Medical device apps are increasingly growing these days. MHRA has issued new guidance on the stand-alone software medical devices, including apps. This guidance is a crucial document for manufacturers and users of such medical devices.

In the UK, medical devices are subject to UKCA marking. The UKCA marking is no exception to software medical devices.

Software Medical Devices or not

Classifying software or a mobile app as a medical device can be challenging. If the software or app has a well-defined intended medical purpose, it is essential to mark CE or UKCA on the product.

This ensures that the device conforms to the requirements of the regulation of the EU and UK and is safe for use. The flow chart provided below helps determine if the software is a medical device, in vitro diagnostic device, active implantable, or accessory.

Intended purpose

A medical device is defined by the intended purpose on the device labelling, Instructions for use and any promotional materials, including brochures.

Depending on the intended purpose, the device can be classified as a device with a medical purpose if it:

• Prevents disease
• Diagnoses a disease, injury or handicap
• Monitoring a disease, injury or handicap
• Treats or alleviation of a disease, injury or handicap
• Compensates an injury or handicap
• Investigates replaces or modifies anatomy or physiological process
• Controls conception

A software device is considered to have a medical purpose if it has one of the following features and looks into in vitro data:

• Concerning a physiological or pathological state          
• Concerning a congenital abnormality
• To determine the safety and compatibility with potential recipients
• To monitor therapeutic measures

Software Medical device classification and essential requirements

For software medical devices, the following classification rules of Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC  apply.

• Rule 9 includes active therapeutic devices intended to administer or exchange energy
• Rule 10 includes active devices intended for the diagnosis
• Rule 12 includes all other active class I devices
• Rule 14 includes devices used for contraception or the prevention of the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases

One of the essential requirements for software apps is for the benefit to outweigh any risks. Essential requirements also state the risks of ergonomic features and the intended use environment.

Manufacturers of such devices must ensure that the user interface must be consistent, and graphics and text must be clear and legible. The software or app must be designed with safety in mind.

In addition, the clinical evaluation following Annex X of the UK MDR must be done. A similar set of requirements applies to IVDs.

Labelling requirements

The software labelling must be clear and visible to the user. Manufacturers must ensure the app meets relevant requirements and displays UKCA  marking on the landing page itself.

The following particulars must be present on the software label:

• App name
• Version number
• Date of manufacture
• Manufacturer name and address
• UKRP name and address
• Purpose of software
• Warnings and precautions
• UKCA or CE marking

Examples of Software with a medical purpose

Software with a medical purpose may be devices that:

• Provide information for the calculation of drug dose using IVD data such as blood
• Enables therapeutic drug monitoring
• Monitor blood glucose levels
• Provides medical conditions based on input user data
• Indicate potential developing disease based on the entered data
• Automate the pathway for treatment for an individual
• Enables people with visual or hearing disabilities to read or listen by magnifying text or amplifying sounds

Software or app without an intended medical use would include:

• General apps for recording patient images which later require the diagnosis of a clinician
• Apps that give general recommendations instead of user-specific advise
• Software that is intended to record heart rates, such as fitness or sports apps
• Apps that remind patients of drug intake
• Apps to treat non-medical conditions
• Software that provides tips or advice

Disclaimer: Regulations/legislations are subjected to changes from time to time and the author claims no responsibility for the accuracy of information.