Sunday, February 15, 2015

What You Need To Know About EU Medical Device Classification

By Beryl Dalton


Medical devices are equipment found in hospitals used to assist in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases and conditions of the human body. They are used to examine patients like the stethoscope, disposable gloves, or thermometers. There are also apparatus that are too advanced and technical. Such are in the form of computer software to assist in tests that are too technical like those performed in implant and transplant procedures, and many others.

Biomedical advancements are responsible in making these equipment, designed and produced by biomedical engineers. With the use of CAD, the production process can be a lot faster even if it is long and detailed. The European legislators made the EU medical device classification to ensure safety of the use of devices to humans.

The most advanced ones need extra time in the production process, especially the software systems needed to aid in health care processes. Moreover, these devices need to be checked from time to time because they are part of the process of saving lives. There are goals of the EU in making the classifications.

The main objective of the European council is to give the best and safest health care services available to the citizens. They have set requirements and standards in the assessment of machines and apparatus used in clinics, hospitals, and other organizations. They classify these according to their use and functions.

In the nineties, they introduced the Medical Device Directives, which is a set of rules that govern the use of apparatus and materials for treatment. The directives control manufactured equipment and decide whether they are used for prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of diseases. They also cover the use of contraceptive materials. Health organizations as well as manufacturers of biomedical advancements are required by law to follow the directives.

There are three classifications of the directives. Those instruments used for implants or transplants, the simple apparatus like stethoscope, gloves, and tongue depressors. Finally, the materials for in vitro treatments are also classified. These aim to prevent, control, treat, and diagnose different and also classified diseases and conditions since these materials will be used to patients with different cases accordingly.

The EU government authorize a state member who is responsible for the approval of these developments. He is the one responsible for the assessment and testing according to the demands of the European law and the standard directives. He will provide the necessary requirements and permits whether or not the machine or apparatus will be used in hospitals and clinics.

The European government ensures that there are no clinical malpractices associated to the use of devices. There are possible hazards to human body if these are not regulated properly. Defective materials may be dangerous not only to the patient but also to the practitioner. Clinical policies need to be followed strictly.

Wrong classification of devices may also likely lead to errors, so the assessment process needs to be carefully done. After all, the efforts of the EU are all for the benefit of the citizens. The organizations and practitioners also need to adhere to the rules set by the European legislators.




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