When a device's sterility is compromised, which action should regulators consider first?

When a device's sterility is compromised, the foremost action regulators should consider is to withhold the product from further distribution. This action is critical because the primary concern is patient safety. If a device is no longer sterile, it poses a significant risk of infection or other adverse health outcomes to patients who might use it. By stopping further distribution, regulators can prevent potentially contaminated products from entering the hands of healthcare providers and patients.

Withholding the product allows regulatory bodies to assess the extent of the compromise, determine which lots are affected, and evaluate risks associated with use of the device. It also provides the necessary time to identify and implement corrective measures before any further steps, such as root cause analysis or market notifications, can be taken. Ensuring safety and maintaining public health is always the priority, and immediate action to remove the compromised product from distribution is fundamental in mitigating risks.