Introducing medical devices
The medical device industry comprises a wide range of organizations that do research, development manufacturing, and distribute devices and associated technologies that help prevent, diagnose, and treat medical conditions. It’s important to note that the term medical device has wide applicability. It includes things you normally get over the counter, such as a Band-Aid or a testing kit, but it also includes highly specialized instruments, such as CT scanners and respirators. The key differentiator for a medical device is that it achieves its purpose due to its physical structure instead of a chemical reaction.
The US medical devices industry accounts for billions of dollars in exports, which has continued to rise over the years. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Medical Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) is the federal regulating agency that authorizes the use of medical devices. It also monitors adverse events associated...