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South Africs's SAHPRA Guidance: on Medical Device Adverse Event Reporting

Writer's picture: Sharan MuruganSharan Murugan

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has issued comprehensive guidelines to streamline the reporting of medical device adverse events (MDAEs). These guidelines aim to enhance post-market surveillance, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices, including In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs), within South Africa.


By combining best practices for reporting, completing forms, and adhering to regulatory compliance, SAHPRA provides a structured approach for manufacturers, distributors, and license holders.


1. Medical Device Adverse Event Reporting Form

SAHPRA Medical Device Adverse Event Reporting Form provides the standard template for reporting adverse events related to medical devices or IVDs. This form is critical for documenting and communicating any events that may impact the safety or performance of these products.

Key Components of the Form

  • Device Information: Includes details about the medical device or IVD, such as its make, model, and registration certificate.

  • Event Description: A thorough account of the adverse event, including date, location, and suspected cause.

  • Reporter Details: Information about the individual submitting the report, ensuring accountability and traceability.

  • Patient Impact: Highlights the degree of harm caused to patients or users, if applicable.

  • Action Taken: Describes any corrective or preventive actions implemented to address the issue.

Manufacturers, license holders, or healthcare professionals are expected to submit this form promptly to SAHPRA to initiate the investigation process.


2. Guideline for Completing the Medical Device Adverse Event Form

The Guideline for Completing Medical Device Adverse Event Form serves as a detailed user manual for filling out the reporting form accurately and efficiently.

Key Instructions

  • Clarity in Reporting: Ensures precise documentation of adverse events with a focus on device traceability.

  • Mandatory Fields: Highlights critical sections that must be completed, including device identifiers and patient safety details.

  • Submission Channels: Provides contact information and electronic submission pathways, ensuring timely delivery of reports.

  • Common Errors to Avoid: Emphasizes the importance of avoiding incomplete or ambiguous submissions that could delay investigations.

This guideline is designed to reduce inconsistencies in reporting, ensuring that the data provided to SAHPRA is actionable and reliable.

3. Guideline for Medical Device Adverse Event Reporting

The Guideline for Medical Device Adverse Event Reporting outlines the overarching framework for adverse event reporting in South Africa, focusing on roles and responsibilities, timelines, and follow-up actions.

Scope and Purpose

This guideline applies to:

  • Manufacturers.

  • License holders.

  • Healthcare professionals and users who encounter adverse events linked to medical devices or IVDs.

Key Highlights

  • Definition of an Adverse Event: Explains events such as device malfunction, deterioration in performance, and incorrect labeling that could harm patients or users.

  • Timelines for Reporting: Specifies deadlines for submitting reports based on the severity of the adverse event, such as:

    • Serious Threats to Public Health: Reported within 2 days.

    • Death or Serious Deterioration: Reported within 10 days.

    • Other Events: Reported within 30 days.

  • Follow-Up Actions: Describes post-reporting steps such as corrective action plans, root cause analysis, and regulatory decisions.


Reporting Thresholds

The guideline clarifies that not all incidents require reporting. For example, adverse events caused by user error may not qualify unless they expose significant gaps in device design or instructions for use.


SAHPRA’s robust framework for adverse event reporting aims to protect patients, improve device performance, and foster a culture of regulatory compliance. By ensuring that license holders and manufacturers promptly report and address adverse events, SAHPRA strengthens its post-market surveillance system and supports informed decision-making in the healthcare sector.

This integrated approach to medical device adverse event reporting underscores SAHPRA’s commitment to public health and safety. Stakeholders must familiarize themselves with the guidelines and reporting forms to ensure compliance and facilitate timely regulatory action.


For more details, access the full documents:

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