  |
|
 |
|
FDA Home Page | Federal-State | Import Program | Compliance | Inspection | Science | ORA Search  | ||
BACKGROUND:
The FDA has stated that NBS Commercial Standard CS 1-52, which became a Voluntary
Product Standard PS 39-70, would be used as the basis for regulatory action against
clinical thermometers (mercury-in-glass, reusable). The voluntary standard has now
developed into an ASTM Standard E 667-81. The following criteria reflect this updated
material.
POLICY:
If clinical thermometers are found to be outside the specifications for accuracy as
found in the ASTM E 667-81 Standard they will be considered to be violative.
REGULATORY ACTION GUIDANCE:
The following represents criteria for direct reference seizure to *the Division of Compliance Management and Operations (HFC-210):*
Sample Size Defects
15 2 or more
24 3 or more
A clinical thermometer is considered defective for accuracy if the following accuracy
cannot be met. (Round to one decimal place)
Celsius Scale Fahrenheit Scale
Less than 35.80C 0.30C Less than 96.40F 0.40F
35.80C to 37.00C 0.20C 96.40F to 98.00F 0.30F
37.00C to 39.00C 0.10C 98.00F to 102.00F 0.20F
39.00C to 41.00C 0.20C 102.00F to 10600F 0.30F
Greater than 41.00C 0.30C Greater than 106.00F 0.40F
SPECIMEN CHARGES:
That the article of device is adulterated when introduced into and while in interstate commerce within the meaning of 21 U.S.C. 351(c) in that its quality falls below that which it purports or is represented to possess.
That the article of device is misbranded when introduced into and while in interstate
commerce (or after receipt in interstate commerce if applicable) within the meaning of 21
U.S.C. 352(a) in that the label statements "Accurate", "Dependable",
"Easy Reading", and "*** this thermometer conforms to all of the
requirements established in ASTM Standard E 667-81" are false *or* misleading or are
otherwise contrary to fact.
*Material between asterisks is new or revised*
Issued: 1/1/73
Reissued: 10/1/80 7/18/94
Revised: 9/24/87, 3/95