Regulatory Affairs • US FDA

510(k) Submission - Risk Analysis & Performance Summary

Published • • 9 min read

Updating the Special 510(k) to require e-IFU and paper copy distribution to EU countries showed that 510(k) risk analysis and performance test summaries have to be written to the template CDRH actually expects, or the submission comes back with a deficiency letter over formatting, not substance.

Updating the Special 510(k) to require e-IFU and paper copy distribution to EU countries meant the risk analysis and performance summary sections had to be written to the template CDRH actually expects, not just updated for the new distribution requirement.

Distribution changes don't lower the formatting bar

Adding an e-IFU and paper copy distribution requirement for EU countries is a labeling logistics change. It doesn't reduce what CDRH expects from the risk analysis and performance summary sections sitting alongside it.

Delivering the updated submission required:
  • Comparing the subject device against the predicate device's cleared indications and technological characteristics
  • Citing FDA guidance directly
  • Organizing supporting data (risk analysis, performance testing, labeling) into the applicable submission exhibits

What an incomplete comparison risks

An FDA Refuse-to-Accept or Additional Information request triggered by an incomplete substantial equivalence comparison or a missing required exhibit is the direct cost of treating the update as a formality.

What the update delivered

Delivering the risk analysis summary and performance test template required for the 510(k) submission kept the Special 510(k) current, e-IFU and paper copy requirement included.

The Real Takeaway

510(k) risk analysis and performance test summaries have to be written to the template CDRH actually expects.

Otherwise the submission comes back with a deficiency letter over formatting, not substance.

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