medical device medical device
A test kit, implant, or other item that can be used, worn, or inserted to prevent, diagnose, monitor, or treat a disease, condition, or symptom.
Example of medical device in a sentence
Medical devices are studied just like drugs and vaccines to find out whether they are safe and work as intended.
More Info
A medical device is used on or in a person’s body.
For example, a medical device can be:
– a cane used to walk;
– a splint used on a twisted ankle,
– a pacemaker to help the heart, or
– a test to find out if someone has the flu.
In some cases, a medical device can be used with a drug or other therapy to help bring a medicine into the body. For example, an insulin pump is a device (the pump) that delivers a drug (insulin) for people with diabetes. Smart watches, and some computer programs or software are also medical devices when used in health care.
Research testing medical devices that are high risk is overseen by regulatory agencies (like the FDA) and ethics committees.
Other info to think about when joining a study
You might see or hear the term “medical device” if you are joining a study that is testing a medical device or using a medical device in the study.
You may also hear about a medical device when talking to your usual doctors outside of the research setting.
Since a medical device could be used inside or outside of your body, you should ask any questions you have about what is already known about the device and the possible risks and benefits of using it.
In studies that use medical devices, you can ask the study team if you will get to keep the medical device after the study is over or if you will be required to return it.
