Virtually no medical procedure is without risk, but there are many ways to minimize it. One such way is through applying sound risk management processes to medical devices. The International Standard to do just that has now been updated.
ISO 14971, Medical devices – Application of risk management to medical devices, specifies the terminology, principles and process for managing the risks associated with medical devices, including software as a medical device (SaMD) and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical products.
Primarily intended for medical device manufacturers, the ISO standard promotes the safety of devices and equipment used for medical purposes. It covers the risks of injury related to the health of patients, the operator and other persons, as well as potential damage to property, equipment and the environment. The standard was updated to better align with changes in medical device regulations around the world.
The ISO 14971 revision was aimed at clarifying the standard’s technical requirements by including more detailed information on the steps manufacturers must take to meet those requirements. It also includes new and updated terminology to reflect the current market needs. The guidance has been moved to the standard’s accompanying technical report ISO/TR 24971, Medical devices – Guidance on the application of ISO 14971, which was revised in parallel.
Peter Linders, Chair of the ISO technical committee that developed the documents, said it is a manufacturer’s responsibility to reduce the risks of medical devices. “ISO 14971 helps manufacturers to identify the hazards and estimate the risks associated with a medical device, enabling them to control those risks and monitor the effectiveness of the controls they put in place.”
