Ensuring a medical device meets defined user needs and intended use is accomplished through which type of validation?

The correct answer relates to design validation, which is a critical phase in the development of medical devices. Design validation is specifically focused on confirming that the device meets its intended use and fulfills the user needs as established during the earlier stages of development. This process typically involves rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that the final product functions as intended in the real world, considering factors like usability, safety, and efficacy.

In contrast, other options may not directly address the confirmation of user needs and intended use. Device validation could refer to the verification of the device itself, whereas process validation focuses on ensuring that manufacturing processes produce results that consistently meet predetermined standards. Product validation, while somewhat related, often encompasses a broader range of aspects, including compliance with regulatory requirements, rather than specifically targeting user needs and intended use as design validation does. Thus, design validation is uniquely positioned to ensure that a medical device aligns with the requirements it was designed to meet.