This course will give an overview of the current In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Directive and will highlight anticipated future changes in the regulation. The basic philosophy of the existing system, including the definition of an IVD, will be explained, and borderlines to other products such as medical devices and laboratory equipment will be highlighted. The future IVD Regulation, which is substantially different from the current IVD Directive, will be discussed and major changes will be emphasised. The revised classification rules and the new requirements on performance evaluation will be explained.

The role of IVDs in personalised medicine, the benefit/risk based approach and the market approval for IVDs, which is different from those for medicinal products will be discussed. Differences between the EU and US systems for personalised medicine, and the current and new role of notified bodies, standards and Common Technical Specifications will be addressed.

Exercises will enable you to apply the principles learnt.