ISOExecution MethodologyStandard
ISO 14971:2019

Medical Devices — Application of Risk Management to Medical Devices

The international standard specifying a process for medical-device manufacturers to identify hazards, estimate and evaluate risks, control them, and monitor the effectiveness of controls across the device lifecycle. The 2019 edition strengthened benefit-risk analysis and production/post-production feedback.

LAST REVISED
December 2019
PRODUCT AREAS
Devices
SCOPE & APPLICABILITY

Medical-device and IVD manufacturers. Harmonised under the EU MDR/IVDR and referenced alongside ISO 13485 quality systems.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
  • 01Maintain a risk management file across the device lifecycle
  • 02Evaluate overall residual risk and benefit-risk
  • 03Feed production and post-production data back into risk management
IMPLEMENTATION TIPS
Close the loop from post-market surveillance into the risk management file — a frequent MDR finding
REVISION NOTES

The 2019 edition strengthened benefit-risk analysis and production/post-production information; ISO/TR 24971:2020 provides guidance.

ISO 14971:2019: frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about ISO 14971:2019.

What is ISO 14971:2019?

ISO 14971:2019 — Medical Devices — Application of Risk Management to Medical Devices — is a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization. The international standard specifying a process for medical-device manufacturers to identify hazards, estimate and evaluate risks, control them, and monitor the effectiveness of controls across the device lifecycle. The 2019 edition strengthened benefit-risk analysis and production/post-production feedback.

Who does ISO 14971:2019 apply to?

Medical-device and IVD manufacturers. Harmonised under the EU MDR/IVDR and referenced alongside ISO 13485 quality systems.

What are the key requirements of ISO 14971:2019?

ISO 14971:2019 requires, among other things: Maintain a risk management file across the device lifecycle; Evaluate overall residual risk and benefit-risk; Feed production and post-production data back into risk management.

When was ISO 14971:2019 last updated?

The current version of ISO 14971:2019 dates from December 2019. The 2019 edition strengthened benefit-risk analysis and production/post-production information; ISO/TR 24971:2020 provides guidance.

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