{"id":14047,"date":"2022-03-31T13:40:10","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T13:40:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/?p=14047"},"modified":"2026-02-11T06:17:36","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T06:17:36","slug":"iso-13485-audit-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/isms\/iso-13485-audit-process\/","title":{"rendered":"ISO 13485 Standard Audit Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Product conformity is important for designing and manufacturing medical devices. Organizations find it difficult to harmonize quality standards since they vary from country to country. As a consequence, they began adhering to the Quality Management System (QMS) with ISO 13485 standard to assure the safety and quality of the medical equipment. The standard provides guidelines for manufacturers and distributors to produce high-quality medical products.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dgvol7vzd\/image\/upload\/v1770790573\/ISO-13485-Auditing-Process_gql8sb.png\" alt=\"ISO 13485 Auditing Process is to ensure that the medical device quality management system meets the requirements of the specified standard in practice.\" style=\"width:753px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">ISO 13485 Audit Process<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Jump ahead to<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d7de3fbf18c\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #495393;color:#495393\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #495393;color:#495393\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d7de3fbf18c\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/isms\/iso-13485-audit-process\/#ISO_13485_Standard\" >ISO 13485 Standard<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/isms\/iso-13485-audit-process\/#Benefits_of_ISO_13485_standard\" >Benefits of ISO 13485 standard<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/isms\/iso-13485-audit-process\/#ISO_13485_auditing_process\" >ISO 13485 auditing process<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/isms\/iso-13485-audit-process\/#Stage_1\" >Stage 1<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/isms\/iso-13485-audit-process\/#Stage_2\" >Stage 2<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/isms\/iso-13485-audit-process\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/isms\/iso-13485-audit-process\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/isms\/iso-13485-audit-process\/#FAQs_on_ISO_13485_Standard\" >FAQs on ISO 13485 Standard<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-iso-13485-standard\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ISO_13485_Standard\"><\/span><strong>ISO 13485 Standard<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>ISO 13485 is a quality management standard designed to manufacture medical devices. It is derived from the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard but with additional features. The standard was created to assist medical device manufacturers in developing a quality management system (QMS) that creates and maintains the efficiency of their operations. It guarantees that medical devices are designed, developed, manufactured, installed, and delivered consistently and that they are safe for their intended purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-benefits-of-iso-13485-standard\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benefits_of_ISO_13485_standard\"><\/span>Benefits of ISO 13485 standard<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The following are the benefits of implementing a Medical Device Quality Management System in accordance with ISO standard:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ISO 13485 Standard helps organizations meet all legal and regulatory requirements related to quality management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/iso-13485-lead-implementer-training\/\">Implementing ISO 13485 standard<\/a><\/strong> enables an organization to provide customers with quality products as per their demands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It further assists in managing risks by increasing the traceability and consistency of products and services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improves the efficiency of the organization\u2019s processes that helps in generating more revenue for the company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ISO 13485 is an internationally recognized standard for quality in the medical device industry. It acts as a symbol of a trustworthy company that offers high-quality products thereby improving a business&#8217;s reputation with customers, investors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Owning <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/iso-13485-foundation-training\/\">ISO 13485 Certification<\/a><\/strong> makes it easier to expand your business into new and untapped foreign markets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complying with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/iso-9001-lead-auditor-certification-training\">ISO 9001<\/a><\/strong> makes it easier for organizations already certified with ISO 13485.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The ISO 13485 standard process approach makes it simpler to find areas for improvement, such as identifying and eliminating waste, reducing mistakes, and avoiding rework, which results in increased efficiency and cost savings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-iso-13485-auditing-process\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ISO_13485_auditing_process\"><\/span><strong>ISO 13485 auditing process<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizations must undergo a third-party audit in order to fulfill the ISO 13485 Certification procedure. The goal of this audit is to make sure that the organization is ready for a full evaluation of its compliance which will take place at the system management center. It is done in two stages by sector\/industry-specific employees and an ISO agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stage-1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_1\"><\/span><strong>Stage 1<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Stage 1 audit is a one-day audit. During this stage, the auditor will double-check the correctness of the information provided during the application process and certify that the medical device quality management system meets the standards. Furthermore, the auditors check the progress of the MDQMS implementation while reviewing the legal compliance. The following are the documents required for stage 1 audit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Quality manual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Company organization chart<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Controlled list of procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internal auditing procedure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CAPA procedure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Management review procedure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internal audit schedule<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CAPA log<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Management review minutes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The company will receive a report identifying the area of concern at the conclusion of stage 1 audit. It also shows if the organization is ready for Stage 2. If corrective action plans are not submitted and accepted, the area of concern will be raised as non-conformances during the Stage 2 audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stage-2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_2\"><\/span><strong>Stage 2<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The purpose of the Stage 2 audit is to ensure that the medical device quality management system meets the requirements of the specified standard in practice. It might take several days and includes numerous auditors. During this stage, the auditor will document the process of the system conforming with the standard and conduct sample audits of the processes and activities defined in the certification scope. If a company does site work or has more than one location, the auditor will visit that&nbsp;location&nbsp;to assess the MDQMS efficacy. At the end of this stage, the auditor will provide a report indicating non-conformities or chances for improvement, as well as a surveillance plan and a date for the first annual surveillance visit. If there are any significant nonconformances, the ISO 13485 Certification will not be awarded until corrective action has been done and validated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only after completing stage 1 and stage 2 audits, the organization can obtain its ISO 13485 certificate and use it next to its registered name. The <a href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/it-service-management\/iso-certificate-verification\/\">certification is valid<\/a> for three years and is maintained through annual surveillance audits and recertification audits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>ISO standard is intended for organizations that designs, and manufactures medical devices and its related services. Since it is evaluated and proven as the international standard for Quality Management Systems in the medical device industry organizations are entitled to demonstrate that they comply with best practices and meet legal standards. It performs audits every year to ensure compliance with the standard and to enhance the Medical Device Quality Management System.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizations looking for professionals who can demonstrate their abilities in conducting the audits, can hire ISO 13485 Lead Auditor Certification holders. Such professionals undergo intensive <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/kw\/iso-13485-lead-auditor-training\/kuwait-city\">ISO 13485 Lead Auditor Training<\/a><\/strong> and receive practical insights on applying industry standard practices. Also, organizations can reap the benefits of employing certified ISO 13485 Lead Auditors as they possess the latest knowledge and skills for conducting MDQMS audits.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>ISO 13485 is the gold standard for medical-device quality management, helping manufacturers align with regulatory demands while ensuring consistent product safety and performance. In this blog, Unichrone unpacks the two-stage audit process: Stage 1 (a one-day documentation review) verifies readiness, and Stage 2 (a multi-day on-site audit) assesses actual implementation. Only after addressing any non-conformities can an organization earn its ISO 13485 certificate, valid for three years with annual surveillance audits. Strengthening your QMS with ISO 13485 not only boosts efficiency but also builds global credibility. Explore Unichrone\u2019s ISO 13485 Lead Auditor training to master the audit process and drive your organisation\u2019s quality journey.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_on_ISO_13485_Standard\"><\/span>FAQs on ISO 13485 Standard <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. What is ISO 13485?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ISO 13485 is a quality-management standard for medical device manufacturers that ensures consistent product quality and regulatory compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Why is ISO 13485 certification important?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps companies meet legal\/regulatory requirements, reduce risk, gain customer trust, and expand into global markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. What happens in Stage 1 of the ISO 13485 audit?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The auditor reviews the quality manual, procedures, CAPA log, management-review minutes, and other documentation to check readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. How long does Stage 1 audit take?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, the Stage 1 audit is a one-day activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. What happens in Stage 2 of the ISO 13485 audit?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Auditors verify how processes are implemented, sample activities, visit sites (if multiple), and report non-conformities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. How long is ISO 13485 certification valid?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The certification is valid for three years after initial certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. What after Stage 2 audit if non-conformities are found?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If major non-conformities appear, you must implement corrective actions, and these must be validated before certification is granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8. Is annual auditing required for ISO 13485?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes , annual surveillance audits are required to maintain the certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. Who conducts the ISO 13485 audits?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Third-party auditors \/ certification bodies carry out the audit in both stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10. Can ISO 13485 help improve process efficiency?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes , using its process-approach, organizations can identify waste, reduce errors, and improve cost-efficiency.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Product conformity is important for designing and manufacturing medical devices. Organizations find it difficult to harmonize quality standards since they vary from country to country.&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":14048,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[35,62],"class_list":["post-14047","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-isms","tag-isms","tag-iso-certification"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14047","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14047"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14047\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18344,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14047\/revisions\/18344"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14047"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14047"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unichrone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14047"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}