AccuVein Inc., the global leader in vein visualization, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with SinoPharm-UMD to sell the award-winning AccuVein AV400 vein visualization device in China. The China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) has recently approved the sale of the AccuVein AV400 in China.

“We are excited to announce SinoPharm as a key partner of AccuVein.  SinoPharm has an established track record in providing high-quality medical products to hospitals and other healthcare providers in China, a country of 1.3 billion people”, said AccuVein vice president, Jeff Schou. “AccuVein and SinoPharm together see this as a great opportunity to have a large scale impact on improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs in country.”

China as a matter of practice does more IVs than most other countries as they frequently deliver antibiotics intravenously. In 2009, for example, China consumed 10.4 billion bottles of IV fluid, equivalent to eight bottles per capita, an amount far in excess of the international average of 2.5 to 3.3 bottles per inhabitant. China’s market for medical devices is forecast to surpass the $55 billion mark this year, nearly double that of just two years ago.

The AccuVein AV400 vein visualization device can help reduce the need for multiple needle sticks, and ultimately improve patient care and satisfaction.  A recent study showed a striking 45% reduction in escalation calls following the implementation of the AccuVein AV400, with 81% of nurses reporting an improved ability to cannulate veins.  The Infusion Nurses Society in the US is now recommending the use of vein visualization in their 2014 guidelines.

In the 10 years since its establishment, the SinoPharm Group has developed into the largest distributor of pharmaceutical and healthcare products and a leading supply chain service provider in the People’s Republic of China.