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Marketing Clearance Requirements for Diagnostic Ultrasound Systems and Transducers

This guidance provides detailed recommendations for 510(k) submissions for diagnostic ultrasound systems and transducers. It covers: - Diagnostic ultrasound devices in radiology, cardiovascular, and obstetrics/gynecology applications - Requirements for acoustic output, safety features, and labeling - Two regulatory approaches: Track 1 (without Output Display Standard) and Track 3 (with Output Display Standard) - Modifications to legally marketed devices that may not require new 510(k)

  1. Determine appropriate regulatory track (Track 1 or 3) based on device features
  2. Implement and validate:
    • Acoustic output measurements and controls
    • Safety features and alarms
    • Cleaning/disinfection procedures
    • Software verification and validation
    • Quality control procedures
  3. Prepare documentation:
    • Complete device description
    • Test reports and validation data
    • Risk analysis
    • Labeling and user materials
    • Software documentation
  4. Develop:
    • User training materials
    • Quality control procedures
    • Service procedures
    • Record keeping systems
  5. Establish ongoing:
    • Production testing protocols
    • Statistical quality control
    • Complaint handling procedures
    • Post-market surveillance
  6. Submit:
    • 510(k) with complete documentation
    • Responses to any FDA questions
    • Updates for significant changes

Key Considerations

Non-clinical testing

  • Acoustic output measurements and validation
  • Measurement of mechanical and thermal indices
  • Statistical analysis of measurement data
  • Validation of cleaning, disinfection and sterilization procedures
  • Electrical safety testing according to standards

Human Factors

  • Implementation of user interface features for acoustic output display and control
  • ALARA education program for clinical end-users
  • Clear instructions for use and warnings in labeling

Software

  • Software documentation based on Level of Concern
  • Validation of software changes
  • Cybersecurity considerations for networked devices
  • Documentation for off-the-shelf software

Cybersecurity

  • Information on cybersecurity aspects for networked devices
  • Compliance with FDA cybersecurity guidance
  • Special considerations for devices with off-the-shelf software

Labeling

  • Indications for use statement
  • Warnings and precautions
  • Acoustic output information
  • Cleaning/disinfection instructions
  • Clinical applications and limitations
  • User manual with complete operating instructions

Biocompatibility

  • Evaluation of patient-contacting materials
  • Documentation of material composition
  • Testing according to ISO 10993-1
  • Validation data for reprocessed devices

Safety

  • Electrical safety testing to IEC 60601-1
  • Electromagnetic compatibility testing
  • Temperature limits for invasive probes
  • Protection against excessive acoustic output
  • Transducer element integrity checks

Other considerations

  • IEC 60601-1: Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance
  • IEC 60601-1-2: Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: EMC requirements and tests
  • IEC 60601-2-37: Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-37: Requirements for ultrasonic medical diagnostic equipment
  • IEC 62359: Ultrasonics - Field characterization - Test methods for thermal and mechanical indices
  • ISO 10993-1: Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing

Original guidance

  • Marketing Clearance Requirements for Diagnostic Ultrasound Systems and Transducers
  • HTML / PDF
  • Issue date: 2023-02-21
  • Last changed date: 2023-02-21
  • Status: FINAL
  • Official FDA topics: Radiation-Emitting Products, Medical Devices, 510(k), Premarket, Radiological Health, Radiology
  • ReguVirta summary file ID: b5c681772f229950f1618872a8044655
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.