← All terms
CATEGORY: SAFETY SURVEILLANCE
Device Deficiency
Any inadequacy of a medical device related to its identity, quality, durability, reliability, safety, or performance. Device deficiencies may or may not lead to adverse events and must be evaluated as part of post-market surveillance.
Last reviewed 2026-08-05 · Reviewed by MedFlux Editorial Board · Editorial policy
WHEN IT APPLIES
Device deficiency (especially in clinical investigations) refers to inadequacy of a device related to identity, quality, durability, reliability, safety, or performance—including malfunctions—whether or not an adverse event occurred.
PROCESS / STEPS
- Capture deficiencies during trials and commercial use separately from clinical outcomes.
- Assess whether deficiency could lead to serious adverse events if it recurred.
- Report per clinical investigation plan and regulatory rules.
- Feed findings into design changes and risk management.
EXAMPLES
- A cracked housing discovered during a clinical trial is a device deficiency even if no patient was harmed.
RELATED GUIDES & TOOLS
SOURCES
Track regulatory signals related to Device Deficiency across 27 authorities in real time.
START FREE →