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Surgical Gowns and Surgical Drapes - Performance Testing and Labeling Requirements

This guidance establishes the 510(k) review requirements for surgical gowns and surgical drapes, which are devices intended to protect both surgical patients and operating room personnel from transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material during surgical procedures. The guidance excludes surgical suits/scrub suits and surgical masks.

  1. Prepare comprehensive device description including all models and variations
  2. Develop and validate testing protocols for barrier performance
  3. Conduct biocompatibility testing if using new materials/dyes
  4. Prepare detailed labeling meeting all requirements
  5. Document comparison to legally marketed predicate device(s)
  6. For sterile devices, establish and validate sterilization processes
  7. Prepare SMDA safety and effectiveness information
  8. Ensure compliance with all applicable standards
  9. For reusable devices, validate reprocessing instructions
  10. For kits, prepare additional required certifications and component documentation

Key Considerations

Non-clinical testing

  • Must demonstrate effective barrier performance for minimizing microorganism passage between sterile and non-sterile areas
  • Physical specifications testing (weave, thread count, weight, thickness, resistance to blood/liquid penetration, tear resistance)
  • Mechanical specifications testing (strength, durability through processing cycles)
  • Performance testing according to relevant standards (ASTM, AATCC methods)

Labelling

  • Must include contents, size, quantity, conditions of use
  • For sterile products: sterility statement and warnings
  • For reusable items: reprocessing instructions including laundering and sterilization
  • Lot/batch numbers
  • Specific warnings/cautions regarding flammability
  • Must meet 21 CFR Part 801 requirements

Biocompatibility

  • Materials must be biocompatible according to Tripartite Biocompatibility Guidance or ISO 194
  • Categorized as External, Breached or Compromised Surface, Short-Term
  • Additional testing may be needed for new colors/dyes

Safety

  • Must be lint-free
  • Free of toxic ingredients
  • Non-fast dyes not permitted
  • Must meet fire protection requirements
  • For sterile devices: SAL of 10^-6 required

Other considerations

  • NFPA 702: Standards for the Use of Inhalation Anesthetics
  • ASTM ES-21-1992: Standard Test Method for Resistance of Protective Clothing Materials to Synthetic Blood
  • ASTM ES-22-1992: Test Method for Resistance of Protective Clothing Materials to Penetration by Bloodborne Pathogens
  • ASTM D737-75: Air Permeability
  • AATCC 127-1989: Water Resistance: Hydrostatic Pressure Test
  • AATCC 61-1989: Colorfastness to Laundering
  • ASTM D1424: Elemendorf Tear
  • ASTM D1682: Grab Tensile/Elongation

Original guidance

  • Surgical Gowns and Surgical Drapes - Performance Testing and Labeling Requirements
  • HTML / PDF
  • Issue date: 1993-08-01
  • Last changed date: 2020-03-17
  • Status: FINAL
  • Official FDA topics: Medical Devices, 510(k), Premarket
  • ReguVirta summary file ID: d241ca6070cd45d6bb1a03c613745e62
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