EU Regulations

is my product a medical device?

Is My Product a Medical Device?

When developing a new and exciting product it can be hard to know if it might fall under specific regulations. This is usually the case with medical devices. The medical device industry is highly regulated worldwide. These regulations have specific criteria that determines if a product falls under the definition of a medical device. Therefore it is really important to evaluate your product to see if it might be in the scope of these medical device definitions for the regulation of the countries in which you wish to sell the product in. 

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Skin Irritation Testing in the biological evaluation of medical devices (ISO 10993-23)

In Vitro Skin Irritation Testing: ISO 10993-23 Standard

Skin irritation occurs when a substance causes inflammation or damage to the skin upon contact. For medical devices, this can be a serious concern, as they are often in prolonged contact with the skin. The consequences of not adequately testing for irritation can range from minor redness to severe dermatitis, leading to discomfort, injury, or even infection in users. Therefore, reliable testing methods are crucial to ensure that products are safe before they reach the market.

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Cytotoxicity Testing in Medial Devices ISO 10993-5

Cytotoxicity Testing in Medical Device Biological Evaluation

In the highly regulated world of medical devices, ensuring patient safety is paramount. One of the essential components of this safety assurance is cytotoxicity testing, specifically adhering to ISO 10993-5 standards. This blog explores the importance of ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity testing, particularly for medical devices that come into direct contact with patients, and how it contributes to the overall safety and efficacy of these devices.

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drug Infusion bag

Drug Stability in Medical Devices: Syringes, Infusion Sets and Bags

Ensuring the stability of drugs in contact with medical devices such as syringes, infusion administration sets and infusion administration bags is paramount. This article delves into the importance of drug stability testing, the challenges faced, and the methodologies employed to guarantee that the drugs administered through these devices remain safe and effective.

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E&L Testing in medical devices

Extractables and Leachables Testing for Medical Devices in ISO 10993

In medical device design and development and manufacturing, ensuring the safety and biocompatibility of products is paramount. As part of the biological evaluation process, extractables and leachables (E&L) testing plays a crucial role. This testing ensures that any chemicals that might migrate from the device materials into the body do not pose a risk to patients. The ISO 10993 standard series provides comprehensive guidelines for the biological evaluation of medical devices, including protocols for E&L testing. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of extractables and leachables testing, its procedures, and its relevance within the ISO 10993 framework.

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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

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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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? The Complete Guide to Medical Device QMS

ISO 13485:2016 is the international standout standard that defines the precise requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS) specific to the medical device industry. Unlike general business quality frameworks, it prioritizes patient safety, clinical efficacy, and global regulatory compliance ahead of standard consumer satisfaction metrics.

Whether you are an active medical device manufacturer, a software-as-a-service (SaMD) developer, an importer, or an EU/UK distributor, demonstrating compliance with this standard is virtually mandatory to secure and retain critical market access.

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global medical device and IVD registrations.

Medical Device & IVD registration

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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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

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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IVD regulatory consultancy offered by Patient Guard in relation to the IVDR 2017/745

In Vitro Diagnostic Regulations (IVDR) – EU 2017/746

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices are indispensable tools, providing invaluable insights into patients’ health conditions. With the introduction of Regulation (EU) 2017/746, commonly known as IVDR, the European Union has implemented stringent regulations to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of these diagnostic instruments. As of May 26, 2022, this regulation has ushered in a new era, shaping the practices of manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and patients as they navigate the complexities of this comprehensive regulatory framework.

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