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Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) of Medical Devices: Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff

FinalCenter for Devices and Radiological Health Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research06/06/2022

Description

This guidance document provides the FDA’s recommendations on testing to assess the electromagnetic compatibility of medical devices and information to include in the labeling. This guidance applies to medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics, and accessories that are electrically powered or have functions or sensors that are implemented using electrical or electronic circuitry. The recommendations are intended to promote consistency and facilitate efficient review of electromagnetic compatibility in device submissions.

Scope & Applicability

Product Classes

4
In vitro diagnostic products

Subject to 21 CFR Part 809

Active Implantable Medical Devices

Specific category for EMC consensus standards; Devices like pacemakers and defibrillators requiring specific EMC protocols

In Vitro Diagnostic Devices

Validation of certain in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs) for emerging pathogens; Validation of certain IVD devices for emerging pathogens

Active Implantable Medical Device

AIMD consensus standards

Stakeholders

2
medical device manufacturers

the terms you and yours refer to medical device manufacturers

Operator

Person whose actions may cause a product to be deemed adulterated

Regulatory Context

Attributes

2
Immunity Pass/Fail Criteria

Technical criteria for evaluating EMC test results; Criteria based on risk analysis and essential performance

Essential Performance

Guidance covers basic safety and essential performance of equipment.; core requirement of the IEC 60601 series; Key safety and performance characteristic of medical equipment; Characteristics of medical electrical equipment

Identified Hazards

Hazards

5
Electromagnetic (EM) Emitters

Common sources of interference for medical devices

Harmful Interference

FCC term for interference endangering services

Electromagnetic Interference

risks due to strong emissions from the MR system

Electrostatic Discharge

A type of EM disturbance that can degrade device performance

Unacceptable Risk

results from loss or degradation of Essential Performance

Related CFR Sections (2)

Related Warning Letters (10)

  • CGMP/QSR/Medical Devices/Adulterated

    Envoy Medical Inc.

    2025-12-09
  • CGMP/QSR/Medical Devices/Adulterated

    Hong Qiangxing Shenzhen Electronics Limited

    2025-11-25
  • CGMP/QSR/Medical Devices/Adulterated

    Spectra Therapy, LLC

    2025-08-12
  • CGMP/QSR/Medical Devices/Adulterated

    Mectronic Medicale S.R.L.

    2025-08-05
  • CGMP/QSR/Medical Devices/Adulterated

    Aju Pharm Co., Ltd.

    2025-06-24
  • CGMP/QSR/Medical Devices/Adulterated

    Sedecal S.A.

    2025-05-27
  • CGMP/QSR/Medical Devices/Adulterated

    NeuroSync, Inc.

    2025-05-20
  • Noah Medical Corporation

    2025-04-22
  • CGMP/QSR/Medical Devices/Adulterated

    EpiCare Acquisitions, LLC

    2025-04-08
  • Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE)/Premarket Approval Application (PMA) Adulterated Device

    Exer Labs, Inc.

    2025-03-25

See Also (8)