Optimed acupuncture needles are made in the same vertically integrated manufacturing plant as Carbo brand needles. This means that the only difference between the needles is the metal used to make the shaft. The Optimed needles are made from Chinese surgical steel which has a higher nickel content that its US vacuum-forged counterpart. For those who want the best price available, these needles offer low cost without a compromise in manufacturing standards.  A better-than-standard Chinese-made needle.