Team-NB Position Paper: Information To Be Supplied by The Manufacturer - A Collaborative Notified Body Approach
Team-NB Position Paper: Information To Be Supplied by The Manufacturer - A Collaborative Notified Body Approach
Team-NB Position Paper: Information To Be Supplied by The Manufacturer - A Collaborative Notified Body Approach
This best practice guidance document has been developed by members of Team NB who have
reviewed the best practice guidance documents submitted by individual Team NB notified body
members, with the purpose to develop a unified approach on the expectations of technical
documentation submissions from manufacturers.
Manufacturers of all Classes of IVD medical devices are expected to demonstrate conformity of the
IVD medical device to the General Safety and Performance Requirements of the IVD Medical Devices
regulation through the preparation and holding of technical documentation that shows how each IVD
medical device was developed, designed, and manufactured together with the descriptions and
explanations necessary to understand the manufacturer’s determination with respect to such
conformity. This technical documentation is intended to reflect the current status of the IVD medical
device through application of the manufacturer’s QMS.
The technical documentation reflects the status of the IVD medical device at a particular moment in
time (e.g., at the moment of premarket submission or when requested for post-market purposes) and
is prepared in order to meet the applicable regulatory requirements and more specifically the General
Safety and Performance requirements (GSPR). Where the technical documentation is submitted to a
NB, it should be in a language acceptable to the reviewing organization.
Disclaimer:
The content of the best practice guidance is based on the interpretation of the In Vitro Diagnostic
Medical Device Regulation EU 2017/746 by Team NB and affiliated notified bodies. During a technical
documentation assessment, it may be required that additional documentation/information needs to
be submitted as part of the technical assessment that goes beyond what is listed in this guidance
document, and each notified body reserves the right to request additional information.
To avoid delays and to further improve your submission, please consider the following practical points:
✓ Manufacturers should contact their notified body to clarify the language requirements for the
technical documentation submission of the individual notified body as mentioned in the IVDR,
per Article 48 (12).
✓ Manufacturers should also contact their notified body to clarify the requirements related to
documentation labelling and methods for submission to the notified body.
✓ Clear reference should be mentioned in the technical documentations regarding the
submitted application and/or quotation that preceded to the technical dossier submission.
✓ General administrative information should be provided in the technical documentation about
the manufacturer details: legal manufacturer name, legal manufacturer address, EU
Authorized Representative and subcontractors location, EMDN coding and NANDO coding.
Also include information about placing on the market and whether the device is made
available to the market through distance sales. This information could be made available in an
accompanying cover letter.
✓ The technical documentation and, if applicable, the summary thereof to be drawn up by the
manufacturer shall be presented in a clear, organised, readily searchable and unambiguous
manner and shall include in particular regulatory references to the applicable regulatory
requirements of the EU IVDR.
✓ Where appropriate the most recently updated comprehensive reports and data should be
included. Abbreviated or partial test reports are not considered acceptable.
✓ Verification reports provided should be complete, i.e., not a report with subsequent
amendments or revisions as the device was changed.
✓ The technical documentation shall document how the manufacturer ensures compliance to
every applicable GSPR.
✓ There are many areas of the technical documentation that will require the duplication of
information for multiple documents such as device description. Please ensure that the
information is correct throughout all areas where this information is duplicated and consider
the risk of potential errors/inconsistencies when updating (e.g., Basic UDI-DI, UDI-DI, intended
purpose, indications for use, contraindications, warnings, etc.).
✓ Ensure that the data in the technical documentation is consistent with the data provided in
the respective application forms.
✓ Valid justifications should always be provided or accompanied where there are deficiencies in
the requested data.
✓ As part of the technical documentation referred to in Annex II, the manufacturer shall keep
up to date a list of all UDIs that it has assigned.
This document is the result of an initiative to compile existing guidance from several notified bodies,
to harmonise expectations and facilitate manufacturer’s tasks when drafting their technical
documentation.
Team NB may decide to revise this document to adapt it to changes in the regulation, development
of guidance documents (e.g., MDCG documents) and the change in interpretation over time.
Please ensure that the device name, intended purpose/intended use is consistent throughout the
different evidentiary documents. If not, provide an explanation within the main technical document
describing the differences and how they would still be applicable to the name/intended purpose being
reviewed under the IVDR.
NOTE: In addition to the conformity assessment procedure requirements referred to in the IVDR, for
companion diagnostics, the notified body shall consult a competent authority designated by the
Member States in accordance with Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
(1) or the EMA, as applicable. It is therefore important for the Notified Body reviewer to know, as part
of the technical dossier submission whether the drug has undergone a centralised procedure through
the EMA, or a local procedure with competent authority designated by the Member States, that has
approved the drug.
(b) the Basic UDI-DI as referred to in Part C of Annex VI assigned by the manufacturer to the device.
(c) the intended purpose of the device which may include information on:
(i) what is to be detected and/or measured;
- The IVDR refers to Intended purpose and Intended Use. These are understood to have the
same meaning.
- The Technical Documentation shall include intended patient population. If no specific testing
population is stated in the intended purpose, it is understood that the device is to be used
without limitation.
- Where there is a foreseeable risk that the tests may be misused, a clear limitation of use
should be included in the IFU, e.g. “This test device is not intended to be a first-line device to
be used for screening for transmissible agents”. This information should be reflected in the
technical documentation as well.
- If the application includes a change to the intended use, all sections of the file should be
reviewed for potential impact.
Notes: The intended user and use environment should be clearly described within the technical
documentation. The intended use, user, target population and clinical condition / physiological state
must be supported by the results of the clinical performance evaluation.
(d) the description of the principle of the assay method or the principles of operation of the
instrument.
- Per IVDR, Article 2, explain how the product qualifies as an IVD. This is especially important
for software as a medical device since both can easily be qualified to fall under the MDR or
IVDR. Refer also to MDCG 2019-11 for further guidance.
- IVD’s that do NOT fall under the definitions per Article 2 IVDR are:
o products for general laboratory use or research-use only products, unless such products,
in view of their characteristics, are specifically intended by their manufacturer to be used
for in vitro diagnostic examination.
o invasive sampling products or products which are directly applied to the human body for
the purpose of obtaining a specimen,
o internationally certified reference materials and materials used for external quality
assessment schemes.
- On the other hand, Specimen receptacles shall be deemed to be in vitro diagnostic medical
devices.
(g) the description of the components and where appropriate, the description of the reactive
ingredients of relevant components such as antibodies, antigens, nucleic acid primers.
- Please provide a detailed description of the listed components identifying the reactive
ingredients.
(h) the description of the specimen collection and transport materials provided with the device or
descriptions of specifications recommended for use.
- This describes the specimen receptacle and transport materials that are used to collect the
specimen and retain the specimen in good condition, even during transport. It also covers the
devices that are recommended, when not delivered by the manufacturer.
- Consider the pre-analytical requirements, e.g., stability of the analyte.
(i) for instruments of automated assays: the description of the appropriate assay characteristics or
dedicated assays.
- Evidence needs to be provided demonstrating the compatibility of the instrument with the
appropriate or dedicated assays as part of the performance evaluation. This information is
only needed for instruments of automated assays.
(j) for automated assays: a description of the appropriate instrumentation characteristics or dedicated
instrumentation.
- Describe the appropriate instrumentation and provide the application sheets for dedicated
instrumentation. This information is only needed for automated assays.
- This would be a general description of the software that is supplied together with the device
or is recommended to be used together with the device.
- Include the software version which drives the device or influences the use of the device.
- All configurations and variants of the device to be made available on the market shall be
detailed in the Technical Documentation, including any model numbers, names, constituents,
sizes etc.
(m) a description of the accessories for a device, other devices and other products that are not devices,
which are intended to be used in combination with the device.
- Provide a description of all accessories, other devices, or generic products (e.g., buffers,
extraction kits) required for the device to function correctly.
- Accessories and devices provided separately need to have their own labelling, instruction for
use, packaging and certification.
- If the accessory is a medical device, per EU 2017/745 (MDR) such as a lancet, provide approval
details.
- Provide information on regulatory status of accessories if provided within IVD kit under IVDR
e.g., Certificate / DoC
(a) Provide an overview of the previous generation(s) of the device produced by the manufacturer,
where such devices exist.
(b) an overview of identified similar devices available on the Union or international markets, where
such devices exist.
Labelling
Provide the label or labels on the IVD for all variants; this includes device labelling, any sterile
packaging labelling, single unit packaging labelling, sales packaging labelling or transport packaging
labelling, in the final approved version (print layout).
IVDs generally use multiple levels of labelling, and it is recognised that not all devices may have the
different levels of packaging specified in this section or different terms may be used than those
specified here. Legible versions of all applicable levels of labels should be provided (e.g., secondary
pack, primary pack) and should be representative of the finished form, showing all included symbols.
If possible, provide drawings/images with the packaging configuration (showing placement of all
labels) and label specifications (layout, size).
The position of labels on the finished device should be clear. If the device has a sterile package, clearly
identify the label for the sterile package. If any of the packaging is printed with information for the
user (including pictures / schematics of the device) this should also be provided.
Verification of label contents must be carried out in accordance with GSPR 20.2 and Article 18.
Ensure that any specific requirements of relevant harmonised standards or Common Specification (CS)
are addressed in the labels and information for use.
In the case of devices containing a substance or a mixture which may be considered as being
dangerous, relevant hazard pictograms and labelling requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
shall apply.
Note: packaging which maintains the sterile condition of a device (“sterile packaging”), will require
additional information and particulars. Labels for devices intended for self-testing and near-patient
testing also requires bearing additional information. For class C and D devices the manufacturer shall
mention on the label or instruction for use where the summary of safety and performance (SSP) is
available as per Art. 29 IVDR, in absence of EUDAMED.
Provide the instructions for use (IFU) in the language required by the specific Notified Body performing
conformity assessment of the device. Indicate within the technical documentation all countries in
which the device is intended to be sold and summarise the process for translation. Translation of IFU
to all languages required in the target markets is required before product launch, however, only one
language (that required by the NB) is acceptable in the initial submission, as long as the translation
procedure is effective.
IFUs must contain all the information required as per applicable requirements specified within GSPR
20.4 and Article 18.
Ensure that any specific requirements of relevant standards or CS are addressed by the instructions
for use.
For instruments, provide user manual, installation and service manuals if applicable.
Note: for surveillance reviews a list of all countries in which the device has been sold and all translated
labelling including the IFU must be submitted. Instructions for use for self-testing devices also needs
to bear additional information and requires additional validation on a lay user population.
If electronic IFU will be utilised, E-labelling information as provided on the device or on a leaflet must
be included. Provide details / reference to risk management in relation to e-labelling.
If a safety data sheet (SDS) is provided for the device, the SDS is part of the Technical Documentation
in the respective translations in accordance with EU member state requirements.
Note that instructions for obtaining the SDS shall be included on the label or instruction for use. The
provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and EC) No 1272/2008 on the safety data sheet shall apply,
unless all relevant information, as appropriate, is already made available in the instructions for use.
Copies of promotional materials (that mention that the device fulfils the requirements of CE marking)
including any that make specific claims related to the device
Only marketing literature that mention that the device fulfils the requirements of CE marking or
includes the CE mark itself is required to be provided.
Claims made in the marketing literature must be consistent with the IFU and consistently displayed in
the submitted technical documentation.
Note: EN ISO 15223 is harmonised to the IVDR and provides details of approved harmonised symbols.
EN ISO 18113 and EN ISO 20417 provide guidance on the content of labels and IFUs. Refer to Regulation
(EC) No 1272/2008 for the content and supply of SDS.
Declaration of Conformity
The EU declaration of conformity (DoC), referred to in Article 17, is the procedure whereby the
manufacturer, who fulfils the obligations imposed by Article 48, declares that the devices concerned
fulfil the requirements of the IVDR which apply to them. The declaration of conformity will contain as
a minimum all information referred to in Annex IV and will be available to the CA. The manufacturer
will continuously update the EU declaration of conformity and will translate it into an official union
For devices already marketed, include a history of any major changes to its design, including the reason
for design changes and the impact on the performance evaluations conducted. Where no new
performance evaluation has been undertaken, the documentation shall incorporate a rationale for
that decision.
• For IVDs which are reagents provide a description of the critical ingredients such as antibodies,
antigens, enzymes and nucleic acid primers provided or recommended for use with the device.
The description must include at least a reference number of the critical materials.
• For devices incorporating instruments and/or software, provide an overview of the entire
system. Indicate the transition steps and whether manual handling/manipulation are
required.
• For instruments, provide a description of the major subsystems, analytical technology and any
dedicated computer hardware and software.
• Where the device uses software for objective data interpretation or the device is a software,
provide a description of the data interpretation methodology i.e., analysis algorithm. State
whether this is automated or manual. Full lifecycle management must be demonstrated and
provided as appropriate for the risk class of the software.
• If the software is qualified as a medical device (MDSW) as per MDCG 2019-11; provide
evidence to demonstrate this.
• For devices intended for self-testing or near-patient testing, manufacturers must include a
description of the design aspects that make them suitable for self-testing or near-patient
testing.
• Typically for a Class D IVD medical device detailed information on material specifications
would be provided and the batch release process / criteria. This section is not intended to take
the place of the more detailed information required for a QMS audit or other conformity
assessment activity. If design takes place at multiple sites, a controlling site must be identified.
• For devices containing raw materials of human, animal or microbial origin, a Certificate of
Analysis (CoA) must be submitted with information to fulfill Annex II, 6.5.b
The detailed overview may be provided as manufacturing flowchart(s), including relevant information
on incoming inspection of raw material to final product testing and packaging, etc. The main work
instructions and DMR should be identifiable, also to serve as an input for the audit. More detailed
information may always be provided for the audit of the quality management system or other
applicable conformity assessment procedures. Reference can be made to the Device Master Record
(DMR) and Quality Plan of the devices covered in the document.
As a general principle if any of the information requested in the Manufacturing section is not available
in the requested language of the Notified Body, the Manufacturer should either provide translations
or provide supplementary summary reports with translations of relevant information/sections or in
cases where the information/reports are data heavy (or mainly graphical in nature) with very few
words, the Manufacturer may annotate translations of relevant words within the reports.
Information about sites and subcontractors must be also included in the application.
In general, this section would also contain a general explanation of the subcontractor control system
that is applied by the manufacturer, including reference to the documented (purchasing) procedures.
a. Each GSPR of IVDR Annex I that applies to the device and an explanation as to why other GSPRs
do not apply to the device.
• EXAMPLE: A decision column "applicable versus not applicable" for each clause/sub-
clause of IVDR, Annex I. A "rationale" column on each clause/sub-clause of IVDR,
Annex I, that apply to the device, with an explanation as to why others do not apply.
• GSPR that have different sub-sections, these must be addressed independently.
b. The method or methods used to demonstrate conformity with each applicable GSPR.
• EXAMPLE: A column "methods used to demonstrate conformity", with each
clause/sub-clause of IVDR Annex I
c. Harmonised standards, Common Specification (CS), or other solutions applied (refer to the
specific edition).
• EXAMPLE: A column "applied standards, CS or others", for each clause/sub-clause of
IVDR, respectively.
• NOTE 1 to (4): This is usually accomplished by means of a list of applicable standards
and CS, as well as by reference to appropriate standards and CS in the appropriate
documents (e.g., test reports).
• NOTE 2 to (4): Indicate if full or partial compliance is being claimed. Where (i) key
standards or CS have not been applied or not been applied in full, (ii) a manufacturer
chooses to use a newer version of a currently harmonised standard, (iii) outdated
standards are applied: in all these cases, an appropriate justification should be
provided in the Technical Documentation, in the form of a summary or gap analysis
regarding ability to comply with associated General Safety & Performance
Requirements (Annex I), and a risk analysis & conclusion of acceptability of any
compliance gaps.
• NOTE 3 to (4): Refer also to additional applicable standards, and/or Directives – e.g.,
Machinery, EMC, RoHS, scientific opinions, guidance as necessary to show state of the
art.
d. The precise identity of the controlled documents offering evidence of conformity with each
harmonised standard, CS, or other method applied to demonstrate conformity with the GSPR.
The interface between risk management process and performance evaluation performed by the
manufacturer must be clear and noticeable (refer to Annex VII, 4.5.4); and the results of the risk
management shall provide information about the appropriateness of the performance evaluation.
Provide a copy of risk management procedure(s) that include the definition of any rating systems used
for risk analysis and risk acceptability. If this is part of a different document such as the risk
management plan or maintained as a separate document that is specific for the subject device, then
the relevant information must be included.
Provide copies of the relevant risk management documentation to confirm that the risk management
procedure is followed (including e.g., the usability risk management procedure, if applicable).
Note that risk management documentation shall comprise all parts / components of a device.
Risk management shall be understood as a continuous iterative process throughout the entire lifecycle
of a device, requiring regular systematic updating.
For design risk assessment, an assessment shall be provided whether any design changes add new
hazards or reduce the likelihood of occurrence of existing hazards, irrespective of whether the risk
assessment has changed.
For ease of review, it is recommended to provide a use flow-chart for the device in question.
Risk analysis shall demonstrate:
- All known and foreseeable hazards associated with each device are identified and analyzed
(i.e., estimation and evaluation of risks for each hazardous situation).
- All known and foreseeable risks, and any undesirable side-effects, are minimized and
acceptable when weighed against the evaluated benefits to the patient and/or user arising
from the achieved performance of the device during normal conditions of use.
- Estimation and evaluation of risks associated with and occurring during intended use and
during reasonably foreseeable misuse are estimated and evaluated, including eliminating or
controlling these risks.
- Appropriate controls (i.e., process validations, sterilization, performance, shelf-life or other
key verification/validation tests) have reduced all risks as low as possible to acceptable levels
considering state-of-the-art for the device(s) under assessment.
- Risk control measures are implemented for each hazard (with references to the
documentation where these measures are implemented).
- The effectiveness of risk control measures is verified (with references to the documentation
where effectiveness of risk control measures is demonstrated).
- Residual risks and their processing operations are identified, and the acceptability of any
residual risk(s) is assessed.
- A statement is given that the clinical benefits outweigh all residual risks and the overall
residual risk.
- Production and post-production information are evaluated regarding hazards and their
associated risks, as well as on the overall risk, benefit-risk ratio and risk acceptability; and the
control measures are amended if necessary.
The risk analysis shall address all known and foreseeable hazards, including but not limited to:
- Hazards related to all device components.
- Hazards related to intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse.
- Hazards related to ergonomic features of the device and the environment in which the device
is intended to be used.
- Hazards related to technical knowledge, experience, education, training and use environment
of users.
- Hazards related to the intended users, especially for self-testing or near patient testing
- Hazards related to the manufacturing process.
Provide the risk management report associated with the device, including:
- The evaluation of any residual risk(s) acceptability.
- The evaluation of the overall residual risk acceptability.
- The evaluation of the benefit-risk ratio.
A statement shall be provided that the device, when used within the intended purpose, constitutes
acceptable risks when weighed against the benefits to the patient and is compatible with a high level
of protection of health and safety, considering the generally acknowledged state of the art (IVDR,
Annex I, 1).
• An overview of the design inputs and key outputs for the device. Including a design
traceability matrix where appropriate.
• Overview of all testing performed to demonstrate compliance to applicable parameters
described in Annex I GSPR 9.1(a) and (b), 9.3 and 9.4. Where a parameter is not applicable,
provide a rationale within the performance evaluation plan.
• Protocol and reports with evidence of compliance with design requirements.
• Testing to relevant standards shall be provided if compliance to these is claimed.
• Evidence for all variants/configurations of the device, shall cover interconnections to
accessories and parts of the device.
• Evidence shall demonstrate compliance for the environmental conditions specified for the
device and for the lifetime of the device (or service periods prescribed).
• If the device is to be connected to other device(s) to operate as intended, a description of this
combination/configuration including proof that it conforms to the general safety and
performance requirements when connected to any such device(s) having regard to the
characteristics specified by the manufacturer.
• Test reports documenting results of studies carried out with the intended user. (Note: for self-
test devices a sample of the device may be requested)
• For tests conducted by a test laboratory, include the test reports, certificate and evidence of
accreditation of the test laboratory
Specimen type:
• Data must be provided to demonstrate performance with all specimen types indicated in
the intended purpose.
• Consideration shall be given to conducting performance evaluation within the intended
patient population age and demographic.
• Where applicable, include a description of the specimen collection and transport materials
provided with the device or descriptions of specifications recommended for use.
• Provide the protocol and data for the determination of appropriate criteria for specimen
collection and handling, stability (including freeze/thaw cycles), storage and transport.
• Detail any time-critical methods. These must be clearly defined in the IFU, with supporting
data in the Technical Documentation.
Accuracy of measurement:
• May be demonstrated through trueness and precision separately.
• Trueness can only be demonstrated if a certified reference material or method is available.
Analytical specificity:
• This section shall describe interference and cross reactivity studies performed to
determine the analytical specificity in the presence of other substances/agents in the
specimen.
• Information shall be provided on the evaluation of potentially interfering and cross-
reacting substances or agents on the assay, on the tested substance or agent type and its
concentration, specimen type, analyte test concentration, and results. Interfering factors
and cross-reacting substances or agents, which vary greatly depending on the assay type
and design, could derive from exogenous or endogenous sources.
• Requirements in Annex II, 6.1.2.3 shall be addressed, all applicable and non-applicable
interferents and cross-reacting substances or agents must be justified.
Measuring range:
• This section shall include information on the measuring range regardless of whether the
measuring systems are linear or non-linear, including the limit of detection and describe
information on how the range and detection limit were established. For quantitative
assays, the measuring range must be defined by the LoQ and linearity data to the upper
limit of the range.
• This information shall include a description of specimen type, number of specimens,
number of replicates, and specimen preparation including information on the matrix,
analyte levels and how levels were established. If applicable, a description of any high dose
hook effect and the data supporting the mitigation such as dilution steps shall be added.
• The study protocol should describe the method used including the operator, sample type,
sample number, number of replicates, how levels were established and were applicable
associated devices.
• Data should include the detection capability (LoB, LoD and LoQ), information on
Linearity/Non-Linearity, Hook effect and dilutions recovery. If these are not applicable,
provide a rationale.
Cut-off:
• Provide details of the study design including:
o Specify the population studied. This should align with the claimed target population
within the technical documentation.
o Provide the method for characterising the specimens.
o Detail the statistical methods used for determining the assay cut-off (Receiver
Operator Characteristic (ROC) to generate results and if applicable, define grey
zone/equivocal zone).
• The results should align with claims in the IFU.
Analytical Sensitivity:
Demonstrate and document the analytical performance in a separate analytical performance report
with a summary of the results including final claims in the instructions for use, including a rational for
the acceptance criteria and sample sizes used.
In-Use Stability:
• The transport of the product to the end user shall not adversely have any effect on the
quality, safety or performance of the product.
• Shipping and transport studies should be planned.
• Provide details on the packaging types used - primary, secondary etc.
• Provide details of the specified shipping conditions.
• Provide a study report which details the study protocol, the acceptance criteria and shipping
conditions assessed. Shipping conditions may be real or simulated but must include variable
conditions such as extreme heat and or cold.
• Provide the packaging validation study report detailing the study protocol and acceptance
criteria.
• If packaging/stability/shelf-life is being leveraged from another device, a detailed rationale
should be provided on why this is appropriate.
• Provide any applicable certificates/COA - for the packaging materials used to ensure the
packaging is suitable for the sterilisation method used.
• Provide accreditation certificates for the testing facility.
• Real time aging should be performed in parallel to the accelerated aging. If the real time
aging test reports are not available, then the plan should be presented covering when the
real time test will be completed.
• Provide the protocol and report for the shelf-life studies covering device functionality as well
as packaging integrity – accelerated aging and real time aging to be provided.
Note: EN ISO 23640 and the CLSI EP25-A Guidance provide instruction on conducting stability studies.
For Instruments:
Metrological Traceability
• Provide details of the reference measurement procedure and or reference materials through
which the assigned values of calibrators or controls are assured.
• If no international reference standard exists, an explanation must be also given about how
the assay is standardized (e.g., how internal standards are prepared, what SOTA device is
used as reference, etc.).
• Provide details of the calibration hierarchy and measurement uncertainty.
• Provide details of value assignment and validation of assigned values.
• Provide details on how traceability is maintained throughout the device lifecycle.
• Indicate the maximum allowable expanded measurement uncertainty for all the analytes in
compliance with EN-ISO 17511:2020, section 4.3.1.
Usability
Provide the protocols, data and results for usability studies.
The following is expected when compliance to the relevant European standards (EN62366 and
EN60601-1-6) is claimed: Usability engineering file, including the following information: Use
specification, Identification of user interface characteristics related to safety and potential use errors,
Identification of known and foreseeable hazards and hazardous situations, Identification and
description of hazard-related use scenarios, selection of the hazard-related use scenarios for
summative evaluation, User interface specification, User interface evaluation plan, User interface
design and implementation, Formative evaluation and Summative evaluation.
The usability documentation shall be in line with the risk management process.
Sterilisation
If the device is intended to be supplied sterile or in a defined microbiological condition, provide a
description of the environmental conditions for the relevant manufacturing steps.
• a description of the methods of sterilisation used including the environmental conditions for
manufacturing,
• the validation protocol(s) and report(s)
The validation report shall address
• packaging
• sterilisation
• maintenance of sterility
• bioburden testing,
• pyrogen testing
• testing for sterilant residues (if applicable)
If the device is placed in a primary/secondary package that is intended to be the sterile barrier,
provide the following:
Biological Material
The submission should clearly indicate whether the device utilises or contains any human, animal or
microbial based products. If the device includes multiple components, then identify the components
which incorporate these substances.
• Specify the equipment or accessories that have to be connected with the device for its
intended use, such as analysers/instruments or devices for sample preparation or
purification.
• Provide evidence that the combination(s) in question are validated and covered by the
performance evaluation.
• Equivalence studies might be provided for further combinations, e.g., same assay on new
instrument. These should provide a rationale to justify this approach.
• In case of “open systems” where the combination is not limited to a specific device, product
specifications and characteristics need to be defined.
• Provide details of the operating conditions that affect the device’s safety and the control
measures to reduce associated risks.
• Provide details for safe disposal of device and packaging including precautions to be taken
against any special, unusual risks related to the disposal of the device.
A clear statement and documented rationale as to why the product is an IVD Medical Device Software
(IVD MDSW) is required.
Based on the standard used for compliance, a standards compliance checklist to the requirements
based on the software’s risk category is recommended. Direct references to where in the technical file
the evidence of meeting the requirements of the chosen standard is located should be present in any
compliance checklist presented.
If a different standard has been used than that of the harmonised version(s), then a detailed document
shall be provided that explains how the requirements of the harmonised version have been met or
exceeded shall be provided along with the evidence, considering state of the art.
If a different standard has been used than that of the harmonised version(s), then a detailed document
shall be provided that explains how the requirements of the harmonised version have been met or
exceeded shall be provided along with the evidence.
The Software system safety classification shall be provided and the justification for it shall be clearly
identified in the technical file. The software version under application shall be clearly identified in the
application.
Traceability matrices that contain traceable sources to requirements (risk, regulatory performance
etc.) and in turn the identification of the protocols reports and test data documents relating to their
verification and validation test evidence are beneficial to the review. As stated previously, these
documents should also be submitted in the technical documentation.
The software standards applied to the device should also be identified in the technical documentation,
provide evidence of consideration of all related harmonised and non-harmonised /SOTA software
standards / guidance(s).
Note: Some documentation may or may not be required per the standards based on software
system/module/item risk classification.
Across the notified bodies selected, the following common documented evidence is required at a
minimum in the technical document. Note that this list is dependent on the software risk classification
of the device under application. All required activities of the chosen standard for compliance shall be
demonstrated in the file. All required activities of any applied (harmonized) software standard for
compliance shall be demonstrated in the file, including supporting checklists.
The software development plan shall be included and relevant procedures/ description which
communicate the software development process and the lifecycle requirements. This shall be in
conjunction with the system development plan if applicable.
Software with Software System Safety Classification Class B and C should include documentation
describing the development environment used (tools, elements, settings, etc.).
The software requirements analysis should be provided - this should include but is not limited to:
The architecture design should be provided, it is acknowledged that it can have graphical
representations (UML, class diagrams, blocks etc.) but it should demonstrate how the requirements
are allocated to software items that make up the overall software system. The architectural design
should consider the internal and external interfaces of the software, the functional and performance
requirement of SOUP and its additional hardware and software requirements. Depending on the risk
class, it may be required to include segregation measures for risk control purposes, these should also
be included here.
For Software with Software System Classification Class B & C risk-based devices, a further refinement
of the software architecture is required. A clear identification of the software units that are derived
All plans, protocols, reports and test data relating to verification and validation testing performed in-
house and or in simulated use or actual use environment must be submitted.
Documentation detailing the test environment should also be included in the application.
Clearly identify where automated testing has been used in verification activities and include the test
scripts and test log results in an organised manner in the documentation.
System level test plans/protocols and repots shall be provided.
Evidence that the different hardware and, where applicable, the different operating systems have
been verified/validated should be clearly identified and supplied by the manufacturer.
If the software is for use with mobile platforms, information demonstrating compliance with GSPR
16.3 should be provided.
The standards used for the validation of standalone software should be clearly presented and the
required validation documentation provided.
Traceability matrices(s) between software testing and specifications (system specifications/system
verification, unit specifications/unit verification, etc.) should be provided.
In addition to the individual reports, it can also be beneficial to submit an overall Verification and
Validation summary report that identifies the following:
Software release
Include the list of known residual anomalies. The following information on each remaining anomaly
should be included:
• Unique Identifier.
• Brief description of the issue.
• Severity/Risk Level.
• Justification for why it is acceptable to release the software with the anomaly.
Evidence in the technical file shall also include evidence demonstrating how the released software
was created (e.g., procedure and environment used to create the released software). The final
released software version number should be clearly identified in this documentation.
The manufacturer should include all software risk assessment documentation (e.g., software hazard
analysis, software failure mode and effects analysis, fault tree analysis, traceability etc.).
Note: Some documentation may or may not be required per the standards, based on the software
system/module/item risk classification.
Cyber security
The documentation in relation to the secure design and ongoing maintenance of the medical device
in respect to cyber security should be submitted. The manufacturer shall clearly state the harmonised
or SOTA standard(s) of compliance used for conformance to the relevant GSPRs.
The manufacturer shall provide evidence of a security risk management system that supports a secure
development lifecycle, some examples include:
Security risk management plan, security risk assessment and evidence of the incorporation of security
risk controls as identified requirements and evidence of their subsequent verification and validation.
The identified threats protections incorporated shall align with the principles of Confidentiality,
Integrity, and Availability (reference MDCG 2019-16 Guidance on Cybersecurity for medical devices).
The manufacturer shall provide documented evidence for the monitoring of ongoing risks associated
with SOUP vulnerabilities and their mitigation.
Where cloud-based software providers are utilised, there should be evidence in the technical file of
the assigned responsible parties for post market surveillance and the reporting of security issues.
Notes:
• Relevant standards are the EN 60601 series, including EN 60601-1-2 for EMC and EN 60601-1-
6 and/or EN 62366 for usability as well as standards in the 80601 series (essential
performance).
• The safety of devices emitting ionising radiation and electrical devices in relation to these
characteristics must be considered.
• For Performance Evaluation of (IVD) Medical Device Software, reference is made towards
MDCG 2020-1.
Manufacturers must show evidence of the device is able to withstand stresses in the planned work
environment(s). Any risks associated with moving parts, substance leakage/carryover, vibrations,
noise and temperature of accessible parts must be considered.
Protection against risk associated with devices intended for self-testing or near patient
testing
Layperson studies/near-patient studies shall demonstrate the performance for the intended user
population, taking into consideration the skills and means available to users, the environment, errors
related to handling of device / specimen and interpretation of results.
For near patient testing and self-tests, the IFU should make it clear the level of training,
qualifications and or experience required by the end user (GSPR 19.1, 19.2, 19.3).
For self-testing devices the IFU should make it clear the level of training, qualifications and or
experience required by the end user.
Especially, requirements mentioned in Annex I, section 19.1, 19.2 and 19.3 shall be demonstrated.
The manufacturer shall specify and justify the level of the clinical evidence necessary to demonstrate
conformity with the relevant general safety and performance requirements. That level of clinical
evidence shall be appropriate in view of the characteristics of the device and its intended purpose.
‘PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (IVDR) results pertaining to a device of a sufficient amount and quality to allow
a qualified assessment of whether the device is safe and achieves the intended CLINICAL BENEFIT(S), when
used as intended by the manufacturer.’
To that end, manufacturers shall plan, conduct and document a performance evaluation in accordance
with this Article and with Part A of Annex XIII.
Refer to MDCG 2022-2 for further guidance on the general principles of clinical evidence for IVDs and
MDCG 2022-9 for a safety and performance template. Refer to MDCG 2020-1 for performance
evaluation of (IVD) medical device software.
The following documents should be provided for the performance evaluation assessment and when
not provided a suitable justification should be provided for their absence. Results and conclusions that
are contained in these documents will feed into the main technical document that is used to
demonstrate conformity with requirements in Annex II and Annex III of the IVDR.
• The Performance Evaluation Plan shall provide details for each indent specified in Annex XIII
Part A section 1.1. Where an indent is not applicable a justification must be provided.
• It should be clear how scientific validity, analytical performance and clinical performance will
be demonstrated.
• Details of which parameters from GSPR 9 are applicable and not applicable must be provided.
• Qualification of external study sites (e.g., for clinical performance studies) needs to be
demonstrated.
• A description of what is considered state of the art must be included.
• If the intention is to rely on evidence generated for an existing device, provide a rationale as
to how the data is considered current.
• The PEP shall be provided as a single document that should contain enough information to
stand on its own.
Note: Please note that every PMPF supplementary study will trigger an update in the PEP.
Scientific Validity
The scientific validity shall demonstrate the association of an analyte with a clinical condition or a
physiological state. Independent demonstrations may be required if more than one claim is included
in the intended purpose. It must not necessarily include data obtained with the particular device
being assessed. For companion diagnostics, the scientific validity should include supporting
information on the medicinal product specified in the intended purpose.
Where conduct proof of concept studies and/or clinical performance studies are conducted study
protocols and reports must be provided. Clinical performance studies that are conducted must meet
the requirements of Annex XIII, section 2.
Analytical Performance
The regulation defines analytical performance as – ‘the ability of a device to correctly detect or
measure a particular analyte.’
The analytical performance should describe the studies conducted to demonstrate the device
correctly and consistently detects the intended analyte(s). Refer to the product verification section
above. The analytical performance must be documented in the analytical performance report.
For performance data generated on earlier versions of the device, include a justification for why the
changes do not impact the validity of the data collected and how the data is considered to meet
state of the art requirements.
Clinical Performance
The regulation defines clinical performance as - ‘The ability of a device to yield results that are
correlated with a particular clinical condition or a physiological or pathological process or state in
accordance with the target population and intended user.’
Clinical performance shall demonstrate the characteristics listed in Annex I 9.1.b., although the list is
not exhaustive and other characteristics may apply depending on the clinical function (e.g.,
agreement tables, patient outcome measure and interaction analysis (CDx), hazard ratio, odds ratio).
All non-applicable characteristics must be justified. Additional evidence of clinical performance may
be necessary if more than one claim is given in the intended use / intended purpose.
Clinical performance studies shall be performed unless due justification is provided for relying on
other sources of clinical performance data. If other sources of clinical performance data are used to
demonstrate clinical performance, this shall be made clear in the technical documentation provided.
Ethical considerations shall be always demonstrated in the clinical performance study report when a
clinical performance study has been carried out.
The clinical performance shall be documented in a Clinical performance report (CPR). Demonstration
of clinical performance shall be based on the sources listed in Annex XIII, 1.2.3.
A clinical performance study plan must be provided which documents all elements listed in Annex
XIII Section 2.3.2. A rational must be provided for any element which is not applicable to the device
or study.
A clinical performance study report must be provided, when clinical performance studies are used to
support clinical evidence. It must be signed by a medical practitioner or other authorised responsible
person. It shall confirm the study plan was followed and document the results including any negative
findings. The conclusion shall be free of bias and clinically relevant.
Common Specifications
For all devices, for which Common Specifications (CS) are published, clearly identify the specific
applicable requirements and provide evidence for compliance, e.g., by means of a correlation table
and references to the details in the study plans and reports within the performance evaluation.
Devices that are in conformity with the common technical specifications set out in Decision
2002/364/EC shall be presumed to be in conformity with the requirements regarding the
performance characteristics set out in Section 9.1, points (a) and (b), Section 9.3 and Section 9.4,
point (a), of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2017/746.
• General PMPF methods and procedures to be applied (or justification for absence of any
activities as mentioned in Annex XIII Part B 5.2 (a)).
• Specific PMPF methods and procedures to be applied (or justification for absence of any
activities as mentioned in Annex XIII Part B Part B 5.2 (b)).
• If the PMPF plan includes a PMPF study, then the full detailed study protocol should be
provided with statistical analysis plans, and a clear statement from the manufacturer
indicating commitment to the PMPF plan.
• If the PMPF plan does not include a PMPF Study, then a justification should be provided per
Annex III of the IVDR.
• If a PMPF study is not required a rationale should be provided in the performance evaluation
report.
• Include any information and reports from PMPF activities previously carried out.
• The PMPF evaluation report should include all general PMPF methods and procedures applied
(Annex XIII Part B 5.2 (a)) and specific PMPF methods and procedures applied (Annex XIII Part
B Part B 5.2 (b)).
• The report should identify the PMPF studies and stratify the data to the applicable indication
of use and further stratified to the models/variants that have been included. In cases with
multiple indications, sizes and variants - tabulated data is preferable.
• A PMPF Evaluation report may typically not yet be available at the time of the initial dossier
submission with a Notified Body.
The content of the SSP Report should be aligned to the layout template and guidance provided in
MDCG 2022-9 and should consider the following aspects:
• All information provided in the SSP must be traceable to the technical documentation.
• Confirm with your notified body the languages preference for validation of the SSP.
• The SSP should be in pdf format, printable and searchable and follow the template provided
in MDCG 2022-9.
• The SSP should be updated as soon as possible (as per Article 56), where necessary.
For devices that could be considered to have a more direct impact on an individual patient, a second
part dedicated to patients/lay persons should be added to the SSP. If it is decided that a patient
version/layperson is not applicable, then a justification must be provided.
The manufacturer should also provide the following post market surveillance data for the last 5 years:
- Market History.
- Worldwide and EU sales volumes.
- Complaint data and trend analysis.
- Vigilance data and trend analysis (include details of any adverse incidents, recalls or
FSCA)
- Publicly available information about similar medical devices.
- Modifications made and/or corrective actions taken following the incidents reported
and revisions made to the risk management file.
Notes: MDCG 2022-2, Appendix II includes a summary of the required frequency for updates of reports.
Multiple devices can be addressed in a combined PMS plan. However, it needs to be ensured that the
specific regulations/aspects applying to an individual device (Basic UDI-DI) are traceable in the PMS
plan. Where applicable, manufacturers must also include a post-market performance follow- up plan
(Annex XIII, Part B), or a justification of why this is not applicable. The outcome of this must be
documented in the post-market performance follow-up report.
For the PMS report, complaints data should be evaluated rather than just listed. Full details of vigilance
issues should be provided, including the status of any Field Safety Corrective Actions or Notices, the
associated CAPAs and patient outcomes. This data should include FSCA or FSN outside the EU, if related
to a device which is sold in the EU. Ensure that all PMS data at the time of submission is up to date.
Already available data can be submitted and may be requested for legacy devices i.e., devices sold
under the IVD Directive.
The Technical Documentation requirements for a companion diagnostic are the same as other devices.
Additional requirements include:
• The International Non-proprietary Name (INN) of the associated medicinal product for which
it is a companion test.
• The relevant target population and the associated medicinal product(s).
• A draft Summary of Safety and Performance (SSP and draft instructions for use (IFU need to
be part of the application, as a basis for the consultation process between the Notified Body
and the designated competent authority for the medicinal product (e.g., European Medicines
Agency (EMA) to seek a scientific opinion. The provided information should enable the
determination of the suitability of the device in relation to the medicinal product concerned.
• The suitability of the device in relation to the medicinal product will be reviewed by one of
the CA designated by the Member States or EMA for the Evaluation of Medicinal products.
This will be triggered by the NB reviewer and a scientific opinion made available within the
timelines set forth in Annex IX (Section 5.2 (d)).
• An EU Technical Documentation certificate will not be issued until a scientific opinion has been
received from the relevant CA or EMA.
• Additional resources may also be required for external independent reviews and/or software
review.