Hi Anonymous,
You could try to find information for your competitors predicate directly on the FDA 510(k) search website:
510(k) Premarket NotificationType in the device name or company name and see what shows up.
Sometimes the 510(k) summaries already contain quite detailled product specifications.
On the FDA 510(k) search mainpage there is a small checkbox 'Redacted FOIA 510(k)' -> just tick this box and press search.
You will now see a list of 510(k)s that are directly accessible (with many blackened pages usually), maybe your are lucky and your predicate is available.
Since you are working on your first submission it may we worth to check out some of the redacted 510(k)s to see how other companies fill the chapters.
You could also officially order the 510(k) of your predicate via the FOIA (Freedom Of Information Act):
How to Make a FOIA RequestBut it may take a while until you receive the documents and most probably you want to submit earlier.
You could also try to purchase your predicate 510(k) at FOI Services:
http://www.foiservices.com/index.cfm Good luck with your first submission!
Best wishes,
Michael
------------------------------
Michael Hottner
Straight Forward Medical Device Consulting Gmbh
Cologne
Germany
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 02-Dec-2017 18:24
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Predicate device
This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
Dear RAPS members,
I am writing my first 510K and need some guidance on how to get detailed information on a predicate device specially when the predicate device is from a competitor? Also, what are the key characteristics that should be listed in the substantial equivalence discussion.
Thanks