The NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strip (single species Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC® 7953, product code STS-05R, or dual species Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC® 7953 and Bacillus atrophaeus ATCC® 9372, product code STNS-65R) is intended for use in testing the efficacy of chemiclave sterilization. Performance characteristics are established for exposure at 132ºC for 20 minutes in a MDT Harvey Chemiclave model EC5500 chemiclave sterilizer. Vapo-Steril Solution is the sterilant utilized in the MDT Harvey Chemiclave sterilizer. The solution was cleared under 510(k) number K984270. The validation load used for evaluation of the device performance characteristics consisted of stainless steel dental instruments in a wrapped tray with a mass of 1 kg. A reduced incubation time of 72 hours for chemiclave sterilization at 132°C has been validated when the Biological Indicator Spore Strips are used in conjunction with Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) modified with Bromocresol Purple and incubated at 58° - 62°C.
Device Story
Biological indicator consisting of 1.25" x 0.25" filter paper strip inoculated with Geobacillus stearothermophilus (or dual species with Bacillus atrophaeus) spores; packaged in glassine pouch. Used in dental/small healthcare offices to verify chemiclave sterilization efficacy. User places strip in most difficult area to sterilize; processes load; aseptically transfers strip to growth medium (Tryptic Soy Broth); incubates. Growth (turbidity or color change from purple to yellow) indicates sterilization failure; absence of growth indicates effective cycle. Validated for 72-hour reduced incubation time at 58-62°C using modified TSB. Provides objective verification of sterilization process performance.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Studies included: D-value determination (124°C-140°C) using fraction negative method; survival-kill window verification (5 min survival/15 min kill); population verification; reduced incubation time (72 hours) validation; load/chamber evaluation (1 kg stainless steel dental instruments); carrier/packaging material suitability; and post-exposure holding time assessment (up to 96 hours). Results demonstrate performance equivalent to predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Filter paper strip (1.25" x 0.25") inoculated with bacterial spores; packaged in 30# glassine pouch. Sensing principle: biological indicator (spore death). Energy source: none (passive). Connectivity: none. Sterilization: device is intended to be used as a monitor for sterilization processes. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use in dental or small healthcare offices to verify the efficacy of chemiclave sterilization processes (132°C for 20 minutes) by monitoring the destruction of Geobacillus stearothermophilus (and Bacillus atrophaeus for dual species) bacterial spores.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Biological sterilization process indicator: A device intended for use by a health care provider to accompany products being sterilized through a sterilization procedure and to monitor adequacy of sterilization. The device consists of a known number of microorganisms, of known resistance to the mode of sterilization, in or on a carrier and enclosed in a protective package. Subsequent growth or failure of the microorganisms to grow under suitable conditions indicates the adequacy of sterilization. Physical/chemical sterilization process indicator: A device intended for use by a health care provider to accompany products being sterilized through a sterilization procedure and to monitor one or more parameters of the sterilization process. The adequacy of the sterilization conditions as measured by these parameters is indicated by a visible change in the device.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol of three human profiles facing to the right, arranged in a cascading manner.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
September 9, 2014
North American Science Assoc., Inc. Ms. Julie Wheeler General Manager 6750 Wales Rd. Northwood, Ohio 43619
Re: K141244
> Trade/Device Name: NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strips Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.2800 Regulation Name: Indicator/Biological Sterilization Process Indicator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FRC Dated: August 8, 2014 Received: August 12, 2014
Dear Ms. Wheeler,
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug. and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA), You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Tejashri S. Purohitsheth -S Tejashri Purohit-Sheth, M.D. DAGRID/ODE/CDRH 2014.09.09 17:28:18 -04'00'
Erin Keith Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control, and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K141244
Device Name NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strip
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strip (single species Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC® 7953, product code STS-05R, or dual species Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC® 7953 and Bacillus atrophaeus ATCC® 9372. product code STNS-65R) is intended for use in testing the efficacy of chemiclave sterilization.
Performance characteristics are established for exposure at 132ºC for 20 minutes in a MDT Harvey Chemiclave model EC5500 chemiclave sterilizer. Vapo-Steril Solution is the sterilant utilized in the MDT Harvey Chemiclave sterilizer. The solution was cleared under 510(k) number K984270. The validation load used for evaluation of the device performance characteristics consisted of stainless steel dental instruments in a wrapped tray with a mass of 1 kg.
A reduced incubation time of 72 hours for chemiclave sterilization at 132°C has been validated when the Biological Indicator Spore Strips are used in conjunction with Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) modified with Bromocresol Purple and incubated at 58° - 62°C.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image features the word "NAMSA" in a bold, sans-serif font. The letters are white, contrasting against a dark blue background. A small trademark symbol is located to the right of the letter A.
PEOPLE > SCIENCE > SOLUT
| UTIONS | USA Corporate<br>Headquarters | California | Ohio |
|--------|-------------------------------|--------------------------|-----------------------|
| | 6750 Wales Rd | 9 Morgan | 6750 Wales Rd |
| | Northwood, Ohio 43619 | Irvine, California 92618 | Northwood, Ohio 43619 |
| | T 866.666.9455 (toll<br>free) | T 949.951.3110 | T 866.666.9455 |
| | F 419.662.4386 | F 949.951.3280 | F 419.662.4386 |
# 510(k) Summary
### ഗ്ര
| Submitter: | NAMSA<br>6750 Wales Road<br>Northwood, Ohio 43619<br>P: 419.666.9455<br>F: 419.666.1715<br>E: info@namsa.com |
|-----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contacts: | Julie Wheeler<br>General Manager, NAMSA Products<br>419.662.4488<br>jwheeler@namsa.com<br><br>Michelle Adamski<br>Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Manager, NAMSA Products<br>419.662.4829<br>madamski@namsa.com |
| Prepared on: | April 4, 2014 |
| Device Trade Name: | NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strips |
| Common Name: | Indicator/Biological Sterilization Process Indicator |
| Classification Name: | Class II Medical Device, FDA Product Code FRC, General Hospital (21 CFR 880.2800) |
| Predicate Device:<br>(Legally Marketed) | Raven Bacterial Spore Strips |
| Predicate Device 510(k) Numbers: | K912796, K020026 and K050591 |
| Description: | The Biological Indicator Spore Strips are typically used in a dental office but may be used<br>by other small healthcare offices which utilize chemiclave processes to sterilize<br>instruments. The spore strips are utilized to verify the chemiclave exposures were<br>effective at killing the <i>Geobacillus stearothermophilus</i> bacterial spores present on the<br>strips in high volume.<br><br>Modification to K113221 are to include chemiclave sterilization at 132°C for 20 minutes in<br>a Harvey model EC5500. The predicate device was not specific to sterilizer type or model<br>number but rather is legally marketed for use in monitoring the chemiclave process.<br>Specificity of the chemiclave model in no way affects the safety or effectiveness of the |
device.
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NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strips are easy to use; simply place the spore strips in the most difficult area to sterilize and process the load as normal. After exposure, remove the spore strips and aseptically transfer to growth medium and incubated. After incubation if no signs of bacterial growth are present, the sterilization cycle was effect.
The spore strips may be aseptically transferred to standard media such as Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) and incubated for a minimum of 7 days. Growth will be indicated by the presence of turbidity. Conversely, the strips may be cultured using TSB which has been modified with a pH indicator (Bromocresol Purple) for a reduced incubation time of 72 hours. Growth will be indicated by a change in color of the media from purple to yellow and/or presence of turbidity.
Biological Indicator Spore Strips consist of a 1.25" x 0.25" filter paper strip which has been inoculated with either single species (Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC® 7953 at a population level of 105 per strip), or dual species (Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC® 7953 at a population level of 105 and Bacillus atrophaeus ATCC® 9372 at a population level of 106 per strip). The spore strips are individually packaged in a 30# glassine pouch.
### Intended Use:
The NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strip (single species Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC® 7953, product code STS-05R, or dual species Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC® 7953 and Bacillus atrophaeus ATCC® 9372, product code STNS-65R) is intended for use in testing the efficacy of chemiclave sterilization.
Performance characteristics are established for exposure at 132℃ for 20 minutes in a MDT Harvey Chemiclave model EC5500 chemiclave sterilizer. Vapo-Steril Solution is the sterilant utilized in the MDT Harvey Chemiclave sterilizer. The solution was FDA cleared under 510(k) number K984270. The validation load used for evaluation of the device performance characteristics consisted of stainless steel dental instruments in a wrapped tray with a mass of 1 kg.
A reduced incubation time of 72 hours for chemiclave sterilization at 132℃ has been validated when the Biological Indicator Spore Strips are used in conjunction with Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) modified with Bromocresol Purple and incubated at 58° - 62°C.
#### Summary of Technological Characteristics:
The NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strip has the following similarities related to the technological characteristics of those legally marketed under 510(k) numbers K912796, K020026 and K050591:
| | New Device | Predicate Device |
|------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Technological Characteristic | NAMSA Spore Strip | Raven Bacterial Spore Strip |
| Product Type | Biological Indicator | Biological Indicator |
| Intended Use | Chemiclave 132°C for 20 minutes,<br>Harvey Model EC5500 | Chemiclave at 132°C |
| Design/Materials | | |
| Construction | Paper spore strip in glassine | Paper spore strip in glassine |
| Organism | <i>G. stearothermophilus</i> , ATCC® 7953 | <i>G. stearothermophilus</i> , ATCC® 7953 |
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| Viable Spore Population | 105/strip | 105/strip |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Certified Resistance<br>Characteristics | Dvalue at 132°C: 1.0 to 3.0 Minutes<br>Survival - Kill Windows at 132 °C:<br>5 minute Survival, 15 Minute Kill | Dvalue at 132°C: 1.0 to 3.0 Minutes<br>Survival - Kill Windows at 132 °C:<br>5 minute Survival, 15 Minute Kill |
| Incubation Temperature | 60°±2°C | 60°±2°C |
| Readout Time<br>in Modified Culture Medium<br>(TSB with Bromocresol purple) | 72 hours | 72 hours |
| Shelf Life | 18 Months | Minimum of 18 Months |
The technological characteristics of the NAMSA Bl spore strip are very similar to those of the predicate device in terms of design, materials, performance and principles of operation. The NAMSA Bl spore strips have a more specific intended use by inclusion of the specific cycle and conditions; along with more defined resistance characteristics through a certified Dyalue associated with the specific intended use conditions.
## Description of Testing:
In accordance with FDA recognized consensus standards and quidance documents applicable for chemiclave sterilization processes and based on the label claims of the following tests were performed to verify the performance of NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strip was substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
- Survival-Kill Window
- o The certified chemiclave resistance characteristics of the predicate device, survival time of 5 minutes and kill time of 15 minutes, was verified in conjunction with NAMSA's device to demonstrate equivalence.
- Population
- 0 NAMSA's Biological Indicator Spore Strips were evaluated to confirm equivalent population levels to the predicate device
- Readout Time ●
- NAMSA's Biological Indicator Spore Strips were evaluated to confirm equivalent reduced o incubation times to the predicate device
The following studies were performed to characterize the performance of NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strips for use in the stated chemiclave sterilization cycle:
- . Resistance Characterization
- Chemiclave Dvalue Determination at 124 °C,132 °C, 140 °C o
- Dvalues at each of the temperatures were determined using the Fraction Negative Method. NAMSA determined that the temperature range can vary from 124 °- 140°C in a standard chemiclave sterilizer when ran at the standard 132℃ cycle for 20 minutes.
- Chemiclave Dvalue Verifications at 124 °C.132°C. 140°C Using Expired Vapo-Steril Solution O To ensure that the resistance characteristics of NAMSA's device were addressed for the Vapo-Steril solution at the full extent of the Vapo-Steril solution's claimed shelf life. NAMSA evaluated the Dvalues for three lots of the device over the full temperature range at the end of the shelf life the Vapo-Steril solution.
{6}------------------------------------------------
- റ Verification of Survival-Kill Windows at End of Device Shelf Life The certified chemiclave resistance characteristics of the predicate device, survival time of 5 minutes and kill time of 15 minutes, were verified with NAMSA's device at the end of the shelf life to demonstrate the device performs as expected beyond the end of the shelf life.
- Load/Chamber Evaluation Studies
- Claimed Sterilization Cycles O
To verify that the sterilization load would not negatively influence the effective sterilization chamber conditions and performance of the device. NAMSA conducted a study to verify the performance of the subject device in a full chamber. The validation load used for evaluation of the device performance characteristics consisted of stainless steel dental instruments in a wrapped tray with a mass of 1 kg.
- Quantitative Determination of the Pre-Exposure Phase Lethality of the Chemiclave Process o The study quantified the number of spores killed prior to initiation of the exposure phase (pre exposure) across the possible range of load conditions and temperature extremes.
- Carrier and Primary Packaging Material Evaluation The suitability of the carrier and primary packaging materials for the intended sterilization processes was determined through evaluation of the inhibitory properties on growth of Geobacillus stearothermophilus after sterilization. Neither the primary carrier or packaging material high levels of absorption of sterilant or degradative changes during the chemiclave sterilization process.
- . Holding Time Assessment
The intent of the study was to verify that Bls not processed (transferred to growth medium and incubated) immediately following exposure are not negatively impacted. The Bls are not impacted if left at room temperature for 96 hours prior to transfer to growth medium.
- . Recovery Protocols - Reduced Incubation Time (RIT)
- Determination of Reduced Incubation for Chemiclave Sterilization Process (Modified TSB) with O Delayed Incubation Post-Exposure The 72 hour RIT claim for chemiclave sterilization was determined to be still valid even when the
Spore Strips are held for 96 hours post-exposure prior to transferring to growth medium.
In summary, the data provided demonstrates NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strip is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. The test results support a determination of substantial equivalence to the legally marketed predicate device, as well as demonstrate the NAMSA Biological Indicator Spore Strip is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as or better than the predicate device.
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1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
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Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
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Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
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Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
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Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.