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In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Directive 

The In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Directive (IVDMDD), currently in draft, establishes how in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices will be put on the market and in service. An In vitro diagnostic device is any medical device intended for use in vitro, (i.e., for the testing of samples derived from the human body). The in force date of the (IVDMDD) is January 1, 1997. More about the IVDMDD>>

 

For an update to the above mentioned draft, please download the following PDF file of the DIRECTIVE 98/79/EC of October 1998:

DIRECTIVE 98/79/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 27 October 1998 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices.

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Member States:
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Member states may require that the labeling specified in the Document Structure Description (DSD) be printed in their official language or languages before the product is allowed on the market. More about language requirements >>

Medical Devices - The sector covers some 8000 types of products, ranging from simple bandages and spectacles, through life maintaining implantable devices, equipment to screen and diagnose disease and health conditions, to the most sophisticated diagnostic imaging and minimal invasive surgery equipment. More about EU Medical Devices >>

Guidelines relating to the application of:

bullet The council directive 90/385/eec on active implantable medical devices
bullet The council directive 93/42/eec on medical devices

Definition of Medical Devices, accessory, manufacturer

Guide to the implementation of directives based on the New Approach and the Global Approach
 


The In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Directive (IVDMDD)

Table of Contents
(Click on the hyperlinks in the following Table of Contents to access the selected topic. To return to the Table of Contents, use your browser back button, or click on the Back to Table of Content link provided.)

  1. Introduction
  2. In Vitro Diagnostic Device
  3. Labels
    1. Immediate Container
      1. Required Information
      2. Exemption
    2. Outer Container
      1. Required Information
      2. User Instructions
      3. Requirements
      4. Exemptions
  4. Instructions for Use - Reagents
    1. Required Information
    2. Information from the Label
    3. Other Information
  5. Instruments and equipment
    1. Required Information
  6. Labeling of Devices with Hazardous Substances
    1. Requirement
    2. Labeling
    3. Hazardous Symbols
    4. EU Language Codes
    5. If a substance requires more than one symbol
    6. R-Phrases (Risk Phrases)
      1. List of Risk Phrase codes and their meanings.
    7. S-Phrases (Safety Phrases)
      1. List of Safety Phrase codes and their meanings.
    8. EEC Number
    9. EEC Label
    10. Small Label Exemptions
    11. Other Exemptions
    12. Application
    13. Minimum Label Sizes
    14. Implementation
  7. Languages
  8. Outer Packages Containing One or More Inner Packages
    1. Exemptions

Introduction

The In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Directive (IVDMDD), currently in draft, establishes how in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices will be put on the market and in service. An In vitro diagnostic device is any medical device intended for use in vitro, (i.e., for the testing of samples derived from the human body). The in force date of the (IVDMDD) is January 1, 1997.

In Vitro Diagnostic Device

A reagent, reagent product, calibrator, control, kit, instrument, equipment, or system, that is used alone or in combination. The draft includes accessories intended by the manufacturer to be used with the IVD device to achieve its intended purpose. The directive also applies to IVDs intended for professional or home use (i.e., for self-testing).

Labels

Immediate Container

The packaging that protects the content(s) from contamination, and/or damage. Some examples are:

  • sealed vial
  • ampoule
  • foiled pouch

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Required information

The label of an immediate container should include the following information in a legible format:

  • 13.4 (b) Product name
  • 13.4 (a) Supplier name
  • 13.4 (d) Lot number
  • 13.4 (e) Expiration date
  • 13.4 (b) Contents
  • 13.4 (b) Identification of the device and intended use
  • 13.4.(g) In vitro use statement
  • 13.4 (k) Self-testing declaration
  • 13.4 (j) Caution statements
  • 13.4 (h) Storage information
  • 13.4 (c) Sterile device marking (if applicable)

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Exemption

If the device is too small for a label that is large enough to fit the minimum required information, or if the label would interfere with the readability of the results, the information may be reduced to:
 

  • 13.4 (b) Product name
  • 13.4 (a) Supplier name
  • 13.4 (d) Lot number
  • 13.4 (e) Expiration date
  • 13.4 (j) Cautionary symbols (when applicable)
  • 13.4 (c) Indication of microbiological state (where applicable).

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Outer Container

The packaging that encloses the immediate container(s) to creating a single unit or an assembly of similar or dissimilar components.

Required Information

The label of the outer container should include the following information in a legible format:
 

  • 13.4 (b) Product name
  • 13.4 (a) Supplier name
  • 13.4 (d) Lot number
  • 13.4 (e) Expiration date
  • 13.4 (b) Contents
  • 13.4 (b) Identity of the device and intended use
  • 13.4.(g) In vitro use statement
  • 13.4 (k) Self-testing declaration
  • 13.4 (j) Caution statements
  • 13.4 (h) Storage information
  • 13.4 (I) Special operating instructions
  • 13.4 (c) Sterile device marking (if applicable)
  • 13.4 (f) Markings for investigational use

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User Instructions

The draft IVDMDD requires that each device be accompanied by the information that is necessary for its proper use.

Requirement

The user instructions must be on the device itself or on the packaging of each unit, or, when appropriate, on the sales packaging. If full labeling of each unit is not practical, the instructions for use must be displayed on the packaging and/or the instruction sheet provided with one or more devices.

Exemptions

Devices where, due to their training and experience, their users would be familiar with its proper use.

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Instructions for Use - Reagents

Required Information

In vitro diagnostic reagents must be provided with instructions for use. These are commonly supplied as a package insert. In special cases, they may be included in the outer container or in an operation manual (CEN, EN 375, p.8). The information is intended to ensure the proper and safe operation of the reagent. Reagents intended for self-testing, should include an explanation of the measurement of results and the follow-up action required.

Information from the Label

13.7 (a) The instructions for use must contain all applicable information required on the outer container, except:

  • Lot number
  • Expiration date

As needed, some of the information contained in the label may be explained in greater detail in the instruction sheet.

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Other Information

  • 13.7 (d) Application and intended use
  • 13.7 (e) Composition of reagents
  • 13.7 (h)(1) Methodology
  • 13.7 (h) (4) Performance characteristics, limitations and possible errors
  • 13.7 (h) (3) Reagent preparation
  • 13.7 (c) Storage and shelf life after opening
  • 13.7 (f) Specimen collection and preparation
  • 13.7 (g) Text procedure
  • 13.7 (i), 13.7 (k) (1), 13.7 (k) (3) and 13.7 (l) Reading and explanation of results
  • 13.7 (t) (1) and 13.7 (t3) Follow up action to be taken
  • 13.7 (s) Precautions and warnings
  • 13.7 (o) Sterile packaging
  • 13.7 (10.3) and 13.7 (q) Radiation-emitting products
  • 13.7 (h), 13.7 (i), 13.7 (k) and 13.7 (l) Bibliography
  • 13.7 (t) (u) Date of issue of the instructions for use

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Instruments and equipment

In vitro diagnostic instruments also must be accompanied by instructions for use. Usually, these are supplied in the form of a user manual or operating instructions including the information necessary for the proper and safe operation, maintenance and basic troubleshooting of the instrument. The instructions of self-testing devices should be written in terms that are easy-to-understand.

Required Information

  • 13.7 (e) Additional materials
  • 13.7 (h) (1) Methodology
  • 13.7 (h) (2) and 13.7 (h) (4) Performance characteristics, limitations and possible errors
  • 13.7 (f) Specimens
  • 13.7 (g) Test procedure
  • 13.7 (i) and 13.7 (l) Reading and explanation of results
  • 13.t (t) (1) and 13.7 (t) (3) Follow-up action (self-testing products)
  • 13.7 (k) Internal quality control, accuracy
  • 13.7 (h), 13.7 (i), 13.7(k) 13.7(1) Bibliography
  • 13.7 (u) Date of issue of the instructions for use

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Labeling of Devices with Hazardous Substances

Requirement

IVDs may include substances that are hazardous and regulated by the Classification, Packaging and Labeling of Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD). Such devices must be labeled clearly an indelibly with the following information:

Labeling

The package label must include:

  • Name of the hazardous substance
  • Name, full address and telephone number of the person established in the EU who is responsible for placing the substance on the market.

Hazardous Symbols

The label of the inner and outer contained must contain the appropriate hazardous symbol and signal word. The symbol must be in printed in black on an orange-yellow background. For dangerous substances not yet listed in Annex I of the DSD, refer to the rules in Annex VI of the DSD.

Symbol *
Code
 Signal Word
Code
 Signal Word
Sample
Translations**
 E  Explosive     EN/DA/DE/EL/ES/
FR/IT/NL/PT
***
 O  Oxidizing     EN/DA/DE/EL/ES/
FR/IT/NL/PT
 F  Highly flammable F+  Extremely flammable EN/DA/DE/EL/ES/
FR/IT/NL/PT/
 T  Toxic T+  Very Toxic EN/DA/DE/EL/ES/
FR/IT/NL/PT/
 C  Corrosive     EN/DA/DE/EL/ES/
FR/IT/NL/PT/
 Xn>  Harmful Xi  Irritant EN/DA/DE/EL/ES/
FR/IT/NL/PT
/
 N Dangerous to the environment      
 

* Symbols are for reference only and not official. Please refer to Directives 91/325/EEC and 92/32/EEC.

**For official translations of signal words, Refer to Annex II of 91/325/EEC.

***EU Language Codes

Click here for a listing of language abbreviations used by the European Union.

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If a substance requires more than one symbol

Then the requirement to display:

This symbol:
makes this optional:
and this optional:
Toxic Harmful Corrosive
Corrosive Harmful  
Explosive Flammable  

* Unless otherwise indicated in Annex I of the DSD
 

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R-Phrases (Risk Phrases)

Indicate the risks from the danger involved in using the substance. Refer to:

  • Annex III of the DSD for the wording of R-phrases.
  • Annex I of the DSD for the specific R-phrase corresponding to a specific substance.
  • Annex VI of the DSD for for the specific R-phrase corresponding to a specific substance.

List of Risk Phrase codes and their meanings

Under ED legislation, data sheets contain codes for certain risk phrases, such as R1, R12, etc. These phrases are used in the classification, packaging, labeling and provision of information on dangerous substances. Click here to download PDF file listing the meanings of risk phrases.

S-Phrases (Safety Phrases)

Indications for the safe use(s) of the substance. Refer to:

  • Annex III of the DSD for the wording of S-Phrases
  • Annex VI of the DSD for the S-phrases for dangerous substances that are not listed yet in Annex I of the DSD.

List of Safety Phrase codes and their meanings

Under EC legislation, data sheets contain codes for certain safety phrases, such as S1, S17 etc. Click here to download PDF file listing the meanings of safety phrase codes.

EC Number

The number that the European Commission (EEC) assigns to each specific substance is to be included in the label.

EEC Label - The label of a product that contains a substance listed in Annex I of the DSD must include the statement "EEC Label".

Small Label Exemptions

If the substance is classified as:

  • Irritant
  • Highly flammable
  • Flammable
  • Oxidizing

and the package contains 125 mL (milliliters) or less, then the R- and S-Phrases do not have to be included on the label.

Other Exemptions

If the harmful substance is not retailed to the general public, then the label does not have to include R- and S-phrases.

Note:

Nontoxic>and non-harmful statements must not be included in the label of a product that contains a substance subject to the DSD.

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Application

A label containing the information required by DSD article 23 must be attached to one of more surfaces of the package, so the information may be read horizontally when the package is resting in its normal position.

Minimum Label Sizes

Package Capacity

(liters)

3

3 < Capacity 50

50 < Capacity 500

> 500

Minimum Label Dimension

(millimeters)

52 x 74

74 x 105

105 x 148

148 x 210

 
**Source: COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 92/32/EEC of 30 April 1992 amending for the seventh time Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labeling of dangerous substances, Article 24(1).

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Implementation

Each symbol must cover a minimum of one tenth of the label surface, but cannot be smaller than 2 cm2. The label must be attached to the package containing the substance. These measurements apply only to the display of the information required by the DSD and any other necessary health and safety statements. The required information may be printed on a label that is attached to the package or directly on the container.

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Languages

Member states may require that the labeling specified in the DSD be printed in their official language or languages before the product is allowed on the market.

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Outer Packages Containing One or More Inner Packages

The requirements are satisfied if the outer package complies with the labeling specification of international rules on the transport of dangerous substances. The label must also include all the information required by Article 23 of the DSD, except the "danger symbol".

Exemptions

Member States may permit that :

  • the labeling required by Article 23 be applied in another manner to packages that are too small or otherwise not suitable for labeling in accordance with Article 24 (1) and (2).
  • the package containing dangerous substances classified as explosive, very toxic, or toxic be labeled in another suitable manner, when it contains small quantities of the hazardous substance, such that it does not present a danger to humans.
  • the package containing dangerous substances that are not classified as explosive, very toxic, or toxic be labeled or unlabeled or that it be labeled in another suitable manner when the quantities of the hazardous substance are small, such that there is no danger to humans.

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Reference Source: International Labeling Requirements for Medical Devices, Medical Equipment, and Diagnostic Products - Charles B. Sidebottom, Interpharm Press, Inc., 1995

Useful Related Links:

CE Dictionary
An overview of terminology frequently used during Conformity Assessment Procedure(s) provided by Medical Device Safety Service (MDSS).


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