Darshan Kulkarni delves into the recently released draft guidance by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) outlining best practices for selecting a predicate device when preparing a 510(k) submission. This guidance underscores four key considerations.

The draft guidance emphasizes the significance of technological characteristics. If the new device shares the same technological characteristics as the predicate device, the 510(k) summary should include a comprehensive summary of these features.

Design-related recalls take center stage in the FDA's recommendations. The agency discourages choosing a predicate device that has been subject to a design-related recall. If a submitter opts for such a device, they must explicitly address how they've mitigated the safety concerns that led to the recall.

Transparency and documentation constitute the third crucial consideration. The FDA stresses the need for a detailed 510(k) summary that provides a comprehensive understanding of the basis for determining substantial equivalence.

The guidance encourages the inclusion of a narrative explanation in the 510(k) summary. This narrative should elucidate the process behind selecting the predicate device, offering transparency and insight into the decision-making process.

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