Our Testing Methodology

Independent medical device reviews backed by research and real-world testing

Comprehensive, hands-on testing protocols using professional-grade simulators and real-world device evaluation, aligned with recognized medical device standards.

1. Overview & principles

Our testing methodology is designed to provide consumers and healthcare professionals with objective, hands-on assessments of medical devices. Every device undergoes a standardized evaluation process that combines simulator-based measurements with extended real-world usage testing.

Research-Informed

Our evaluations reference peer-reviewed clinical literature, manufacturer data, and established medical device testing standards.

Transparent

Our evaluations reference peer-reviewed clinical literature, manufacturer data, and established medical device testing standards.

Reproducible

Our evaluations reference peer-reviewed clinical literature, manufacturer data, and established medical device testing standards.

2. Standards Compliance

Our testing protocols align with international standards for medical device evaluation and quality management:

ISO 13485:2016

Medical devices — Quality management systems — Requirements for regulatory purposes

  • Systematic approach to device evaluation
  • Documentation and traceability requirements
  • Continuous improvement processes

ISO 14971:2019

Medical devices — Application of risk management to medical devices

  • Systematic approach to device evaluation
  • Documentation and traceability requirements
  • Continuous improvement processes

IEC 62366-1:2015

Medical devices — Application of risk management to medical devices

  • Systematic approach to device evaluation
  • Documentation and traceability requirements
  • Continuous improvement processes

3. Testing Phases

Each device undergoes a comprehensive four-phase evaluation process:

Pre-Testing Assessment

Duration: 1-2 weeks

  • Literature review and clinical evidence compilation
  • Regulatory status verification (FDA clearance/approval)
  • Manufacturer specifications analysis
  • Test protocol development based on device category
  • Safety assessment and risk evaluation
Simulator & Bench Testing

Duration: 2-4 weeks

  • Literature review and clinical evidence compilation
  • Regulatory status verification (FDA clearance/approval)
  • Manufacturer specifications analysis
  • Test protocol development based on device category
  • Safety assessment and risk evaluation
Simulator & Bench Testing

Duration: 2-4 weeks

  • Literature review and clinical evidence compilation
  • Regulatory status verification (FDA clearance/approval)
  • Manufacturer specifications analysis
  • Test protocol development based on device category
  • Safety assessment and risk evaluation
Real-World Usage Testing

Duration: 4-8 weeks

  • Literature review and clinical evidence compilation
  • Regulatory status verification (FDA clearance/approval)
  • Manufacturer specifications analysis
  • Test protocol development based on device category
  • Safety assessment and risk evaluation
Analysis & Reporting

Duration: 1-2 weeks

  • Literature review and clinical evidence compilation
  • Regulatory status verification (FDA clearance/approval)
  • Manufacturer specifications analysis
  • Test protocol development based on device category
  • Safety assessment and risk evaluation

4. Data Collection

Our data collection methodology ensures comprehensive, unbiased assessment across multiple dimensions:

Analysis & Reporting
Analysis & Reporting
  • Literature review and clinical evidence compilation
  • Regulatory status verification (FDA clearance/approval)
  • Manufacturer specifications analysis
  • Test protocol development based on device category
  • Safety assessment and risk evaluation
Technical Specifications
  • Literature review and clinical evidence compilation
  • Regulatory status verification (FDA clearance/approval)
  • Manufacturer specifications analysis
  • Test protocol development based on device category
  • Safety assessment and risk evaluation
Qualitative Assessment
User Experience
  • Literature review and clinical evidence compilation
  • Regulatory status verification (FDA clearance/approval)
  • Manufacturer specifications analysis
  • Test protocol development based on device category
  • Safety assessment and risk evaluation
Practical Considerations
  • Literature review and clinical evidence compilation
  • Regulatory status verification (FDA clearance/approval)
  • Manufacturer specifications analysis
  • Test protocol development based on device category
  • Safety assessment and risk evaluation
Testing Approach

Simulator Testing: Multiple measurement cycles using calibrated medical device simulators

Real-World Testing: Extended usage period (typically 4-8 weeks) to assess reliability

Comparative Analysis: Side-by-side comparison with competing devices when available

Documentation: Detailed logging of test conditions, results, and observations

5. Scoring Methodology

Devices are evaluated across multiple dimensions with weighted scoring based on clinical importance:

Overall Score Interpretation

90-100: Exceptional — Highly recommended

80-89: Excellent — Recommended

70-79: Good — Recommended with reservations

60-69: Fair — Limited recommendation

<60: Poor — Not recommended

Overall Score Interpretation

Grade A: Multiple RCTs or meta-analyses

Grade B: Single RCT or high-quality studies

Grade C: Observational studies or case series

Grade D: Expert opinion or limited data

Grade F: Insufficient evidence

6. Real-World Validation

We validate our findings by comparing test results with published research and real-world user feedback:

Validation Approach
1

Clinical Literature ReviewComprehensive review of published clinical studies, FDA submissions, peer-reviewed research, and post-market surveillance data for each device.

2

User Feedback AnalysisAnalysis of verified user reviews, reported issues, and documented experiences from actual device users to identify patterns and common concerns.

3

Manufacturer Data ReviewEvaluation of manufacturer specifications, clinical validation data, warranty claims, and technical documentation against our test findings.

4

Comparative AnalysisSide-by-side comparison with competing devices in the same category and established industry benchmarks.

100+

Simulator test measurements per device

8-12

Weeks average testing duration

50+

Research papers reviewed per category

7. Disclosure & Ethics

Transparency and independence are fundamental to maintaining trust in our evaluations:

Independence Policy

  • All devices are purchased at retail price — we never accept free review units from manufacturers
  • No advertising or sponsorship from device manufacturers
  • Affiliate relationships are clearly disclosed on all relevant pages
  • Testing results are never influenced by potential commission earnings

Transparency Commitment

We are committed to complete transparency in our testing process and business relationships. Any affiliations, sponsorships, or potential conflicts of interest are clearly disclosed.

Our reviews are based solely on objective testing data and real-world usage experience. Affiliate relationships with retailers do not influence our testing methodology, scoring, or recommendations.

Funding Sources

Our testing program is independently funded through:

  • Self-funding: We purchase all devices and testing equipment ourselves
  • Affiliate commissions from device retailers (clearly disclosed on reviews)
  • Website advertising revenue (no device manufacturer ads)

Note: We maintain complete independence. Device manufacturers have no input into our testing methodology, evaluation process, or final recommendations. All devices are purchased at retail price.

Limitations

Our evaluations have inherent limitations that should be considered:

  • Testing conditions may not reflect all real-world scenarios
  • Individual patient responses may vary
  • Long-term outcomes beyond our testing period are not assessed
  • Rare adverse events may not be detected in our sample sizes

Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized medical device recommendations.

Questions about our methology?

We’re committed to continuous improvement and welcome feedback from healthcare professionals and patients about our testing protocols.

Contact Our Team

Last Updated: October 2025 | Version 3.0