Reprocessed Single-Use Devices – Optimizing 510(k) preparation

This article explains the challenges reprocessors face in obtaining 510(k) clearance for reprocessed single-use devices when they are not the OEM.

With increasing pressures on the medical device industry to make healthcare more affordable, there has been a push to reprocess and reuse single-use devices. Reprocessors obtain used devices from healthcare facilities. The reprocessors clean, process, resterilize, repackage, and relabel devices. Reprocessors must obtain FDA 510(k) clearance by demonstrating that the safety and effectiveness of the reprocessed device are substantially equivalent to the single-use device produced by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The FDA also released a guidance document regarding reprocessed single-use devices.

Obtaining 510(k) clearance for a device your company did not design can be challenging because information requirements that are trivial for the OEM can be extremely difficult to provide for a reprocessor of the device. The following sections of a 510(k) submission pose unique challenges for reprocessed single-use devices:

• Section 13, Labeling – What should and should not be included in the reprocessed device labeling
• Section 15, Biocompatibility – How to identify the materials, and determine what biocompatibility testing needs to be done
• Section 18, Performance Testing – Strategies for determining appropriate performance testing

Section 13, Labeling of reprocessed devices

Labeling of reprocessed devices consists of the instructions for use and the packaging label(s). Device package labeling may also direct the user to both the reprocessor’s IFU and the OEM’s IFU. If you are referencing the OEM’s IFU, it is also important to include the OEM’s model number. Instructions for use should consist of:

1. Indications for use, which must be equivalent to the OEM indications.
2. All of the necessary warnings and cautions and basic operating instructions needed to operate the device safely.
3. The instructions for use may also instruct the user to reference the OEM instructions for use for additional information.
4. Instructions on the handling of the device after use, with the likelihood that the device will be returned to the reprocessor to repeat the cycle.

Section 15, Biocompatibility

Biocompatibility data is more challenging to provide if you replace or modify original components. If reprocessing does not modify the OEM device whatsoever, you can claim that the materials are identical to the OEM device. Therefore, the reprocessed device does not require biocompatibility testing. However, the reprocessor still needs to evaluate the biological risks associated with the reprocessing of the device by testing for cleaning and sterilization residuals. This involves testing for cleaning agent residuals and EO residual testing (ISO 10993-7), if applicable.

If you replace any of the components during reprocessing, with a new component that is identical in dimension and material to the OEM component, minimal biocompatibility testing will be required. If the exact material used by the OEM is unknown, reprocessors can perform material identification testing to determine the material used, and then create the replacement part out of the same material.

If you modify or replace any patient-contacting components on the device such as lubricants, insulation, etc., with components that are different from the OEM, then you will need to perform additional biocompatibility testing to prove that the new or modified material is biocompatible. This testing will depend on the duration of contact and where will the material contact the patient. The new material will also need to be listed in your device description and Section 15 of your 510(k) submission.  

Section 18, Performance Testing

There are three primary sources for identifying performance testing requirements of reprocessed devices:

1. OEM Testing listed in the OEM 510(k) submission
2. Predicate Testing listed by another reprocessor of an equivalent device
3. Product Standards listed under the product classification code for the reprocessed device or the OEM device

You should reference a predicate device that has been reprocessed and the OEM device to identify performance testing. Some testing is specific to the functional performance of the device. For these tests, you need to compare performance side-by-side against the OEM. Another testing is specific to the reprocessing, and you will reference the predicate device. Sources of information regarding the required tests for each of these devices can be found in the 510(k) summaries of the respective devices. If possible, it’s helpful to select a predicate that has a redacted 510(k) available on the FDA’s website. If a redacted 510(K) is not readily available, you may request a redacted copy through the freedom of information act on-line. A redacted copy of the OEM 510(k) is also helpful.

If testing information is not as readily available in the 510(k) summary, you will determine the essential performance functions of the device, and design tests to evaluate and compare the OEM device and the reprocessed device for those functionalities. Some devices have specific standards for the design and/or testing of the device. To determine if the reprocessed device has any applicable standards, you should search the product code of the reprocessed device, as well as the product code of the OEM device if they are different, in the FDA product classification database. Recognized standards applicable to the reprocessed device will be listed in the search results.

Additional tests that may be needed to validate reprocessing include residual protein, residual carbohydrates, and the presence of hemoglobin. These tests ensure that all biological material from previous use is removed. If you are not performing biocompatibility testing on the reprocessed device, you also need to do a chemical test to ensure no residual detergent or cleaning residues are remaining on the device. You also need to determine how many reprocessing cycles the device can survive before performance degradation. This can be done by repeating simulated use, reprocessing, and performance testing until a statistically relevant decrease in the performance of the device is observed.

If you have additional questions regarding the preparation of your 510(k) submission, you might be interested in a course Mary Vater and Rob Packard created for AAMI. Rob Packard will be the lead instructor for the course pilot in May: 510(k) training course. You can also schedule a call with us by clicking the button below.

eCopy Guidance is Finally Updated by FDA

This blog summarizes the changes in FDA policy, released on April 27, 2020, as a new eCopy guidance for device manufacturers.

The date of the guidance above was updated, but the changes to the guidance do not represent any changes in policy. It is an update of contact information and a note regarding eCopies for EUA requests. In August 2016, I had a frustrating week where I had three (3) different submissions placed on eCopy hold by the FDA, three (3) separate times, for a total of nine (9) eCopy hold in the same week. That resulted in an extra $175 of FedEx charges and wasted six (6) USB flash drives. The biggest problem was the submission delay experienced by each client that week, which wasn’t very comfortable. This terrible, no good, dreadful week ultimately resulted in our company creating a new productized service–preparing FDA eCopies for clients and competitor consultants. We also became international experts on the FDA eCopy guidance. If my experience was this painful, there must be other people experiencing the same problem, or many people would experience this problem as soon as they tried to submit their next filing with the FDA.

For about 18 months, we helped many companies prepare FDA eCopy submissions, but then there was a government shutdown, and the FDA unofficially changed its policy. A printed paper copy of pre-submissions, 510ks, and De Novo classification requests would no longer be required. You only needed to print a paper copy of your cover letter and include an electronic copy on a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive. Despite this policy change, many clients still requested the printed copy because the FDA legislation was not yet changed, and there was no updated guidance. We explained to each client that the policy had changed, and only two clients asked us to print the paper copy anyway.

In October of 2018, the unofficial policy became official, but there was still no updated FDA eCopy guidance for us to share with clients. This situation frequency resulted in questions from clients about how they should phrase the “eCopy Statement” in their submission cover letter. The eCopy guidance that was current in 2018 stated that you should include the following phrase in your cover letter: “This submission includes an eCopy and a paper copy. The eCopy is an exact duplicate of the paper copy.” However, the paper copy consisted only of the cover letter, and the rest of the submission was solely provided in electronic format.

The FDA released a new pilot version of the eSubmitter software to help companies prepare 510(k) submissions and to streamline the FDA review of submissions in 2018. However, even electronic submissions prepared with eSubmitter must be sent by courier or mail to the FDA Document Center. In 2019, the FDA mentioned that they would be releasing new guidance documents regarding electronic submissions. Still, we were also told that the FDA has no near-term plans to enable companies to submit pre-submissions, 510ks, or De Novo classification requests to the FDA via an electronic submissions gateway (ESG).

Finally, on December 16, 2019, the FDA released a new eCopy guidance. The eCopy guidance was updated again on April 27, 2020, but the changes are updated to include emails, updated webpages, and a note regarding EUA requests.

July 2022 Update for the FDA eCopy process

The FDA created a Customer Collaboration Portal (CCP) for medical device manufacturers. Originally, the portal’s purpose was to provide a place where submitters can track the status of their submissions and verify the deadlines for each stage of the submission review process. Last week, on July 19, the FDA emailed all active FDA CPP account holders that they can upload both FDA eCopy and FDA eSTAR files to the portal 100% electronically. Since our consulting team sends out submissions daily, everyone on the team was able to test the new process. If you have a CCP account, you no longer need to ship submissions via FedEx to the Document Control Center (DCC).

What DID NOT change in the new eCopy guidance?

The file name requirements are identical. You can still organize your submission in volume structure or document-only structure. You are still limited to PDF file sizes of 50 MB. The eCopy will still be problematic for the FDA to upload if your submission exceeds 1 GB. You still need to ship your eCopy to the FDA Document Center unless you submit it to CBER instead of CDRH. You can and should continue to use the eCopy validation software module provided by the FDA to ensure that your eCopy will properly upload. The guidance barely changed in length; it’s just a few pages shorter now.

What DID change in the new eCopy guidance?

Only two things changed in the new guidance. First, there is no mention of an eCopy statement anywhere. Second, you must submit a cover letter in paper format (replaced by Zip file to FDA CCP), but it does not need to be included in the electronic format (that’s only recommended).

The “new” eCopy process is not any easier than the process we have used since February 2018. However, we did update our cover letter template. If you would like a copy, please register for our FDA eCopy webinar.

Should you create your own eCopies, or should you outsource?

If my job was Director of Regulatory Affairs (or a similar position), I would outsource. Regulatory managers in companies are swamped with trying to remain compliant with new and revised medical device regulations and changes to applicable standards.

Does it take one hour to create an eCopy?

No, we can prepare, validate, and upload an FDA eCopy in less than 15 minutes. This is only possible because we do this almost every day. On the last business day before the end of the FDA fiscal year (September 30), we average four (4) submissions on that day alone. We know exactly what to do, we know how to fix all of the most common errors, we know our validation software module is up-to-date, and we never run out of USB flash drives (replaced by Zip files to FDA CCP).

How long could it take you to create an eCopy?

If you haven’t done an eCopy in that past year, it could easily take you all day to create an eCopy. You have to read the new eCopy guidance document. You must format your submission according to the rules and proofread 100% of the folder and file names. You need to find a new flash drive. You need to save the submission on your USB flash drive. You need to run the eCopy validation software module.

Or you could just outsource your eCopy problems.  

Alternate 510k Pathway – Safety and Performance Based Pathway

Today the FDA released a press release announcing plans to implement an alternate 510k pathway called the “Safety and Performance Based Pathway.”

What is the current 510k pathway for clearance of medical devices?

The current version of the 510k pathway is defined in a guidance document on a substantial equivalence that was released on July 28, 2014. The pathway involves six questions that an FDA reviewer must answer before it can be determined whether a new device is equivalent to an existing device that is legally marketed in the USA. These are the six questions:

1. Is the predicate device legally marketed?
2. Do the devices have the same intended use?
3. Do the devices have the same technological characteristics?
4. Do different technological characteristics raise different questions of safety and effectiveness?
5. Are the methods of evaluating new/different characteristics acceptable?
6. Does the data demonstrate substantial equivalence?
   

Five (5) ways the FDA strengthened the current 510k pathway

Today the FDA released an 8-page presentation summarizing five (5) ways that the FDA strengthened the current 510k pathway during the past several years. The five ways are:

1. Increased expectations for the content of a 510k submission
2. Implementation of the refusal to Accept (RTA) policy
3. Improved consistency and thoroughness of the 510k review process
4. Elimination of the 510k pathway for Class III devices
5. Eliminated the use of > 1,000 unsafe devices as legal predicates

You may have been complaining that 510k requirements seem to change constantly. Now you have proof that the changes to the 510k pathway are part of a strategic plan implemented over the past decade. Lawyers may argue that the resulting regulations go well beyond the intent of the original 510k legislation. This is completely true. The cumulative effect of implementing dozens of 510k guidance documents is that the official interpretation of the 510k section of the Food and Drug Act now has little resemblance to the original legal intent.

The original intent of the 510k legislation was to allow competitors to copy an existing device that is legally marketed in the USA. Cumulative changes to a device that existed in 1976, eventually result in a completely new device. The word “equivalent” has been perverted to such an extent that thousands of devices now exist that do not even remotely resemble devices from 1976. The FDA recognized this around 2007, and the US device regulations began to “strengthen.”  

What is the basis for the Alternate 510k Pathway?

The basis for the alternate 510k pathway is the submission of data that is safety and performance-based instead of comparison to an older predicate. In addition, the new pathway will enable you to make comparative claims by demonstrating that the new subject device meets or exceeds the safety and performance criteria. There is also a goal to use the pathway as a potential method of harmonizing the US medical device regulatory process with other global medical device regulations. The new process, combined with improved post-market surveillance, will complement the FDA’s work on NEST by allowing the FDA to rapidly require the implementation of risk controls to address identified safety issues.

What is the expected timeline for the implementation of the Alternate 510k Pathway?

The alternate 510k pathway has been in development for quite some time. Jeff Shuren first announced the plan to create the alternate 510k pathway at AdvaMed’s MedTech conference in San Jose, California, in September 2017. On Monday, December 11, 2017, the FDA announced that draft guidance would be released in Q1 of 2018. On April 12, 2018, the FDA finally released the draft guidance for public comment.

The FDA intends to release final guidance for the new alternate 510k pathway in early 2019. This pathway will initially be limited to “well-understood device types”–probably as a 510k pilot program. You can expect this new pathway to be released in a similar way to the Special 510k expansion pilot and the Quik 510k pilot. That final guidance will be released, and the pilot will begin immediately after the release of the guidance.

Is this new process likely to require significant changes to future 510k submissions?

The phrase “significant changes” is subjective, but if you look at the current 20 required sections of a 510(k) submission, there is only one section that would be required to change for the new alternate 510k pathway. Specifically, section 12 is currently used for a substantial equivalence comparison. This section would not be applicable under the alternate 510k pathway. Under the alternate 510k pathway, you can expect the FDA to require at least a summary of the safety and performance data to be submitted for approval of the subject device.

Another change you can expect is that all devices submitted under the alternate 510k pathway will be required to have a benefit-risk analysis in accordance with the corresponding FDA guidance. This new guidance was released on September 25, 2018, as a draft. However, a benefit-risk analysis is required for De Novo applications, CE Marking applications, and, logically, the FDA will also require this for 510k submissions that do not rely upon equivalence to the predicate device.

More Information on the Medical Device Safety Action Plan

The FDA created a webpage on its site, providing information about the Medical Device Safety Action Plan. The page includes several hyperlinks to documents with more information. Below are a few of the relevant links:

• Link for Downloading the Medical Device Safety Action Plan
• FDA Commissioner’s Statement on Modernizing 510(k) Program
• FDA Has Taken Steps to Strengthen the 510(k) Program – November 26, 2018

The FDA also indicated that a new guidance for De Novo applications would be released in a couple of weeks. Please subscribe to our blog, and you will receive notification of a blog in response to that guidance when it is released.

Quik 510k Pilot – Explanation of Quik 510k Pilot

There are 38 product classification codes that the FDA selected for the Quik 510k Pilot program to evaluate version 3 of the eSubmitter software.

What are the three (3) advantages of the new Quik 510k pilot program?

There are three (3) advantages of using the eSubmitter software as part of the Quik 510k pilot.  The first advantage of using the eSubmitter software is that the refusal to accept (RTA) process will be eliminated. This change is enormous because nearly 50% of submissions are rejected during the RTA screening process. The hope is that the eSubmitter software will prevent companies from submitting submissions that are missing required content, and therefore the RTA process will not be needed. However, we have seen many submissions placed on hold for technicalities rather than sub-standard submissions. Consequently, it will be fascinating to see the FDA reported outcomes from the Quik 510k pilot.

The second advantage of using the eSubmitter software is that the reviews will be interactive. This means that reviewers are not expected to have any additional information (AI) requests. This also means that submitters will need to respond to questions from reviewers quickly. For example, I have received a call on Friday afternoon after 5:00 pm EDT asking if I could revise to document and email that document to the reviewer by Monday morning. This is an extreme example, but 48-72 hours is typical for a required turn-around during interactive reviews.

The third advantage of using the eSubmitter software is that the FDA is targeting completion of their 510k review within 60 days. This 30-day reduction may seem huge, but the FDA already cut 15 days off its review timeline by eliminating the RTA screening. Second, the FDA picked 38 product classification codes that should not have difficulty reviewing in 60 days. Not all product classifications have the same amount of testing data required, and I do not expect the FDA to be able to review all product classification codes in 60 days–even with eSubmitter.

Although the Quik 510k pilot mentioned that submissions would be zipped, eSubmitter is also designed for electronic submissions through an electronic submissions gateway (ESG). An ESG has the added advantage that you will not need to ship your submission via FedEx. This advantage will gain you only a maximum of 24 hours, but I wish I had those 24 hours last week. Every year, in the last week of September, all the small businesses with small business qualifications try to submit their 510k before the end of the fiscal year (i.e., September 30). This year I had four clients that were in this position. One was unable to get the data they needed to complete their submission before September 30. The other three were making last-minute changes up until the afternoon of Thursday, September 27. One of those submissions was extremely challenging because the submission included video files that exceeded 1GB in total. Therefore, I called CDRH’s eCopy Program Coordinators at 240-402-3717. They were accommodating. They said that it would be best to provide two identical eCopies or to save the MISC FILES and STATISTICAL DATA folders on a separate flash drive. The reason for this is that very large submissions can take days to upload into the CDRH database. Therefore, the picture below shows you what my final solution was for the three submissions this week. The De Novo submission had to be split.

What our firm has done to take advantage of the Quik 510k pilot

If you have a product with any of the 38 product classification codes listed above, and you need to submit a 510k in the next six months, you are very fortunate. The FDA will prioritize your submission, and you are likely to be able to get your device cleared in 60 days or less. Our firm is very anxious to take part in this pilot because the FDA intends to require the eSubmitter software for all submissions in the future, and we expect other product classification codes to be added to the pilot over time. We process dozens of 510k submissions each year, and mastering the nuances of the software is critical to our continued success. I already downloaded the software and installed it onto my computer. I also created a complete submission as a test. eSubmitter saved several hours in the preparation of a 510(k) from the typical 40 hours the process takes. Therefore, I expect the implementation of new eSubmitter software to a triple win for the FDA, clients, and our firm. I plan to request that the FDA add De Novo submissions next to this pilot. The reason is that De Novo submissions typically have more content, and the content is more variable. I think this would be an extremely challenging test for eSubmitter, and the relatively small volume of De Novo submissions would limit the impact upon FDA resources.

Changes to eCopy Requirements in 2018

In 2017, the FDA indicated that eSubmitter software was going to be revised, and it would be approximately two years before companies would be able to submit a 510k electronically to the FDA. Until then, companies must ship an electronic eCopy and a paper copy to the FDA Document Control Center (DCC). The eCopy guidance states, “An eCopy is accompanied by a paper copy of the signed cover letter and the complete paper submission.” However, the FDA’s eCopy guidance has not been updated since December 3, 2015. There are some unofficial changes to the policy, and the FDA no longer requires the complete paper submission. Instead, you can submit an eCopy accompanied by a paper copy of the signed cover letter.

Before February 2018, we would print 1,000+ pages for each 510k submission, pack two 3” three-ring binders in 12”x12”x6” ULine boxes and ship the box to the FDA overnight via FedEx. We typically would charge $400 for this eCopy service. After the unofficial policy change, all of our 510k submissions consist of a paper copy of the cover letter and an eCopy on a USB flash drive. We only charge $150 for the FDA eCopy service, and 100% of our eCopy submissions have been uploaded without problems this year.

What is the difference between creating an eCopy and submitting it with eSubmitter (cited from FDA website)?

There are four differences between eSubmitter and eCopies:

1. An eSubmission package contains PDF attachments and XML file types. The XML files are intended for CDRH IT systems to process the application. Reviewers will not see these XML files. 
2. The parts of the eCopy guidance that describe the structure of a 510(k) submission will not apply to the Quik Review Program Pilot.
3. An eSubmission is organized according to the layout of the template, which places administrative documents (e.g., Form 3674, the 510(k) Summary, the Truthful and Accurate statement) at the end of the submission because their applicability is determined based on the answers to questions in the body of the template (e.g., Form 3674 is only required if the applicant indicates clinical data are included).
4. Electronic signatures are used in the submission (e.g., on the Truthful and Accurate statement), rather than physical signatures.

eSubmitter Template Options

For device 510k submissions, the FDA’s eSubmitter gives you three options:

1. Template Version 1.3, for In Vitro Diagnostic 510k submissions to CDRH only, allows you to create a 510k submission and the eSubmitter software will package your submission in a specially formatted zip folder that you can save to a compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD) or flash drive. Then you must print a paper copy of your signed cover letter and ship the eCopy created by eSubmitter with your paper copy of the cover letter to the FDA DCC.
2. Template Version 1.2.1, for Non-In Vitro Diagnostic 510k submissions that are among the 1,000+ other product classifications not included in the Quik 510k pilot (CDRH: Medical Device eCopies), you can create a 510k submission and the eSubmitter software will package your submission in a folder for you. You can then copy the contents of that folder to a compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or flash drive. Then you must print a paper copy of your signed cover letter and ship the eCopy created by eSubmitter with your paper copy of the cover letter to the FDA DCC.
3. Template Version 3.2, for Non-In Vitro Diagnostic 510k submissions that are among the 38 product classification codes that are listed above for the Quik 510k pilot program. This allows you to create a 510k submission, and the eSubmitter software will package your submission in a specially formatted zip folder that you can save to a compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or flash drive. Then you must print a paper copy of your signed cover letter and ship the eCopy created by eSubmitter with your paper copy of the cover letter to the FDA DCC. This template is unique to the Quik 510k pilot program. There is a red bar that appears at the top of the screen:

“This template should only be used to construct a submission if you are submitting it as part of the Quick Review Pilot. All others may use the content of this template as a reference to aid in constructing an eCopy. If you are not part of the Quick Review Pilot, do not construct a submission with this template, it will be rejected.”

When you create your eCopy, then you will need to create a volume-based or non-volume based submission in accordance with the eCopy guidance. The volume folders and/or files are saved to a compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or flash drive. Then you must print a paper copy of your signed cover letter and ship the eCopy you created with your paper copy of the cover letter to the FDA DCC.

Warning: If you are using Windows 10, and you save your eCopy or eSubmitter zip folder on a flash drive, Windows 10 will automatically create a hidden system folder titled “System Information Volume.”  This folder is created as a security feature to enable you to recover accidentally deleted content. However, this folder results in an error when the FDA attempts to upload your submission automatically. Therefore, you must remove this hidden system folder. Instructions for this can be found on our website page about eCopy hidden system files.

Are 510k pre-sub meetings a waste of time?

This article reviews four of the top reasons for why other companies feel requesting 510k pre-sub meetings is a waste of time, but you can’t afford to.

It only takes my team 8-10 hours to prepare a 510k pre-sub request. The FDA does not charge you a cent for requesting 510k pre-sub meetings, and a pre-sub should be part of every design plan. But most companies are resistant to requesting 510k pre-sub meetings. Here are the top 4 reasons why companies tell me they don’t need to request a meeting:

It’s too late for requesting 510k pre-sub meetings

If you are less than a week away from submitting a 510k, it is too late for requesting 510k pre-sub meetings. The FDA target for scheduling a 510k pre-sub meeting is 60-75 days from the date your request was submitted. That’s 10-11 weeks. Most companies tell me that they plan to submit a 510k within weeks or a couple of months, but most of the companies take several months, and frequently there is a delay that requires six months or more. For example, what if your device fails EMC testing, and you have to change the design and retest for both EMC and electrical safety? At best, you will have an 8-week delay. If you submit a request next week, and everything goes as you plan, you can always withdraw your request for the pre-sub. If you encounter a delay for any reason, suddenly, it’s not too late.

Our design is not finalized yet

I believe that waiting until your design is almost complete is the number one reason why companies wait too long to request 510k pre-sub meetings. If they wait too long, then the previous reason for not requesting a meeting takes over. The ideal time to submit a pre-sub request is 75 days before you approve your design outputs (i.e., design freeze). However, very few people are precise in their design planning and execution. You should try to target sometime after you approve your design inputs, but before you approve your design outputs. As long as you submit an update to your pre-sub request two weeks before the meeting, the FDA will accept it. Also, you can always schedule a date that is later than 75 days if you realize you requested the meeting too early.

We don’t want to be bound by what the FDA says in the 510k pre-sub meeting

510k pre-sub meetings are “non-binding.” That means that the FDA can change their mind, but it also means you don’t have to do everything the FDA says in a 510k pre-sub meeting. If you don’t ask a question about testing requirements, that doesn’t mean that the FDA does not have any testing requirements. The FDA knows what previous companies have submitted for testing better than you do, and they may be in the process of evaluating a draft special controls guidance. If you ask questions, you will have better insights into what the FDA expects. Understanding FDA expectations helps you write better rationales for testing or test avoidance. You also might learn about deadlines for the implementation of new testing requirements that you might be able to avoid. Finally, you can ask the FDA about possible testing options you are considering if the FDA denies your most optimistic testing plans.

There is already a guidance document for our device

Not all device classifications have a guidance document explaining what information should be submitted in a pre-market 510k submission. However, there almost one hundred Class II Special Controls Guidance Documents. Therefore, there is a good chance that the FDA published special controls as part of the regulation for your device or as a guidance document. As part of the special controls, the FDA defines what performance testing is required for your device. If you already know what testing is required, then the value in requesting 510k pre-sub meetings is diminished. But at least three other key benefits remain.

First, you can verify that the predicate you plan to use for comparative testing is not going to be a problem. Although the FDA can’t tell you which predicate to pick, the FDA can tell you if there is a problem with the predicate you have selected. This is especially important if the product is not currently registered and listed, because you may not know if the device was withdrawn from the market after it was cleared.

Second, not all testing standards are prescriptive. Many tests have testing options that require you to make a decision. Input from the FDA may be valuable in making choices between various performance testing options. Sometimes you even forgo testing and provide a rationale instead. FDA feedback on any rationale for not doing testing is critical to prevent delays and requests for additional information later.

Third, there are many different FDA representatives that participate in 510k pre-sub meetings. The lead reviewer will invite specialists and the branch chief to the meeting. Each of these specialists can answer questions during a pre-submission meeting that they are not able to answer during the actual review process. You also have the opportunity to get feedback from the branch chief–who has insight from all the previous devices that were cleared with your product classification. Your lead reviewer is not likely to be as experienced as the branch chief, and may only have been working at the FDA for months. Your request for the 510k pre-sub meeting will help an inexperienced lead reviewer as much as it will help your company.

Learning More about 510k Pre-sub Meetings

On Thursday, February 22, there will be a free webinar offered on the topic of 510k pre-sub meetings. We had 50 people register for the webinar on the first day it was announced, and we have already answered more than a dozen related questions. If you are planning to submit a 510k this year, this webinar will show you exactly how to prepare your request for a 510k pre-sub. You will even receive copies of all of our templates for free.

Biocompatibility testing questions answered in pre-submission requests

This article is a copy of my responses to someone that submitted biocompatibility testing questions in preparation for a 510k pre-submission webinar.

Can you please answer the following questions related to biocompatibility for a 510k pre-submission meeting request?

This was the request by a person that registered for a 510k pre-submission webinar that was recorded in February 2018. The person asked some great questions that are very similar to other clients I work with. They also requested the biocompatibility testing questions in a way that did not divulge any confidential information–other than to indicate they live in Germany. Therefore, I am sharing my email response with you. Please register for this webinar and submit your questions. Questions are entered in an open text box, and you have room to ask multiple questions.

Biocompatibility testing question #1: Does the FDA now already ask for the AET (Analytical evaluation threshold) for chemical analyses?

Biocompatibility testing question #2: How can I avoid time-consuming genotoxicity studies for FDA?

Question #3: And how can I face FDA with a cytotoxic wound dressing but which passed irritation, sensitization, genotox, and pyrogenicity tests?

Biocompatibility testing question #4: Which genotoxicity tests are state of the art for the FDA?

Redacted 510k Database – Have you used the newest FDA tool?

This article describes the new database of redacted 510k submissions that was recently made available online for immediate download by the US FDA.

Recently the FDA made redacted 510k submissions that were previously released through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests available on-line for immediate download. There are 496 redacted 510k submissions available since November 2000–as indicated by the graph above. This is only a small fraction of the total number of 510k submissions, but the number that is available on-line will increase over time.

Types of redacted 510k Submissions

Of the 496 submissions, there is a mixture of submission types.

• 382 are traditional 510k submissions
• 97 are special 510k submissions
• 17 are abbreviated 510k submissions
• 14 were 3rd Party reviewed

What remains in a redacted 510k submission

The redacted versions do not include testing data, but you will find other goodies such as:

• 3rd Party SE memorandums (where applicable)
• Table of Contents
• Pre-market Notification Cover Sheet (i.e., FDA Form 3514)
• 510k Cover Letter
• Indications for Use (i.e., FDA Form 3881)
• 510(k) Summary
• Truthful & Accuracy Statement
• Device Description
• Executive Summary
• Substantial Equivalence Discussion (Partially Redacted)
• Summary of Biocompatibility Testing (Partially Redacted)
• Summary of Sterilization & Shelf-Life (Partially Redacted)
• Proposed Labeling
• Predicate Device Labeling
• Declarations of Conformity (i.e., FDA Form 3654)
• Deficiency Letter

This is valuable information that can be used to help select a potential predicate and to develop a verification and validation testing plan. If you are less experienced in the preparation of a 510k submission, it will help to see how other regulatory experts have organized their 510k submissions.

Learning more about redacted 510k submissions

To access this database, click on this link: Redacted FOIA 510k Database. To limit your search to only 510k submissions that are available as a redacted full 510k, just click on the box for “Redacted FOIA 510k.” If you are interested in learning more about how to make the most of this new resource, please sign up for my latest webinar on Monday, November 21 @ 9 am EST.

Abbreviated 510k or Traditional 510k?

The article briefly explains the three types of 510k submissions and identifies when you should be submitting an abbreviated 510k instead of a traditional 510k.

Three types of 510k submissions

The FDA has three different target timelines for reviewing a 510k submission and issuing a decision regarding substantial equivalence (i.e., SE Letter):

1. Special 510k
2. Abbreviated 510k
3. Traditional 510k

Special 510k submissions

The first type is a special 510k submission. The FDA target timeline for a special 510k is 30 days, but you can only submit a Special 510k for a modification of your device that already has a 510k issued. Also, a Special 510k is only possible if the device modification requires a single technical discipline to review the change. For example, changes to software and materials require a review of software validation and biocompatibility. Therefore, two reviewer specialists must coordinate their efforts, and the review cannot be completed in 30 days. In this case, an abbreviated or traditional 510k must be submitted instead.

Abbreviated 510k submissions

The second type of 510k submission is an abbreviated 510k. The FDA target timeline for review is 60 days. If there is a recognized standard specific to the type of device you are submitting, or the FDA has issued a guidance document addressing that device classification, then an abbreviated 510k submission is recommended. For example, a dental handpiece (i.e., product code is ) has a special controls guidance document that explicitly written for dental handpieces, and the guidance states that an abbreviated 510k submission is recommended. Besides, the FDA recognizes the latest standard for dental handpieces: ISO 14457:2012 (FDA Doc # 4-206).

Traditional 510k submissions

The third type of 510k submission is a traditional 510k submission. The FDA target timeline for review is 90 days. If you are submitting a 510k for a new device, or the device modifications require more than one functional area of expertise, then a special 510k is not an option. If there is no recognized standard for the device type and the FDA has not issued the guidance of a special control for your device classification, then an abbreviated submission is also not an option. A traditional 510k submission is your only option in this case.

How frequently is an abbreviated 510k submission type used?

In September 2016, there were 260 510k SE decisions issued by the FDA. Here’s the breakdown by type:

• Special 510k – 47 submissions = 18%
• Abbreviated 510k – 8 submissions = 3%
• Traditional 510k – 205 submissions = 79%

In general, I think it requires a little more effort to write clear and concise summaries for the various sections of an abbreviated 510k than it does for a traditional 510k. But if you can get your product to market a month quicker then it’s worth it.

Additional Resources for 510k submissions

If you would like additional training on 510k submissions or you would like to access Medical Device Academy’s templates, you can purchase all of our templates and 510k webinars on our 510k course webpage.