What is Medical Technology?

Medical devices

Medical devices are products, services or solutions that prevent, diagnose, monitor, treat and care for human beings.

A medical device can be an instrument, apparatus, appliance, software, implant, reagent, material or other articles. From syringes and wheelchairs to cardiac pacemakers and medical imaging technologies (such as MRI, CT and X-ray machines), medical devices can play a range of roles in maintaining and restoring health.

Medical devices are used, either alone or in combination, for individuals for one or more medical purposes:

• Diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment, or alleviation of disease;
• Diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, alleviation, or compensation for an injury or handicap;
• Investigation, replacement, or modification of the anatomy or of a physiological process;

Find out more:

• Value of medical technologies?

In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs)

In vitro diagnostics (IVDs) are non-invasive tests used on biological samples (for example blood, urine or tissues) to determine the status of one’s health.

IVDs never come into direct contact with a person as they provide information based on a sample. Their value resides in the quality of information they provide.

IVDs do not treat patients but their role is to provide information that enables patients and healthcare professionals to make healthcare decisions.

Examples of in vitro diagnostic tests:

• Hepatitis or HIV tests
• Clinical chemistry
• Coagulation test systems
• Urine test strips
• Pregnancy tests
• Reagents and reagent products for the detection of infections
• Blood sugar monitoring systems for diabetics
• Receptacles manufactured specifically for medical specimens

IVDs are vital in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you want to learn more about these types of diagnostic test you can download the paper below or visit our COVID-19 information hub.

In vitro diagnostics can provide critical information at every step of the patient pathway, from prognosis, screening, diagnosis to monitoring the progression of disease, and predicting treatment responses. To learn more about the value of diagnostic information, you can visit our dedicated page.

In addition to traditional in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), a distinct category known as Research Use Only (RUO) products stands out, exclusively tailored for laboratory research purposes. RUOs encompass specialised reagents, equipment, and materials crucial for scientific investigations, contributing significantly to the development of cutting-edge tools and solutions for research applications. For more information, go to the dedicated section.

Digital Health Solutions

Information and data generated by medical technologies play a vital role in improving health outcomes and make health systems more efficient.

Digital health and care refers to tools and services that use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and management of health and lifestyle. Digital health and care have the potential to innovate and improve access to care, quality of care, and to increase the overall efficiency of the health sector.

Digital tools will play a central role in many of the most promising areas of healthcare innovation. As we advance towards a more personalised, predictive, precision healthcare, data will be key. In future, healthcare can be more integrated, value-based and with a stronger focus on patient outcomes.

Download the document below to find some examples of digital health solutions. If you want to learn more about digital health, you can visit our dedicated page.