are also available.

Although a minority, large companies are the ones directing the trends. Most technology advancements in the industry are achieved through strategic alliances between these big players and independent design specialists or multinational corporations.

Top-tier manufacturers have fully automated production lines, with some boasting specialized laboratories for testing accuracy and performance. Amid intense competition, many of them are moving upmarket and consequently reinforcing R&D capability.

Suppliers are primarily located in Liaoning, Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces, and Shanghai. Makers in the last hub are essentially trading companies. Guangdong, on the other hand, is home to several large local and foreign-invested manufacturers.

Similarly, established suppliers can be found in Liaoning. These include Omron, a multinational corporation headquartered in Japan. Releases from the province are mainly professional-grade models.

Most health monitors from Zhejiang, meanwhile, are promotional items. As such, designs rarely have the certification required for medical devices.

The majority of makers employ local materials. ABS, AS, tempered glass and stainless steel are sourced from Guangdong, Zhejiang and Shanghai. Some suppliers also use components from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and the US for upscale designs. Although up to 30 percent more expensive, imported electronic parts are said to perform better than local versions. Japan microchips, for instance, are said to have greater accuracy. Nonetheless, domestic equivalents are constantly being improved.

Under efforts to recoup losses stemming from a stronger yuan and rising production outlay, most China suppliers have increased prices by up to 10 percent in the past year. Many companies, however, plan to trim quotes in coming months, following a downward shift in plastic and steel costs. This step is expected to boost orders, even as exports were generally resilient to the global economic decline.
Blood pressure monitors
Body fat analyzers, clinical thermometers

China contributes about 90 percent of the world’s blood pressure monitors supply. Releases come as aneroid, mercurial or electronic types.

Typical low-end models are manually operated. These often have basic functions, PVC or latex bladders and plastic bulbs. Some versions come with double brass tubes, chrome-plated metal cases and stainless steel handles. Prices range from $3 to $7.

Midrange blood pressure monitors are battery-operated digital models in desktop or wrist-worn designs. Quoted between $7 and $12, they have LCDs, time and date display, and automatic shut-off and alarm functions. Products store up to 50 readings and have a blood pressure range of 20 to 300mmHg. Typical wrist-worn versions can inflate and deflate automatically.

High-end models are equipped with fuzzy logic technology. Apart from the core capability, these can detect irregular heartbeats and chart fluctuating blood pressure. In addition, such releases boast pulse rate monitoring, up to 100 memory readings and bigger LCDs. Several designs can also be connected to a computer via a USB port for result printing. Prices start at $12.

As with blood pressure monitors, the bulk of the world’s body fat analyzers come from China. Suppliers offer the latter as a secondary line, often incorporating this feature in digital bathroom scales. Releases usually bear the CE and GS marks, and comply with the EU’s RoHS directive.

Ranging from $2 to $10, low-end body fat analyzers come in handheld designs, some of which are fitted with clips to enhance portability. Most have ABS housings and LCDs, and can determine consumed calories and body water content for up to five users. A number have a pedometer and a keypad for data input.

Midrange models usually have the same functions as bathroom scales. These, however, have adult, child or athlete modes to account for physiological differences.

Most are equipped with a foot-tap switch and soft-touch push-buttons for body fat calculation. Priced between $10 and $20, such designs can determine the body water content, muscle mass and ideal weight for up to 10 users.

High-end versions top $30. Products typically have a weight monitoring function to determine whether the user needs to maintain, gain or lose pounds, and an IR remote control. Some models can also be connected to a computer via a USB port for printing fitness programs. Releases are usually made of tempered glass or stainless steel.

China suppliers now offer mainly electronic clinical thermometers. Makers are veering away from mercury versions as more markets are banning the use of these potentially harmful instruments.

Low-end releases have ABS plastic housings and two-digit LCDs. Products are typically oral or rectal versions and do not have extra functions. While most models can measure temperature in two minutes, some designs can provide a reading in 60 seconds. These may also have flexible probe tips. Prices of low-end products can reach $2.

Midrange clinical thermometers are mainly multipurpose versions that can be placed under the tongue, or in the rectum or armpit. Priced between $2 and $8, such models have larger LCDs, can measure temperature in less than one minute, and are accurate to ±0.2 C or ±0.4 F.

High-end versions are usually IR ear thermometers. They can give the temperature results in two or three seconds. These have anti-bacterial housings, push-button operation and a 10-user memory capacity. Prices start at $8.