Supplier evaluation – supplier selection – supplier audits

The MDR and IVDR, as well as ISO 13485:2016, just like the FDA, set out clear requirements regarding supplier evaluation, supplier selection, and supplier monitoring. This article not only gives you an overview of the regulatory requirements. It also gives you tips on how to implement them and tells you when a supplier audit is necessary. 1. Basics of supplier management a) Examples…

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DAkkS: The German Accreditation Body

The DAkkS, the German Accreditation Body, is Germany’s national accreditation authority. 1. The tasks of the DAkkS The task of the DAkkS is primarily to ensure the safety, scientific reproducibility, and comparability of attestations of conformity. To this end, it monitors the conformity assessment bodies in the state accreditation procedure. Examples of confirmations of conformity…

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Medicinal product or (substance-based) medical device?

The classification of whether a device is a medicinal product or a substance-based medical device has far-reaching regulatory consequences. This classification is so demanding that there are regular disputes with authorities and notified bodies, and in 2023, even the European Court of Justice had to rule on the matter. This article helps manufacturers, authorities, and…

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Maintenance and service of medical devices

The terms maintenance, preventive maintenance, restoration, inspection, service, and safety inspections are not synonymous. But they all refer to activities in the life cycle of medical devices that serve the objective of ensuring the safety, performance, and effectiveness of these devices even after they have been placed on the market. Manufacturers and operators must meet…

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Medical laboratories in the crosshairs of the IVDR. What to do?

The EU’s in vitro diagnostic medical device regulation (IVDR) affects many medical laboratories, although the regulation does not define or use the term “medical laboratory.” Which laboratories are affected? What other laws do the laboratories have to comply with? And how should they ensure compliance with all these requirements? This article provides answers. 1. What…

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