Particulate contamination presents a serious but often overlooked risk to medical device safety, particularly when particles enter the bloodstream. Understanding where particulates originate, how they are extracted and analysed, and which standards define acceptable limits is essential for protecting patients,…

Cytotoxicity testing is a critical step in ISO 10993 biocompatibility assessments, helping medtech leaders ensure device safety, manage regulatory risk, and select the most suitable method - qualitative, quantitative, or agar overlay - based on device type, patient contact, and…

The latest edition of ISO 10993-1:2025 introduces important updates to the biological evaluation of medical devices, strengthening integration with ISO 14971 and introducing revised contact categorisation and biological effects.

Biocompatibility is essential to medical device safety, compliance, and global market approval. Guided by ISO 10993 and ISO 14971, it ensures devices perform without harming patients while meeting evolving regulatory standards. Regular updates and risk-based strategies are key to maintaining…

ISO 10993 and ISO 18562 are complementary biocompatibility standards used to evaluate medical device safety. ISO 10993 focuses on biological risks from materials in contact with tissue, while ISO 18562 addresses inhalation risks from devices delivering breathing gases. Knowing which…

Real-world gaps in IFUs and reprocessing workflows demand strategic action from medtech leaders to protect patients and support SPD teams.

Integrated electronic traceability is transforming medical device reprocessing by unifying fragmented systems into a single, data-driven ecosystem. This shift enables real-time visibility, improved patient safety, operational efficiency, and measurable sustainability across healthcare workflows.

Residual hydrogen peroxide can pose hidden risks in sterilised medical devices, impacting both patient safety and regulatory compliance. ISO 22441 and ISO 10993 standards provide frameworks for assessing toxicological risk, guiding manufacturers through chemical characterisation, extraction studies and Margin of…

Medical device sterilisation ensures patient safety by eliminating microorganisms. Manufacturers must rigorously validate sterilisation methods based on device type. Validation follows standards like ISO 17665 and proves consistent Sterility Assurance Levels (SAL). Clear Instructions for Use (IFU) and proper validation…

Instructions for Use are essential documents that guide users on the correct, safe, and effective handling of medical devices. They outline validated cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation procedures to minimise infection risks and ensure regulatory compliance.

Chemical agents used during medical device cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation can degrade metals and polymers, leading to corrosion, embrittlement, discoloration, and additive leaching. These changes can compromise performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Understanding material compatibility, controlling processing parameters, and validating…

Material compatibility testing ensures medical devices maintain safety and performance throughout cleaning, sterilisation, and use. It helps manufacturers choose appropriate materials and reprocessing methods.

Quality testing in medical devices ensures safety, compliance, and performance from concept to market. By verifying material integrity, chemical safety, and mechanical strength, it prevents failures and builds confidence in device reliability. It’s a strategic investment that protects patients, reputation,…

Incompatibility between disinfectants and device materials results in equipment damage and higher HAI rates. Understanding and addressing root causes is essential.

Manual disinfection is essential for heat-sensitive reusable medical devices that can’t undergo sterilisation. Breaking down when, why, and how manual disinfection is used, including regulatory standards, Spalding classification, and critical process controls that medtech leaders must know to stay compliant…

BS 8628:2022 establishes a standardised method for testing and validating the performance of automated UV surface disinfection systems. It enables consistent, science-based comparison of UV technologies across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and other high-risk environments.

While Good Laboratory Practice principles were originally intended for non-clinical studies in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, their scope has expanded to other industries, such as medical devices.

Medical device and IVD safety relies on IEC 60601-1 and IEC 61010-1 standards. Understanding MOPP, MOOP and clearances is critical for risk management and regulatory compliance. These standards guide manufacturers in delivering safe, compliant and reliable products.