Questions to Ask Before Buying Home Medical Equipment

Medical equipment is easy to buy and easy to regret. A few questions asked beforehand prevent most disappointments: the monitor whose cuff does not fit, the meter with costly strips, the gadget that never leaves its box. Work through this list, directing each question to yourself, your healthcare professional or the seller.

Questions for yourself

1. What problem am I trying to solve?

Name the purpose in one sentence. “I want to track my blood pressure because my doctor asked me to” is a clear reason. “It might be useful” is not.

2. Who will use it?

Consider the user’s eyesight, hearing, hand strength, memory and comfort with technology. A caregiver may need to be able to operate it too.

3. How often will it be used?

Daily use justifies a better display, memory and durable build. Occasional use calls for simplicity and long battery shelf life.

4. Where will I keep it?

You need a cool, dry place out of children’s reach, and somewhere suitable to take measurements, such as a table and chair for blood pressure.

5. What is my total budget?

Include consumables, batteries and replacement parts, not just the purchase price.

Questions for your doctor, nurse or pharmacist

6. Do I need this device?

Home monitoring helps in some situations and adds little in others. Ask whether it will change your care.

7. Which type do you recommend?

For example, an upper arm blood pressure monitor instead of a wrist model, or a particular kind of thermometer for a baby.

8. How and when should I measure?

Ask about the time of day, how many readings to take and how to prepare. Ask someone to check your technique.

9. Which results should concern me?

Get specific numbers for when to call the office and when to seek urgent care. Write them down and keep them with the device.

10. How should I record and share results?

A paper log, the device memory or an app. Ask what format your doctor prefers.

11. Could my condition or medicines affect the readings?

Some conditions affect accuracy. For instance, poor circulation affects pulse oximeters, an irregular heart rhythm can affect automatic blood pressure monitors, and the FDA notes that certain substances, such as vitamin C and acetaminophen, may interfere with glucose tests.

Questions about the product

12. Is it designed for home use by someone like me?

Check the intended use: adults or children, home or professional settings. The FDA defines a home use device as one intended for users outside a professional healthcare facility.

13. What evidence is there of accuracy?

• For blood pressure monitors: does the model appear on a validated device list, such as the US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing?
• What accuracy does the manufacturer state?
• If clearance is claimed, can it be found in the FDA’s public device databases?

14. Does it fit?

Check the cuff range against your arm measurement, the oximeter’s suitability for the user’s finger size and the thermometer’s suitability for the user’s age.

15. Is it easy to use and read?

Look at the display size, the number of buttons, the steps for a measurement and whether instructions are clear and in your language.

16. What is included, and what else will I need?

Batteries, case, cuff, strips, lancets, control solution, probe covers. Find out what must be bought separately.

17. What are the running costs?

Ask about the price and availability of consumables and how long they last once opened. For glucose meters, the FDA lists the cost of the meter and test strips among the features to consider.

18. How is it powered, cleaned and maintained?

Battery type and life, cleaning method, and whether servicing or recalibration is recommended.

Questions for the seller

19. What are the delivery, returns and warranty terms?

• Can I return it if it does not fit or suit me?
• Are there restrictions on returning opened medical or hygiene items?
• How long is the warranty, and who handles claims?
• How do I reach customer support?

20. Is the product new, sealed and current?

Confirm that the item is new, in its original packaging and, for consumables, in date. Before buying, particularly second-hand or older models, check the FDA’s list of medical device recalls.

Bonus questions for connected devices

• Is the app compatible with my phone?
• Does the device work without the app?
• What health data is collected, where is it stored and who can see it?
• Are there subscription fees?

After purchase: three more questions

• Does it work as described? Test it promptly, within the returns period.
• Do I know how to use it? Read the instructions and practice.
• Does it agree with clinic measurements? Take it to your next appointment and compare.

Red flags that should stop a purchase

• The seller cannot answer basic questions.
• No instructions, manufacturer name or model number.
• Claims that the device diagnoses, treats or cures.
• A price far below comparable products.
• Previously used items that contact blood, such as lancing devices, or resold test strips.

A printable shortlist

1. Why do I need it?
2. Who will use it?
3. Has my doctor recommended it?
4. Is it accurate and validated?
5. Does it fit?
6. Is it easy to use?
7. What does it cost to run?
8. Can I return it?
9. Who do I contact for help?

How we try to answer these questions

Our product pages set out the description, specifications, box contents, safety information and frequently asked questions for each item, for example the Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor, the Non-Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer and the Fingertip Pulse Oximeter. Delivery and returns terms are on our policy pages, and you can contact us with anything else.

For a step-by-step method, read how to choose home medical equipment.

The bottom line

Good questions lead to good purchases. Be clear about your need, involve your healthcare professional and expect straight answers from the seller. Start comparing in our medical supplies department.

Sources

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Home Use Devices.
2. American Medical Association. US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing.
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Medical Device Recalls and Early Alerts.
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices.
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Medical Device Databases.