About Predicate Device (Medical Device)

A Premarket Notification [510(k)] is a premarketing submission made to FDA to demonstrate that the device to be marketed is safe and effective by proving substantial equivalence (SE) to a legally marketed device (predicate device) that is not subject to Premarket Approval (PMA). Submitters must compare their 510(k) device to a similar legally marketed U.S. device(s). A device recently cleared under 510(k) is usually used as a predicate device.

The legally marketed device(s) to which equivalence is drawn is known as the predicate device(s).

A claim of substantial equivalence does not mean the device(s) must be identical.Substantial equivalence is established with respect to: intended use, design, energy used or delivered, materials, performance, safety, effectiveness, labeling, biocompatibility, standards, and other applicable characteristics. You can claim SE to either a preamendments or postamendments device that is or was legally marketed. Legally marketed means that the predicate cannot be one that is or was in violation of the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. An applicant may claim SE to a device that is no longer being marketed in the U.S.

Source: FDA