The manufacture of counterfeit medical gas pipeline equipment is on the rise.
When it comes to patient care, only the uncompromising safety and quality of authentic CPX products & equipment will suffice.
The design, manufacture & installation of CPX products complies with stringent industry standards (including ISO 13485 & ISO 9001) that ensure the highest level of safety from the plant room to patient – something that no counterfeit, copies, or imitations can ever achieve.
This trend is extremely concerning, and we’re seeking information to identify those responsible for manufacturing counterfeit CPX Products.
Some of our wonderful partners have reported these incidents to us already, but we are looking for further info to help us ensure this dangerous and illegal activity does not continue.
Authentic CPX Products vs Counterfeits
Did you know that genuine CPX products can be easily identified through unique features such as QR codes, Batch Plates, Laser Engravings, etc.
Take our CPX Terminal Units as an example, which are detectable by a convenient UDI code that is laser-engraved into the product surface.
The UDI code can then be scanned using a mobile device to determine the product’s origin of manufacture, giving you complete confidence that when you order from Precision UK, or our dedicated partners, your products are of top British manufacturing quality and comply with BSI standards.
Precision UK’s Terminal Units are rigorously tested by our specialist testing robot, as well as our MGPS experts, ensuring they meet strict safety regulations and quality standards.
Next, let’s take a look at our CPX Compact AVSU Module.
Below we have shared an example of a counterfeit Compact AVSU Module and compared it to a genuine CPX Compact AVSU Module, highlighting the unique features you can use to identify them.
Following and checking for these features will help you ensure you’ve received industry-compliant CPX equipment.
Counterfeit Compact AVSU Module
Firstly, let’s take a look at the counterfeit version of the Compact AVSU Module:
Genuine CPX Compact AVSU Module
Now, here are the key identifying features you need to look for in a genuine CPX Compact AVSU Module:
1. Overall visual appearance
From an overall visual standpoint, before we even delve deeper, it is clear to see differences between the CPX Compact Module and the counterfeit version.
Everything from the finish, the flushness of the doors, and the clarity of the viewing window – the genuine CPX Compact Module has been precision-engineered for exceptional performance and to be aesthetically pleasing within any hospital environment.
This cannot be said for the counterfeit version, and it should be an immediate red flag if you receive a module that looks like it has been produced with shoddy manufacturing.
2. CPX logo on viewing window
The second, and rather obvious, unique identifier is the CPX logo branded on the viewing window.
This can be clearly seen on the genuine module; however, it is not present on the copied version.
The clarity on the CPX viewing window is also incomparable to the counterfeit version; in addition to being tamper-proof, it allows for easy identification of gas service and pressure monitoring.
Action: Check for the CPX logo on the viewing window
3. CPX Digital Alarm
Another very obvious difference is the digital area alarm positioned on the front of the module.
The counterfeit module has an analogue alarm, whereas the genuine CPX module comes with a digital alarm that includes instructions for use both above and below the alarm screen.
Also, notice the old CE marking in the bottom right corner; authentic CPX Compact AVSU Modules will be CE marked with “CE 2797”.
The sleek and flush finish of the alarm on the genuine module is no match for the shoddy, unaligned attempt on the imitated version.
Action: Is the alarm digital and does it have the correct CE marking: “CE 2797”?
4. Red Emergency Access Disc Alarm
Next up, take a look at the red emergency access disk.
On the genuine module, you can see a larger surface area for the red disk, with a smaller metal lock (as shown above).
Furthermore, you can also see clear instructional symbols for how to operate the emergency access system, whereas the copied version has no symbols, and the metal lock almost fills the surface area of the red disk, compromising safety in an emergency situation.
Action: Can you see instructional symbols on the red emergency access disk?
5. QR Code & Batch Plate
Inside the module, in the top right-hand corner, you will see a silver batch plate and QR code.
The information is engraved on the batch plate is as follows:
- CPX logo
- Precision UK Ltd. business information
- SC number
- Customer Reference Number
- Lot
- Part Code
- Brand Name
- Date of Manufacture
- CE 2797 marking
The QR code, if scanned, will take you to a webpage where customers can access the user manual for the CPX Compact AVSU Module.
These are clear indicators of authentic CPX products – if you have received a Compact Module without a batch plate or QR code, please contact us immediately.
Action: Open the main door, can you see a QR code and silver batch plate in the top right corner?
6. Gas Service Identification
Next, let’s take a look at the gas service identification.
On the genuine CPX Module, gas service can be identified by colour-coded labels that state the appropriate chemical element, e.g. O2, N2O, MA4, etc. and are fixed to the CPX-embossed line blocks.
Laser engraving of the batch number and CPX branding can also be found on the nuts attached to the blocks.
Whereas, on the counterfeit modules, gas identification is simply written on the blocks, which do not include CPX branding.
The blocks themselves are also very rectangular & bulky compared to the more cylinder-like blocks on the authentic CPX module, giving a more aesthetically pleasing finish.
Action: Can you clearly see the colour-coded gas ID labels and CPX embossed on the blocks?
7. Valves
Another key identifying factor of a genuine CPX Compact AVSU Module is the embossed CPX branding on the valves.
The valves are also fixed with unmissable large red shut-off handles with “CPX” printed on their face; ergonomically designed for easy shut-off in case of emergencies.
The counterfeit module does not feature any CPX branding on the handles or the valves themselves – the handles on the counterfeit module are green and noticeably different in design.
Action: Can you see large red CPX-branded handles on the valves?
8. Pressure Gauges
The final key identifying factor you should look for is on the pressure gauges.
As you can see in the picture above, the CPX logo is clearly visible at the bottom of the face of the gauge.
On the counterfeit gauge, there is no CPX logo displayed at all.
Action: Is there a CPX logo on the pressure gauge?
Summary
To conclude, there is clearly no comparison to an authentic CPX Compact AVSU Module.
From the clean, aesthetically pleasing finish to the fine details within, the level of precision engineering is unquestionable.
Authentic CPX products ensure you are receiving industry-compliant equipment, which gives you the peace of mind that you are installing systems of the highest standard of safety, which is of the utmost importance when it comes to delivering life-saving medical gas to patients.
Not forgetting the ease of installation, operating efficiency, and minimal downtime that CPX products deliver.
But, if you are ever in any doubt of the products you have received, refer back to the key identifying factors we have spoken about above.
Here’s a short summary again that you can use as a checklist:
- Aesthetics – Is the finish and flushness of a high-quality, clearly precision-engineered to strict quality standards?
- Viewing Window – Is there a high clarity viewing window with CPX branding?
- Digital Area Alarm – Is it digital and does it have the CE 2729 marking?
- Red Access Disc – Does it have instructional emergency access symbols?
- QR Code & Batch Plate – Can these be found in the top right corner inside the module?
- Gas Service ID – Does it have colour-coded labels and feature CPX embossing on the blocks?
- Valves – Do they have large CPX-branded red handles, with CPX embossing on the face of the valves?
- Pressure Gauges – Is there a CPX logo on the face of the pressure gauge?
