IVDR technical documentation guidance released by Team-NB

If you are still undecided on which Notified Body (NB) to choose or you’re in the early stages of development, Team-NB has just released this best practice guidance Guidance for the Submission of the IVDR Technical Documentation under Annex II and III. This is a must-read for anyone in this position!

By following this unified approach, manufacturers can ensure that their IVD technical documents meets the regulatory requirements of the IVDR, regardless of which NB they eventually choose.

However, if you have already selected a NB, it is important to remember that each NB will have their own specific guidance and nuances that need to be taken into account when preparing your IVDR technical documentation. Nonetheless, this guidance document is a great starting point and can help ensure that your technical documentation is of a high standard, regardless of which NB you choose.

Medical devices have to meet strict regulatory requirements to ensure their safety and performance. In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) medical devices are no exception, and their manufacturers must demonstrate conformity to General Safety and Performance Requirements (GSPR) through technical documentation.

To ensure a unified approach to technical documentation submissions, Team NB members reviewed best practice guidance documents submitted by individual notified body members. The result is a comprehensive guidance document aligned with the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/746.

IVDR Technical Documentation Submission

Manufacturers of all classes of IVD medical devices must prepare technical documentation that demonstrates conformity to GSPRs according to the EU IVDR 2017/746. The technical documentation must reflect the current status of the IVD medical device through application of the manufacturer’s Quality Management System (QMS). It must be prepared in a language acceptable to the reviewing organization, whether it be a notified body or regulatory authority.

The IVDR technical documentation reflects the status of the IVD medical device at a particular moment in time, such as the moment of premarket submission or when requested for post-market purposes.

Highlights of Team-NB guidance

Team-NB is an organization dedicated to promoting transparency and harmonization among notified bodies in Europe, which is a fundamental aspect for the development and certification of medical devices. You can see in their member page which Notified Bodies are part of Team-NB. The largest Notified Bodies are all represented.
The group supports the implementation of new regulations and provide guidance documents to ensure all members are meeting the same high standards of quality and compliance – essentially ensuring there is a level playing field when it comes to Notified Body expectations for compliance.

Key points to consider in your submission

Incomplete submissions and lack of cohesive structure of the IVRD technical documentation are the most common reasons for delays in technical documentation reviews by notified bodies. To avoid delays and improve submissions, manufacturers should consider the following practical points:

• Communication with the notified body before an application is lodged: Manufacturers should clarify the language requirements, documentation labelling requirements, and submission methods with their notified body. General administrative information about the manufacturer should be provided in the technical documentation, including legal manufacturer name and address, EU Authorized Representative, and subcontractors’ location, EMDN coding, NANDO coding, and whether the device is made available to the market through distance sales.
• Technical documentation submission: The technical documentation must be presented in a clear, organized, readily searchable, and unambiguous manner. It must include regulatory references to the applicable regulatory requirements of the EU IVDR.
• The most recently updated comprehensive reports (including clinical performance studies) and data should be included. Abbreviated or partial test reports are not considered acceptable. Verification reports should be complete.
• The technical documentation must document how the manufacturer ensures compliance with every applicable GSPR. Information duplication for multiple documents, such as device description, should be correct throughout all areas where this information is duplicated.
• The data in the technical documentation must be 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 Unique Device Identifiers (UDIs) assigned.

Conclusion

IVDR Technical documentation submissions must demonstrate conformity to GSPR through clear and concise documentation of development, design, and manufacturing processes. Manufacturers should communicate with their notified body before submitting their technical documentation and ensure that it is presented in a clear, organized, readily searchable, and unambiguous manner.

They should provide comprehensive reports and data, document compliance with every applicable GSPR, and ensure data consistency throughout the technical documentation. By following these best practice guidance, manufacturers can streamline the technical documentation review process and expedite their IVD medical device’s regulatory approval and ensure that their technical documentation meets the regulatory requirements of the IVDR, regardless of which NB they eventually choose.

However, if a manufacturer has already selected a Notified Body, it is important to remember that each NB will have their own specific guidance and nuances that need to be taken into account when preparing technical documentation. Nonetheless, this guidance document is a great starting point and can help manufacturers ensure that their technical documentation is of a high standard, regardless of which NB they choose.