Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry

December 1996 MD&DI
Selected Contents

Washington Wrap-Up

FDA Draws Fire for Home Drug Tests and Laser Approvals
James G. Dickinson

Even as it escaped reform legislation that would have removed some of its fingers from the medical device regulation pie, FDA in September seemed headed for public disgrace on two device issues: over-the-counter substance-abuse test kits and ophthalmic excimer laser approvals.

Materials

Improving Biocompatibility Standards for the Global Market
Richard F. Wallin

Standards for medical device biocompatibility testing have become much more clear and useful in recent years. But despite tremendous progress, many standards contradict one another on some important aspects of biocompatibility testing.

Business and Logistics

Site Selection Directory

Contact information for agencies and organizations that can help companies relocate.

Industry Resources

Directory of Industry Organizations and Associations

Contact information for agencies, associations, and organizations serving the medical device manufacturing field.

Electronics

Innovations in Impedance Testing
Jim Richards

Unlike many types of electronic products, medical equipment such as defibrillators and pacemakers must meet unusually high standards for performance, because their failure can cause injury or death.

Editor's Page

A Prognosticator's Confession
John Bethune

A look at the past and future of the device industry.