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Medical Device Accessories - Describing Accessories and Classification Pathways: Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff

FinalCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research12/20/2017

Description

FDA developedthis documentto provide guidance to industry and FDA staff about the regulation of accessories to medical devices. This guidance is intended to describe FDA’s policy concerning the classification of accessories and to discuss the application of this policy to devices that are commonly used as accessories to other medical devices. In addition, this guidance explains what devices FDA generally considers an “accessory” and describes the processes under Section 513(f)(6) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) to allow requests for risk- and regulatory control-based classification of accessories.

Scope & Applicability

Product Classes

4
parent device

The primary device that an accessory is intended to support

Class III Device

Generally recommended for Enhanced Documentation; Regulatory classification mentioned for implantable sensors and HPV tests; Mentioned in the context of an in vitro nucleic acid test for CMV DNA.

Class I Device

Low risk medical devices

Class II Device

Devices subject to section 522 postmarket surveillance orders; devices subject to postmarket surveillance orders

Stakeholders

3
Sponsor

Entity responsible for submitting applications under section 524B

Manufacturer

Entity responsible for submitting NDINs

submitter

Manufacturers or other parties who submit a Q-Sub or marketing submission.; The entity responsible for the Q-Sub and drafting meeting minutes.

Regulatory Context

Attributes

3
intended use

Specifications that are directly associated with the intended use of the device.

Compatibility

Technical characteristics ensuring the accessory works with parent devices

technological characteristics

design features that must remain the same for protocol reuse

Identified Hazards

Hazards

1
Risks to health

Probable risks associated with the use of the device.

Related CFR Sections (1)

  • 21CFR820.3§ 820.3 Definitions.

    The definitions in ISO 13485 and in Clause 3 of ISO 9000 (incorporated by reference, see § 820.7 ) apply to this part, except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, and do not affect the meaning of similar terms defined in this title.Read full regulation →

See Also (8)