A medical equipment manufacturer develops, produces, and maintains medical products.
Medical device manufacturing in a branch of the manufacturing industry that is engaged in the production of devices used in medical diagnosis and treatment, from operating tables used in operating rooms to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices used by patients with apnea to manage their condition Because the failure of a medical device can have serious consequences for a patient or caregiver, the manufacture of medical devices is strictly regulated in many regions of the world. Several companies specialize in medical device manufacturing or medical device production as part of their general services.
A medical device manufacturer develops a variety of medical products, including stethoscopes.
Medical devices can include a wide variety of medical equipment, such as heart monitors, MRI machines, prostheses, fetal heart monitors, anesthesia machines, thermometers, stethoscopes, and surgical instruments. Some nations also classify organisms used in medical diagnosis and treatment, such as bacteriophages, as “medical devices.” Pharmaceutical products, on the other hand, are treated and regulated separately.
Hospitals and university laboratories are often the main customers of medical device manufacturers.
A company that works in the manufacturing of medical devices may develop and produce a variety of products for medical use. However, products must be approved by regulatory agencies before they are sold. Regulatory agencies inspect products to confirm that they are safe, to determine how they can be used, and to see whether or not they meet safety standards. Medical imaging devices that use radiation, for example, must be designed with adequate shielding and safety measures to protect patients and technicians from radiation.
Some companies sell directly to hospitals, clinics, and care providers. Because medical devices can be dangerous in the wrong hands, their sale may be restricted to authorized personnel or patients who have prescriptions for specific devices. This is designed to ensure that only people who know how to protect and maintain medical devices have access to them. Other manufacturers sell to companies that supply medical equipment. Many companies can make custom products to order, as long as these products meet safety standards.
As in other areas of the manufacturing sector, medical device manufacturing is represented by various trade associations. These groups work with government and regulatory agencies to promote safety and ensure that the cost of doing business does not become onerous. These groups can also represent their members in legal proceedings and provide networking opportunities for member companies. Members of these trade organizations have access to special publications, annual conferences, legal advice, and other benefits that may be helpful to companies involved in medical device manufacturing.