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Content Considerations for 510k Submissions of Emission Computed Tomography and Nuclear Tomography Systems

This guidance covers Emission Computed Tomography Systems (defined in 21 CFR 892.1200) and Nuclear Tomography Systems (defined in 21 CFR 892.1310), including: - Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) imaging systems and accessories - 511 keV Ultra-High Energy collimators (UHEC) - Attenuation Correction Devices (ACD) - Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging systems and accessories - Coincidence Imaging Devices (CID) - Nuclear Tomography Systems (NTS)

  1. Determine submission type (Special, Abbreviated or Traditional 510(k))
  2. Prepare device documentation:
    • Complete device description with specifications
    • Performance testing data according to NEMA standards
    • Software documentation
    • Safety testing results
    • Clinical images
    • Labeling materials
  3. Prepare administrative documentation:
    • 510(k) Summary/Statement
    • Indications for Use form
    • Truthful and Accurate Statement
    • Declarations of Conformity (if applicable)
  4. Conduct comparison with predicate devices:
    • Identify suitable predicates
    • Document similarities and differences
    • Provide rationale for substantial equivalence
  5. Implement quality control and maintenance procedures:
    • Develop QC protocols
    • Define maintenance schedules
    • Document radioisotope handling procedures
  6. Ensure compliance with safety requirements:
    • Electrical/mechanical safety standards
    • Radiation safety limits
    • Risk management procedures

Key Considerations

Clinical testing

  • Submit sample images from three clinical cases for SPECT, PET and CID systems
  • For UHEC: Submit sample images from three different organs (brain, lung, heart)
  • For ACD: Submit images from three clinical studies with and without ACD

Non-clinical testing

  • Performance testing according to NEMA standards (NU1 for SPECT, NU2 for PET) including:
    • Spatial resolution
    • Energy resolution
    • Spatial linearity
    • Flood field uniformity
    • Count rate sensitivity
    • Background isolation
  • For ACD: Radiation measurements and phantom testing with/without ACD
  • For UHEC: Mechanical safety testing of collimator mounting

Software

  • Moderate level of concern software documentation required including:
    • Software description and version
    • Hazard analysis
    • Requirements specifications
    • Architecture design
    • Traceability analysis
    • Validation and verification testing
    • Revision history
    • List of remaining bugs/errors

Labelling

  • Essential Prescribing Information including:
    • Device description
    • Intended use/indications
    • Contraindications, warnings, precautions
    • Quality control methods
    • Maintenance schedules
    • NRC requirements for radioisotope handling
  • Summary specification sheet
  • Promotional materials
  • User manual
  • For UHEC: Additional precautionary statements on spatial resolution
  • For ACD: Source replacement procedure

Safety

  • Electrical and mechanical safety testing per recognized standards
  • For ACD and transmission sources:
    • Leakage radiation measurements (<2 mGy/h at 5cm, <20 μGy/h at 1m)
    • Patient radiation dose estimates
  • Hazard analysis for all potential risks

Other considerations

  • NEMA NU 1: Performance Measurements of Scintillation Cameras (1994)
  • NEMA NU 2: Performance Measurements of Positron Emission Tomographs (1994)
  • IEC 60601-1: Medical Electrical Equipment, Part 1: General Requirements for Safety
  • IEC 60601-1-2: Requirements for safety; Electromagnetic Compatibility
  • EN 1441 (1997): Medical Devices – Risk Analysis
  • UL 544: Standards for Medical, Dental Equipment, 3rd edition
  • UL 2601-1: Medical Electrical Equipment, Part 1: General Requirements for Safety
  • NEMA PS3: DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine)

Original guidance

  • Content Considerations for 510k Submissions of Emission Computed Tomography and Nuclear Tomography Systems
  • HTML / PDF
  • Issue date: 1998-12-02
  • Last changed date: 2023-12-13
  • Status: FINAL
  • Official FDA topics: Medical Devices, Radiology, Premarket
  • ReguVirta summary file ID: 2c3144cbe62407e9685357a9ddec585f
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