Guides and Advice Archives

In Vitro Skin Irritation Testing: ISO 10993-23 Standard

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

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.

In Vitro Skin Irritation Testing: ISO 10993-23 Standard Read More »

Cytotoxicity Testing in Medial Devices ISO 10993-5

Cytotoxicity Testing in Medical Device Biological Evaluation

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

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 Stability in Medical Devices: Syringes, Infusion Sets and Bags

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

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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Hello April, spring related motivational quote, isolated on white background, vector illustration. Handwritten letters, Japanese sakura branch, little cute flowers falling. Used by Patient Guard Medical Device and IVD Regulatory and Quality Assurance consultancy agency for their April news letter.

April 2024 – News Letter

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

As we step into the spring of 2024, we are delighted to present the latest edition of Patient Guard’s Newsletter, dedicated to providing you with insightful updates and invaluable resources in medical device and In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) regulatory affairs and quality assurance consultancy.

We have been busy updating our website to change it from a generic consultancy website to an informative resource for medical device and IVD information.

April 2024 – News Letter Read More »

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.

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

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.

MDR Article 120 Read More »

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 »

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.

How to Structure a Medical Device Technical File Read More »

medical device post market surveillance.

Post Market Surveillance – Medical Devices

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

Post-market surveillance (PMS) is a pivotal aspect that governs the continued monitoring and assessment of medical devices after they have entered the market. Across the EU, UK, and USA, distinct regulatory frameworks shape PMS protocols, fostering safety, and innovation simultaneously.

Post Market Surveillance – Medical Devices Read More »

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