FAQ

What is the FDA clearance process important?

The FDA clearance process is critical for several reasons, primarily centered on
ensuring public health and safety. Overall, the FDA clearance process is essential
for maintaining high standards in the medical device industry, ensuring that devices
are safe and effective for public use.

What is required for a med device to obtain OTC clearance? 

  • Obtaining U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) clearance for a medical device involves several steps and requirements set by the US FDA.
  • Some of the steps include the following: device classification, pre-submission and regulatory pathway, product development, testing and validation, labeling and instructions for use, quality management system, 510(k) submission, FDA review and clearance, post-market surveillance, marketing and distribution.

How are Health & Wellness medical devices different than a device that has OTC clearance by the FDA? 

Health & wellness devices are not regulated by the FDA. They focus on general well-being only. OTC medical devices undergo a rigorous FDA clearance process to demonstrate that they are safe and effective for specific medical uses. This difference impacts how these devices are marketed, sold, and monitored in the market.

What is the difference between OTC and prescription?

  • The difference between OTC (Over-The-Counter) and prescription medical devices primarily revolves around accessibility, regulatory requirements, and the level of medical supervision needed for their use.
  • OTC devices can be directly purchased by consumers without a prescription from a healthcare provider. They are available at pharmacies, grocery stores, online retailers, and other general retail outlets.
  • Prescription devices can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. They are usually dispensed by a pharmacy or a medical supply company and may require professional fitting or setup.

How to know if the device is clean?

  • The display screen should be clear and readable.
  • The surfaces should not be soiled, dirty, dusty, or sticky.
  • The finger slot should not have any signs of soiling or dirt or nail polish residue.
  • If the device still appears dirty after cleaning, repeat cleaning steps.
  • If the device is still dirty after repeated cleaning, the device may need to be discarded.