Common Specifications – Competing with standards?

Both the MDR and IVDR introduce the concept of Common Specifications. Definition of Common Specifications MDR and IVDR define Common Specifications as follows: Purpose of Common Specifications EU Directives, such as the MDD and IVDD, as well as EU Regulations, such as the MDR and IVDR impose so-called general requirements on all medical devices must meet. If the requirements are not met, manufacturers must not…

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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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IEC 60601-1-2: New edition on electromagnetic compatibility of medical devices

In May 2016, the German version of IEC 60601-1-2:2014 (Edition 4) was published as DIN EN 60601-1-2:2016 with the title “Electromagnetic disturbances – Requirements and tests.” At the end of 2020, a new version of this “EMC standard” – modified by Amendment 1 and called Edition 4.1 – was published. 1. What is electromagnetic compatibility? a) Electromagnetic immunity Medical…

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MDR Classification Rule 11: The classification nightmare?

The MDR contains the Classification Rule 11. This rule is especially for software. The Rule 11 has serious implications: it bears the potential to further undermine Europe’s innovation capacity. Manufacturers should familiarize themselves with the MDCG’s interpretation to avoid misclassifying software and to be able to follow the reasoning of notified bodies and authorities. This article…

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Formative evaluation: What the FDA and IEC 62366 require

The regulations relevant to usability engineering require formative evaluations. 1. Formative evaluation: Definition and differentiation a) Definitions In its guidance document, the FDA has published its own definition of the term: Thus, it replaces the old definition in the guideline Applying Human Factors and Usability Engineering to Medical Devices: „Process of assessing, at one or…

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Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR) and Post-Market Surveillance report (PMS report)

The MDR and IVDR require either a “Post-Market Surveillance Report” or a “Periodic Safety Update Report” from medical device manufacturers. The Periodic Safety Update Report is abbreviated as “PSUR”, the Post-Market Surveillance reports as “PMS report”. PSUR and PMS report: Regulatory background and objectives The European Commission has significantly increased the requirements for monitoring devices…

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PMS data: Do you need to involve an ethics committee when collecting data?

The MDR requires medical device manufacturers to conduct Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) and thus collect PMS data. This article is intended to help clarify the regulatory requirements manufacturers must consider when collecting these PMS data. Notably, it is intended to highlight whether manufacturers need to consult an ethics committee in Europe if the data arise from…

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