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Why is IVDR Causing Widespread Panic throughout the Medical Device Industry?

May 7, 2021

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Is the widespread panic over the EU In-vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR) justified? For many device professionals, the one year countdown to the IVDR deadline in May 2022 is almost here, causing much anxiety about whether compliance is even possible.

In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Jon Speer and his guest Joanne LeBrun, VP of Quality Systems at MDC Associates, shine light on EU IVDR transition concerns and the challenges the medical device industry faces, like the notified body shortage.

Some highlights of this episode include:

Why are some notified bodies not interested? There’s a ton of work, audits, and corrective actions. They don’t view it as necessary to move forward and pursue.
First, notified bodies plan a wait-and-see approach to find out how the EU MDR goes on May 27. The notified bodies are overwhelmed and resources are limited.
The EU MDR has more constituents involved and is a bit more straightforward to implement than the IVDR. The IVDR has less constituents but more things that are different, such as product classification.
The opportunity to self-certify for MDR has passed and certain notified bodies are no longer accepting new clients. You can contact your authorized representative about cut-off dates to get your CE mark.
Even if you don’t have to submit a technical documentation file, you still need to have one and review it constantly. Make it part of your change controls,
For ISO/MDSAP certifications and audits, do not have duplicates of files and documentation. Only have one source of information or you are setting yourself up for failure and will be out of compliance.
Notified bodies are not designed to teach regulatory and quality professionals what they should know to be ready. Prepare and reach out before it is too late.

Memorable quotes from Joanne LeBrun:

“One of the conditions of going live for the IVDR is that they have seven notified bodies by the time we’re supposed to go live. They have a year to get more notified bodies.”

“I think that notified bodies are very overwhelmed.”

“While the MDR has more constituents involved, I think that it’s going to be a little more straightforward to implement than the IVDR. The IVDR has less constituents but way more things that are different - particularly product classification.”

“That honor system is now gone, and we all have to keep up on it. You really do need to update your technical file all the time.”