Whatā€™s new in the MDR and IVDR


EUROPEAN MEDICAL DEVICES AND IN VITRO DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL DEVICES REGULATION

Both the MDR and the IVDR entered into force on 26 May 2017 and will apply directly to all EU Member States from 26 May 2021 and 26 May 2022 respectively. They apply to all CE marked medical devices and IVDs, regardless of their classification.

Following an extended transition period due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these new regulations replace the following existing guidelines:

  • 1998: Directive 98/79/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDD)
  • 1993: Council Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices (MDD)

ā€œThe new Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) and the in vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR) bring EU legislation into line with technical advances, changes in medical science and progress in law-making.ā€

European Commission website

The new legislation will apply in the EU from:

Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745

26 MAY 2021

Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices

26 MAY 2022

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The new regulations contain a series of extremely important improvements to modernize the current system. Among them are:

  • Stricter criteria for the designation and monitoring of notified bodies
  • A new in vitro diagnostics risk rating system
  • Greater transparency through the establishment of a comprehensive EU database on medical devices and a traceability system based on unique product identifiers
  • Higher requirements for clinical evidence
  • More detailed rules for manufacturers on monitoring once  products are placed on the market
  • Improved coordination mechanisms between EU countries in the areas of vigilance and market surveillance

Categories of Medical Devices and in vitro Diagnostic Devices

Greiner Bio-Oneā€™s product portfolio includes both medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVD). Classification is based on the intended use defined by the manufacturer in accordance with the classification rules defined in the applicable regulation.

Medical devices are divided into Class I (also includes the subgroups Is, Im, Ir), IIa, IIb and III.

In vitro diagnostics are classified in 4 classes: Class A (incl. A sterile), B, C and D.

To us, health is the highest personal priority. This inspires our daily mission of serving life sciences and healthcare professionals with advanced and sustainable products and solutions. It is the passion and dedication of our people that make the difference. Thatā€™s why our team of experts is already working hard and passionately to implement the new regulations within the specified timeframe.

Below you will find the most important questions and answers

The MDR specifies the requirements for medical devices and the IVDR for in vitro diagnostic devices, which must be fulfilled to enable CE marked labelling.

Furthermore, the MDR and the IVDR set out the requirements for medical device manufacturers and other economic operators such as European representatives, distributors and importers.

 

Examples of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics from the Greiner Bio-One product portfolio:

Medical Devices: Tourniquets, Tube Holder, Blood Collection Sets, Needles, Lancets, etc.

In vitro diagnostics: Blood Collection Tubes, Urine Tubes, Urine Beakers, Urine Transfer Device, etc.

The MDR and IVDR differ in several aspects to the previous directives. The most important changes include:

  • Extension of scope
  • Designation of a ā€œperson responsible for regulatory complianceā€
  • UDI (Unique Device Identifier)
  • More detailed and comprehensive requirements for technical documentation
  • Post-market surveillance
  • Clinical evaluation
  • Requirements for economic operators such as distributors and importers.

The risk-based classification system introduced by the IVDR requires the involvement of a notified body when approving all IVDs, with the exception of Class A IVDs .

EUDAMED is the European database for medical devices developed by the European Commission in order to map the life cycle of medical devices and IVDs.

The MDR and IVDR define the data that must be entered into EUDAMED. Certain parts of EUDAMED are publicly accessible.

The database is not yet fully operational.

Unique Device Identification (UDI) is a system for the identification, labelling and registration of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices. The aim is to increase patient safety by ensuring complete traceability of products.

The UDI should be applied both with machine-readable identification (e.g. barcode) and in plain text on the product and/or on the packaging. The UDI serves as a key to the UDI database (EUDAMED).

Labelling deadlines in accordance with MDR for Greiner Bio-One products:

Class I: 26 May 2025

Class IIa: 26 May 2023

For reusable products where the UDI carrier must be applied directly on the medical device, the MDR grants two additional years (for Class I ā€“ reusable: 26 May 2027)

Labelling deadline according to IVDR for Greiner Bio-One products: Class A: 26 May 2027

The MDR and IVDR apply to all CE marked medical devices and IVDs, regardless of their classification.

The MDR requirements are implemented in stages depending on the classification of the products. The EC certificates issued under the MDD remain valid for the stated term. This was taken into account accordingly in the schedule.

The conformity assessment has already been carried out for Class I medical devices. These already comply with the requirements of the MDR.

For Class Is and IIa medical devices, the EC certificates under the MDD have been extended. These medical devices can therefore be placed on the market under the MDD until the certificates expire.

The requirements of the IVDR are being implemented in accordance with the transition periods defined in the IVDR.

"The European Commission has introduced a proposal to amend the transitional periods for the IVDR, which has since been approved by the European Parliament. The IVDR will continue to enter into force as planned from May 2022, but the transition periods will be adjusted depending on the risk class of the product: For Class A (non-sterile), the transition period will remain unchanged at May 2022, while for Class A (sterile) it will be extended to May 2027. We will take these changes into account accordingly."

With the conformity assessment, manufacturers of medical devices ensure the conformity of the products with the applicable general safety and performance requirements. To this end, the products undergo a corresponding conformity assessment procedure.

Depending on the product classification, it may be necessary to involve a notified body.

ā€œNotified Bodyā€ means a conformity assessment body designated in accordance with MDR or IVDR. Depending on the risk class of the products, they carry out tests and assessments as part of the conformity assessment procedure.

All medical devices and in vitro diagnostics for which Greiner Bio-One is the legal manufacturer.

Depending on the planned life cycle, the products are certified according to MDR or IVDR. Greiner Bio-One is complying with the transition periods in accordance with MDR and IVDR.

In the MDR and IVDR, detailed requirements such as post-market surveillance (PMS), clinical evaluation, performance evaluation, vigilance, etc. required. These processes have been adapted accordingly and are part of the quality management system.

Yes, in accordance with Article 15 of the MDR and IVDR, Greiner Bio-One has nominated a Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance (PRRC).

There are different conformity assessment procedure in the MDR and IVDR. The classification of the medical device / IVD determines which procedure is followed.

For non-sterile class I medical devices and non-sterile class A IVDs a notified body does not need to be involved in the conformity assessment. Therefore, for these devices an EC-Certificate issued by a notified body is not required.

For class Is and IIa medical devices as well as sterile class A IVDs a notified body needs to be involved in the conformity assessment procedure. The notified body issues an EC-Certificate which is referenced in the applicable Declaration of Conformity (DoC) with the corresponding validity date of the EC-Certificate.

A regularly updated list of relevant products is available on request from your local supplier.

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