Understanding and avoiding deviations and nonconformities

Regulatory Affairs1 Comment

Deviations, nonconformities, errors, findings, observations, and other terms are often used mistakenly synonymously. Even standards explicitly contradict each other when defining individual terms. This article clarifies, 1. Nonconformities: The basics 1.1 Definitions 1.1.1 Nonconformity ISO 9000:2015 defines nonconformity as “non-fulfilment of a requirement.” It equates this term with “error.” ISO 13485 contradicts this. This standard…

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MDR transition periods

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In Article 120, the MDR establishes its transitional provisions, including the transition periods. However, the descriptions of these transitional provisions and transition periods are worded in a very complex manner. As a result, manufacturers are at risk of misunderstanding them and therefore not complying with regulatory requirements or incurring unnecessary costs. A flow chart in chapter 2 of this article…

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The EU regulates medical laboratories – Are Laboratory Developed Tests still allowed?

Healthcare & Health IT, Regulatory AffairsLeave a comment

This article will help you ensure that you will still be able to offer in-house IVD (also called Laboratory Developed Tests, LDTs) under the IVDR and will explain the three options open to you avoiding legal disputes. In-house IVD are a type of in vitro diagnostic test. But do regulatory requirements such as the IVDR also…

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Harmonized standards: Evidence for medical device manufacturers

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Most manufacturers use harmonized standards to demonstrate the conformity of their devices with the general safety and performance requirements. This also applies to medical device manufacturers, for example. 1. Standards and harmonized standards a) Definitions and more EU Regulation 1025/2012 defines the term harmonized standard. Standards are documents written by national or international standardization commissions…

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Clinical affairs manager in the medical device industry

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Clinical affairs managers play an essential role in demonstrating the safety, performance, and benefits of a medical device. They operate at the interface between science and regulation. This article sheds light on the multifaceted role of these experts: tasks and challenges, as well as earning and career opportunities. 1. Tasks of clinical affairs managers Clinical…

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QM document control: How many fail audits

Quality Management & ISO 13485, Regulatory AffairsLeave a comment

Document control is a documented procedure that specifies how documents are created, reviewed, approved, labeled, distributed, and updated. Organizations certified according to ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 are obliged to document control. 1. Subject matter of document control It is obvious that document control is about documents. What is less obvious is what documents are.…

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ISO 10993 and biocompatibility – Material certificates are not enough!

Systems Engineering for Medical DevicesLeave a comment

Regulations such as the MDR require proof of the biocompatibility of all materials that come, directly or indirectly, into contact with patients or users. A test-based biocompatibility assessment provides reference data that provides a very good basis in the event of unexpected problems and that helps to quickly and directly identify unknown causes. However, there…

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PDMS (Patient Data Management System): What you should consider from a regulatory perspective

Healthcare & Health IT, Regulatory Affairs, Software & IEC 62304Leave a comment

PDMS stands for patient data management system. These clinical information systems are typically used in hospitals, especially in departments that treat patients in intensive care. PMDS are experiencing a new boom in Germany as a result of the funding provided by the Hospital Future Act (Krankenhaus-Zukunftsgesetz, KHZG). This article provides 1. PMDS: Functionalities and requirements Patient data management systems (PDMS)…

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7 tips for the successful digital transformation of medical device manufacturers

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Companies need to master the digital transformation quickly and successfully. This also applies to medical device manufacturers because, after all, their future depends on it. Many companies make severe mistakes during this transformation (see section 4). This article provides managers with a quick overview of the possibilities of digital transformation and gives seven tips to make it…

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