Objective Evidence: Objective evidence in the audit
Laws and standards (e.g., FDA, ISO 13485) require “objective evidence.”
NMPA Usability Guidance: How to fulfill the requirements
The NMPA Usability Guidance affects many manufacturers of medical devices and IVDs, as well as manufacturers of combination products, who want to market their products in China. This article clarifies which devices must comply with the NMPA requirements regarding usability and what these requirements are.
DetailsDesign validation: What you need to demonstrate
Most medical device manufacturers associate the term “design validation” with the FDA. However, not only the FDA but also European regulations, particularly ISO 13485, require design and development validation. Nevertheless, design validation and validation of the design should not be confused. This article shows how the two differ and which regulatory requirements must be observed.
DetailsMDSAP: Medical Device Single Audit Program
The Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) was initiated to satisfy a wish of many medical device manufacturers: To replace the various audits and inspections by authorities from different countries with one audit. Participating in the MDSAP shall suffice for verifying effectiveness and conformity of QM systems (e.g., with ISO 13485 or 21 CFR part 820). In…
DetailsOperating system compliant with IEC 62304 and FDA?
When selecting an operating system, do medical device manufacturers have to ensure that the operating system is IEC 62304-compliant? What does the FDA say? This article…
Configuration management for medical devices
Configuration management is much more than using version management tools like git or svn. This becomes clear when you look at IEC 62304 and the FDA guidance documents. In this article, you will read about
DetailsFDA Pre-Submission Program
With the Pre-Submission Program (“pre-sub” for short), the FDA offers a formal procedure for manufacturers to clarify their regulatory strategy and specific questions before actual approval or market clearance. A pre-sub request is suitable in the preparation of 510(k)s, De Novo Requests, or PMAs, among other things. This can avoid unnecessary costs and effort on…
DetailsApproval of medical devices in Brazil
It is not easy to get medical devices approved in Brazil. This is due to the number of regulations, their complexity, and the fact that Brazil has published most of the regulations in Portuguese only. This article provides an overview and highlights similarities with the European and US systems. This will make it easier for you…
DetailsDe Novo Program of the FDA
The De Novo request, which the FDA also refers to as the “De Novo program” and the “De Novo submission process”, is one of the approval processes for medical devices in the United States. As the name “De Novo” suggests, manufacturers can use this process for novel products. In other words, manufacturers should submit a…
DetailsMDR transition periods
In Article 120-123, 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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