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Ensuring medical device users can operate medical devices safely and easily is of vital importance to reduce user errors IEC 62366 provides a framework for medical device manufacturers to develop safe medical devices with the user in mind.

IEC 62366-1 Usability Engineering and its use in Medical Device Design and Development

Blog, Guides and Advice, Medical Device Pre-launch, Medical Device Validation, Standards / David Small

In medical device design, the efficacy, safety, and user experience is paramount. While the technical function of a device is unquestionably significant, its usability can often determine its real-world impact. This is where standards like IEC 62366-1 come into play, offering a structured approach to integrating user-centred design principles into the development process. In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into the significance of IEC 62366-1, its underlying principles, practical implementation strategies, and the broader implications for medical device innovation and patient care.

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Medical Device Clinical Evaluation

Blog, EU Regulations, Guides and Advice, Medical Device Post-launch, Medical Device Pre-launch, Medical Device Validation, UK Regulations / David Small

All Medical Devices that are placed on the market in the EU and the UK must undergo Clinical Evaluation. Clinical Evaluation is a review of all the data that has been generated by the medical device manufacturer; pre-clinical, clinical and post market. The review of this data is performed to assess that the benefits of using the medical device outweigh the risks associated with using the medical device within the devices clinical intended purpose.

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Road map relating to the extension introduced by the EU commission for the medical device regulations EU 2017/745. This road map details the new dates inline with when medical device classification types need to be in compliance with the regulation

MDR Article 120

Blog, EU Regulations, Guides and Advice, Patient Guard News, Standards / David Small

In the fast-paced world of medical device manufacturing, regulatory standards are the bedrock of patient safety and product quality. Recently, the European Union has taken a significant step by extending Article 120 of the EU Regulation 2017/745 and EU Regulation 2017/746. This move has been made to address the mounting backlog of CE mark certifications and re-certifications within notified bodies, the entities responsible for ensuring that medical devices meet stringent quality and safety requirements before they reach the market. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the implications of this extension for medical device manufacturers and emphasize the critical importance of continued compliance.

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The image shows a digital screen with light up in blue against a dark background are icons such as a tick, and a pad with a pencil next to it. The icons are in hexagons. In other light up hexagons are the words Quality Assurance . This image is used by Patient Guard to talk about their Medical Device and IVD Quality Assurance Services.

Medical Device QA Support: What are the benefits?

Blog, Client Questions / David Small

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, ensuring the quality of your Medical Device products and services is paramount. Professional Quality Assurance (QA) support is the unsung hero that can help your business thrive. Whether you’re a start-up or an established enterprise, effective QA support can make a significant impact on the quality of your Management System and Devices. In this blog post, we’ll explore how professional QA support can benefit your business.

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The image shows medical devices placed on a table - This is used to indicate that Patient Guard is a Medical device regulatory and quality assurance consultancy

Understanding IEC 62304: A Guide to Medical Device Software

Blog, Medical Device Post-launch, Medical Device Pre-launch, Medical Device Validation, Standards / David Small

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, medical device software plays a pivotal role in patient care. To ensure the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of these software-driven devices, regulatory standards are in place. One such crucial standard is the IEC 62304. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of IEC 62304, exploring its significance, key concepts, and its impact on the development of medical device software.

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The risk management of medical devices following ISO 14971

ISO 14971 and the Risk Management of Medical Devices

Blog, EU Regulations, Guides and Advice, Standards, UK Regulations, USA Regulations / David Small

In the world of medical devices, ensuring both safety and compliance with industry standards is paramount. One such crucial standard is ISO 14971, a guideline that outlines the application of risk management to medical devices. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of ISO 14971 in medical device compliance and explore how tools like Patient Guard can aid in achieving and maintaining compliance with this essential standard.

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A certificate that says 'ISO 13485 certified' on it - This image is used by patient guard to represent ISO 13485 quality assurance and QMS services.

What is ISO 13485?

Blog, EU Regulations, Guides and Advice, Medical Device Post-launch, Medical Device Pre-launch, Medical Device Validation, Quality Assurance, Quality Management, Standards, UK Regulations, USA Regulations / David Small

ISO 13485 is an international standard for mapping what is required from a medical device. The system ensures that medical devices are effective and consistent throughout their life cycle, from planning and production to disposal.

Ensuring consistency is extremely important for medical devices, as patient safety could be at risk. Implementing quality management systems can also provide protection for manufacturers and their reputations, as risks can be easily identified and rectified.

Medical device regulation varies based on the classification of the medical device being manufactured. All parties are required to demonstrate compliance, from the medical device manufacturing process to the disposal of the product.

What is ISO 13485? Read More »

image of a colourful world map - used by patient guard limited on their blog about global medical device and IVD registrations.

Medical Device & IVD registration

Blog, EU Regulations, UK Regulations, USA Regulations / David Small

Medical device registration is an essential part of commercialising your medical device or IVD. First requires you to obtain registration and approval from regulatory agencies in each country where you plan to sell your device. Device registration requirements can vary significantly from country to country, which can create compliance challenges for companies pursuing multiple-market strategies.

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Medical Device Design and Development

Blog, Guides and Advice, Medical Device Pre-launch / David Small

Planning for the design and development of a medical device is a requirement of regulatory systems. All manufacturers of Medical Devices are required to maintain a Quality Management System, in the USA this is determined under the CFR Title 21 part 820. Within the European Union, it is placed within demonstrating certificated compliance with international standard EN ISO 13485. The USA has recently indicated that they will also use the ISO 13485 standard for the requirements of manufacturers being compliant for QMS purposes.

Medical Device Design and Development Read More »

Image of a file with a cog and lines above it representing text. The cog represents technical information. The image is used by patient guard limited to discuss medical device technical files (EU 2017/745).

How to Structure a Medical Device Technical File

Blog, EU Regulations, Guides and Advice, Medical Device Pre-launch, UK Regulations / David Small

A medical device technical file is a concise set of documents created by a manufacturer to explain the performance and safety of a particular Medical Device in a clear, well-organized, easily searchable, and unambiguous manner.

In order to prove compliance with the general safety and performance criteria of the legislation, the manufacturer must have – and keep up-to-date – this technical documentation, regardless of medical device class.

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