Regulatory Open Forum

 View Only
  • 1.  accessories, components, parts

    Posted 22-Apr-2013 18:32
    I am looking for FDA's definition of accessories, components, and parts for both software and hardware.  References to CRFs, guidance documents, etc. will be helpful.  Can anyone provide some pointers?  Thanks!

    -------------------------------------------
    Dawn Chang RAC
    Mountain View CA
    United States
    -------------------------------------------


  • 2.  RE:accessories, components, parts

    Posted 23-Apr-2013 06:48
    Dawn,

    These terms are used in many ways.  A quick search of the Graematter database gives these definitions for "component":

    Term: Component
    Definition: means any raw material, substance, piece, part, software, firmware, labeling, or assembly which is intended to be included as part of the finished, packaged, and labeled device.Context:Part 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations
    Source: PART 820_QUALITY SYSTEM REGULATION--Table of Contents, Subpart A_General Provisions, Sec. 820.3 Definitions.

    Term: Component
    Definition: See: unit.
    Context: Software development for medical products
    Source: Glossary of Computerized System and Software Development Terminology


    Term
    : Component
    Definition: means an essential functional part of a subassembly or of an assembled electronic product, and which may affect the quantity, quality, direction, or radiation emission of the finished product.
    Context: Part 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations
    Source:PART 1000_GENERAL--Table of Contents, Subpart A_General Provisions, Sec. 1000.3 Definitions.

    "Accessory" and "part" appear frequently (hundreds of times) within terms and guidance.  If you can narrow the context, I can see if there is something more specifc.

    Cheers,
    Melissa
    -------------------------------------------
    Melissa Walker RAC
    President & CTO
    Graematter, Inc.
    Saint Louis MO
    United States
    -------------------------------------------








  • 3.  RE:accessories, components, parts

    Posted 25-Apr-2013 22:30
    On the definition of "accessory," I recently researched whether an FDA-generated definition existed that would elaborate on this beyond its "dictionary" meaning.  However, I was unable to find any clear guidance on how FDA defines "accessory" -- which is part of the definition of a device in Section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 

    You can get a sense of what FDA has regarded as an accessory by searching in the device classification regulations.  As I recall, there are about 15 device classification regulations that inlcude the term "accessory" in the device identification statement.  However, I also discussed this issue with a former ODE branch chief who told me that FDA has, at times, called things accessories that did not meet the plain definition of the term.

    If you find something more on "accessory," would love to hear it.

    ______________________________________________
    Michael A. Swit, Esq.
    Special Counsel, FDA Law Practice
    Duane Morris LLP
    750 B Street, Suite 2900
    San Diego, CA 92101-4681
    P: +1 619 744 2215
    F: +1 619 923 2648
    C +1 760 815 4762
    maswit@duanemorris.com

    Note: all postings by me on this forum represent my personal views and are not necessarily those of my clients or my law firm. Further, my comments are not intended as legal advice but as the sharing of general knowledge and do not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader.

    Please follow me on LinkedIN and Twitter:
    http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelswit
    https://twitter.com/FDACounsel

    -------------------------------------------








  • 4.  RE:accessories, components, parts

    Posted 25-Apr-2013 23:02
    Mr. Swit,

    The term "accessory" is not defined in the regulations for medical devices.  

    However, I interpret it as "extra" or "optional." 

    In fact, I have an interesting episode for a device (510(k) cleared) that relates to the term "component."  The said device recently suffered the class I recall.

    If you want to hear more about it, please email me at david at regulatorydoctor dot com 
    _________________________________________________________________
    Dr. David Lim, Ph.D., RAC, ASQ-CQA ' Licensed (Former) Patent Prosecutor
    President and CEO ' REGULATORY DOCTOR
    3955 Riner Road, Box #148
    Riner, VA 24149
    Phone: (540) 315-RAC1 (7221)
    E-mail:  David@RegulatoryDoctor.com
    Fax: (866) 591-5671

    **: REGULATORY DOCTOR helps global healthcare industry "PASS-IT."

    **To contact or schedule time for an appointment:
    http://my.vcita.com/regulatorydr

    **For regulatory coaching and consulting:
    http://www.RegulatoryDoctor.com

    **To subscribe to our newsletters

    **For training and seminars:
    http://www.GlobalComplianceSeminar.com

    **To connect with me on LinkedIn:
    http://www.linkedin.com/in/fda510ksubmissionconsultant

    **To follow me on Twitter:
    https://twitter.com/RegulatoryDr

    I am using the power of vCita.  To learn more about vCita, please click here.  

    "Knowledge is power only when it is practiced and put into action." - Regulatory Doctor

    NOTICE: This communication (including any attachments) may contain privileged or confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this communication and/or shred the materials and any attachments and are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying or distribution of this communication, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited.







  • 5.  RE:accessories, components, parts

    Posted 26-Apr-2013 13:12
    For IVDs I have not used "accessory" to apply to calibrator kits or quality control kits that have been bundled in a 510(k) with assay reagent kits. My recollection is that an accessory can mean something required for safe and effective use of a device, but not a part or component of the device. For example, a plastic sample cup used on automated analyzers might fit this definition. Still, I would be interested in how others have used the term. Do others consider calibrators and controls as accessories? Is it optional?

    I came across a guidance that has as its scope, accessories. The scope exludes the main device and its components, and it includes software items. You might find it an interesting model for understanding how accessories can be regulated.

    Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Display Accessories for Full-Field Digital Mammography Systems-Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions

    http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm107549.htm#2


    -------------------------------------------
    Kenneth Kasper PHD
    Executive Director, QA/RA
    ARK Diagnostics, Inc.
    Fremont CA
    United States
    -------------------------------------------








  • 6.  RE:accessories, components, parts

    Posted 26-Apr-2013 13:45
    Dear Dr. Kasper:

    Thank you for sharing the guidance document.

    The term "component" has been defined under 21 CFR 820.3(c).

    I interpret "component" as necessary versus "accessory" as "extra" or "optional."

    Per the guidance document, the actual device is "Display" as it states "The devices are intended to provide display of digital mammographic images for review in the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer."

    But the functional features of how the "Display" reveals can be viewed as "accessories" (e.g., 2D, 3D displays or both as display options). 

    For example, if a patient carries a device in his body (either implanted or extracorporeal assist devices), s/he may choose different sizes/colors of bags to carry the device or device component(s) (e.g., controller), wherein the bags in different sizes/colors can be accessories.  Patients can choose whatever colors/sizes of bags...

    ___________________________________________________________________
    Dr. David Lim, Ph.D., RAC, ASQ-CQA ' Licensed (Former) Patent Prosecutor
    President and CEO ' REGULATORY DOCTOR
    3955 Riner Road, Box #148
    Riner, VA 24149
    Phone: (540) 315-RAC1 (7221)
    E-mail:  David@RegulatoryDoctor.com
    Fax: (866) 591-5671

    **: REGULATORY DOCTOR helps global healthcare industry "PASS-IT."

    **To contact or schedule time for an appointment:
    http://my.vcita.com/regulatorydr

    **For regulatory coaching and consulting:
    http://www.RegulatoryDoctor.com

    **To subscribe to our newsletters

    **For training and seminars:
    http://www.GlobalComplianceSeminar.com

    **To connect with me on LinkedIn:
    http://www.linkedin.com/in/fda510ksubmissionconsultant

    **To follow me on Twitter:
    https://twitter.com/RegulatoryDr

    I am using the power of vCita.  To learn more about vCita, please click here.  

    "Knowledge is power only when it is practiced and put into action." - Regulatory Doctor

    NOTICE: This communication (including any attachments) may contain privileged or confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this communication and/or shred the materials and any attachments and are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying or distribution of this communication, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited.