It is vital to adhere to established standards for medical devices as they play a significant role in ensuring quality treatment, safety and regulatory compliance. Nevertheless, it could be quite challenging to determine what standards are applicable to a particular device as there are multiple regulations across various regions.
ISO 13485
The international standard defines the requirement for a Quality Management System which is customized for the medical device industry. ISO 13485 ensures that medical equipment manufacturers meet regulatory and customer requirements. The standards apply to those entities which are into the designing, development, installation, production and servicing of medical devices or associated services. It outlines the requirements for improving a quality management system. It precisely defines the organization’s objectives and policy. In addition to this, it establishes processes for resource management, quality planning, product realization, analysis and improvement. ISO 13485 also specifies documentation requirements for QMS to ensure accuracy and completeness. It focuses on the importance of management commitment to the quality management system. The standard also defines requirements to facilitate adequate resources in terms of work environment, infrastructure and a professional team so that QMS is maintained well. It establishes standards to monitor and measure the performance of products, customer satisfaction and the effectiveness of QMS. It promotes the culture of consistent improvement within the organization. The framework plays a crucial role in helping medical device manufacturers to establish as well as maintain a QMS that ensures effective and safe medical devices for patients and healthcare staff.
Horizontal Standards
Standards like ISO 14971 are available for risk management while IEC 62366-1 are applicable to the whole concept of usability engineering. These standards provide a complete framework to most of the medical devices. They actually lay the foundation to ensure devices are effective and safe.
Semi-horizontal, vertical standards
When we move beyond horizontal standards, we realize semi-horizontal standards such as IEC 62304 and IEC 60601-1 are available for medical device software and medical electrical equipment respectively. These standards may cater to a particular type of device. Notably, they address critical factors related to software lifecycle procedures along with basic safety requirements. These are essential standards to ensure electronic medical devices’ integrity. On the other hand, vertical standards revolve around product-specific safety needs, such as IEC 60601-2-X series related to cardiac defibrillators as well as endoscopic equipment. These standards provide comprehensive guidelines customized to functionalities of unique medical devices.
Navigating ISO 10993 for Biocompatibility
ISO 10993 series are mostly about the biological evaluation of medical devices. They are employed to check biocompatibility risks, conduct biological and chemical testing and in turn, make sure medical devices are compatible with the human anatomy and are safe for all.
Challenges and Solutions
Today, contemporary medical technology comes with some challenges. Sometimes, emerging or new devices lack established standards. In these circumstances, it is essential to collaborate with regulatory authorities to ensure thorough adherence. One needs to carefully consider crucial factors such as user population, intended use, target market, etc. to streamline the procedure of compliance and make sure alignment with relevant standards.
The Key Role of Standards in Regulatory Compliance
Needless to say, medical device standards are essential tools for the healthcare fraternity to achieve regulatory compliance. It provides a common framework to check effectiveness and safety, especially for patients. Today, medical device manufacturers understand and accept these standards or the applicable ones and thus navigate the complex regulatory landscape. Every medical equipment company in India which produces refurbished devices is entitled to do the same.
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