IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes
IEC 62304 defines the lifecycle requirements for the development and maintenance of medical device software. It specifies processes, activities, and tasks for each stage of the software lifecycle including planning, requirements analysis, architectural design, detailed design, unit implementation, integration testing, system testing, release, and maintenance. Software safety classification (Class A, B, C) determines the rigor of required activities.
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Framework Domains (6)
Clause 4 — General Requirements
Quality management system, risk management, and software safety classification
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-4.1 | Quality Management System |
| IEC62304-4.2 | Risk Management |
| IEC62304-4.3 | Software Safety Classification |
| IEC62304-4.4 | Legacy Software |
Clause 5 — Software Development Process
Complete software development lifecycle from planning through release
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-5.1 | Software Development Planning |
| IEC62304-5.2 | Software Requirements Analysis |
| IEC62304-5.3 | Software Architectural Design |
| IEC62304-5.4 | Software Detailed Design |
| IEC62304-5.5 | Software Unit Implementation and Verification |
| IEC62304-5.6 | Software Integration and Integration Testing |
| IEC62304-5.7 | Software System Testing |
| IEC62304-5.8 | Software Release |
Clause 6 — Software Maintenance Process
Post-market software maintenance, modification, and re-release activities
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-6.1 | Establish Software Maintenance Plan |
| IEC62304-6.2 | Problem and Modification Analysis |
| IEC62304-6.3 | Modification Implementation |
Clause 7 — Software Risk Management Process
Risk management activities specific to software for medical devices
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-7.1 | Analysis of Software Contributing to Hazardous Situations |
| IEC62304-7.2 | Risk Control Measures |
| IEC62304-7.3 | Verification of Risk Control Measures |
| IEC62304-7.4 | Risk Management of Software Changes |
Clause 8 — Software Configuration Management Process
Configuration identification, change control, and status accounting
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-8.1 | Configuration Identification |
| IEC62304-8.2 | Change Control |
| IEC62304-8.3 | Configuration Status Accounting |
Clause 9 — Software Problem Resolution Process
Detection, reporting, evaluation, and resolution of software problems
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC62304-9.1 | Prepare Problem Reports |
| IEC62304-9.2 | Investigate the Problem |
| IEC62304-9.3 | Advise Relevant Parties |
| IEC62304-9.4 | Use Change Control Process |
| IEC62304-9.5 | Maintain Records |
| IEC62304-9.6 | Analyze Problems for Trends |
| IEC62304-9.7 | Verify Software Problem Resolution |
| IEC62304-9.8 | Test Documentation |
Maps to 512 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes?
IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes is a compliance framework from International with 6 domains and 30 controls. IEC 62304 defines the lifecycle requirements for the development and maintenance of medical device software. It specifies processes, activities, and tasks for each stage of the software lifecycle including planning, requirements analysis, architectural design, detailed design, unit implementation, integration testing, system testing, release, and maintenance. Software safety classification (Class A, B, C) determines the rigor of required activities. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes have?
IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes has 30 controls organised across 6 domains. The largest domains are Clause 5 — Software Development Process (8 controls), Clause 9 — Software Problem Resolution Process (8 controls), Clause 4 — General Requirements (4 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes map to?
IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes maps to 512 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are TISAX — Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (30% coverage), ICH Q10 — Pharmaceutical Quality System (30% coverage), EIOPA Guidelines on ICT Security and Governance (2020) (27% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with IEC 62304:2015 Medical Device Software Lifecycle Processes compliance?
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