21 C.F.R. Subpart F—Physical Medicine Therapeutic Devices
Title 21 - Food and Drugs
(a) Identification. A daily activity assist device is a modified adaptor or utensil (e.g., a dressing, grooming, recreational activity, transfer, eating, or homemaking aid) that is intended for medical purposes to assist a patient to perform a specific function. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. If the device is not labeled or otherwise represented as sterile, the device is also exempt from the current good manufacturing practice regulations in part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of §820.180, regarding general requirements concerning records and §820.198, regarding complaint files. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 66 FR 38817, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. An immersion hydrobath is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of water agitators and that may include a tub to be filled with water. The water temperature may be measured by a gauge. It is used in hydrotherapy to relieve pain and itching and as an aid in the healing process of inflamed and traumatized tissue, and it serves as a setting for removal of contaminated tissue. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Identification. A paraffin bath is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of a tub to be filled with liquid paraffin (wax) and maintained at an elevated temperature in which the patient's appendages (e.g., hands or fingers) are placed to relieve pain and stiffness. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Identification. A nonpowered sitz bath is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of a tub to be filled with water for use in external hydrotherapy to relieve pain or pruritis and to accelerate the healing of inflamed or traumatized tissues of the perianal and perineal areas. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. The device is also exempt from the current good manufacturing practice regulations in part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of §820.180, regarding general requirements concerning records and §820.198, regarding complaint files. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 54 FR 25052, June 12, 1989; 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. A powered patient transport is a motorized device intended for medical purposes to assist transfers of patients to and from the bath, beds, chairs, treatment modalities, transport vehicles, and up and down flights of stairs. This generic type of device does not include motorized threewheeled vehicles or wheelchairs. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Identification. An air-fluidized bed is a device employing the circulation of filtered air through ceramic spherules (small, round ceramic objects) that is intended for medical purposes to treat or prevent bedsores, to treat severe or extensive burns, or to aid circulation. (b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 59231, Nov. 3, 1998] (a) Identification. A powered flotation therapy bed is a device that is equipped with a mattress that contains a large volume of constantly moving water, air, mud, or sand. It is intended for medical purposes to treat or prevent a patient's bedsores, to treat severe or extensive burns, or to aid circulation. The mattress may be electrically heated. (b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 59231, Nov. 3, 1998] (a) Identification. A manual patient rotation bed is a device that turns a patient who is restricted to a reclining position. It is intended for medical purposes to treat or prevent bedsores, to treat severe and extensive burns, or to aid circulation. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1963, as amended at 65 FR 2322, Jan. 14, 2000] (a) Identification. A powered patient rotation bed is a device that turns a patient who is restricted to a reclining position. It is intended for medical purposes to treat or prevent bedsores, to treat severe and extensive burns, urinary tract blockage, and to aid circulation. (b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 59231, Nov. 3, 1998] (a) Identification. A moist steam cabinet is a device intended for medical purposes that delivers a flow of heated, moisturized air to a patient in an enclosed unit. It is used to treat arthritis and fibrosis (a formation of fibrosis tissue) and to increase local blood flow. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Microwave diathermy for use in applying therapeutic deep heat for selected medical conditions—(1) Identification. A microwave diathermy for use in applying therapeutic deep heat for selected medical conditions is a device that applies to specific areas of the body electromagnetic energy in the microwave frequency bands of 915 megahertz to 2,450 megahertz and that is intended to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as relief of pain, muscle spasms, and joint contractures, but not for the treatment of malignancies. (2) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (b) Microwave diathermy for all other uses—(1) Identification. A microwave diathermy for all other uses except for the treatment of malignancies is a device that applies to the body electromagnetic energy in the microwave frequency bands of 915 megahertz to 2,450 megahertz and that is intended for the treatment of medical conditions by means other than the generation of deep heat within body tissues as described in paragraph (a) of this section. (2) Classification. Class III (premarket approval). (c) Date PMA or notice of completion of PDP is required. A PMA or a notice of completion of a PDP for a device described in paragraph (b) of this section is required to be filed with the Food and Drug Administration on or before July 13, 1999, for any microwave diathermy described in paragraph (b) of this section that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or that has, on or before July 13, 1999, been found to be substantially equivalent to a microwave diathermy described in paragraph (b) of this section that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976. Any other microwave diathermy described in paragraph (b) of this section shall have an approved PMA or declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 17742, May 11, 1987; 64 FR 18331, Apr. 14, 1999] (a) Shortwave diathermy for use in applying therapeutic deep heat for selected medical conditions—(1) Identification. A shortwave diathermy for use in applying therapeutic deep heat for selected medical conditions is a device that applies to specific areas of the body electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency bands of 13 megahertz to 27.12 megahertz and that is intended to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as relief of pain, muscle spasms, and joint contractures, but not for the treatment of malignancies. (2) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (b) Shortwave diathermy for all other uses—(1) Identification. A shortwave diathermy for all other uses except for the treatment of malignancies is a device that applies to the body electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency bands of 13 megahertz to 27.12 megahertz and that is intended for the treatment of medical conditions by means other than the generation of deep heat within body tissues as described in paragraph (a) of this section. (2) Classification. Class III (premarket approval). (c) Date PMA or notice of completion of a PDP is required. No effective date has been established of the requirement for premarket approval for the device described in paragraph (b)(1). See §890.3. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 17742, May 11, 1987] (a) Ultrasonic diathermy for use in applying therapeutic deep heat for selected medical conditions—(1) Identification. An ultrasonic diathermy for use in applying therapeutic deep heat for selected medical conditions is a device that applies to specific areas of the body ultrasonic energy at a frequency beyond 20 kilohertz and that is intended to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as relief of pain, muscle spasms, and joint contractures, but not for the treatment of malignancies. (2) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (b) Ultrasonic diathermy for all other uses—(1) Identification. An ultrasonic diathermy for all other uses except for the treatment of malignancies is a device that applies to the body ultrasonic energy at a frequency beyond 20 kilohertz and that is intended for the treatment of medical conditions by means other than the generation of deep heat within body tissues as described in paragraph (a) of this section. (2) Classification. Class III (premarket approval). (c) Date PMA or notice of completion of PDP is required. A PMA or notice of completion of a PDP for a device described in paragraph (b) of this section is required to be filed with the Food and Drug Administration on or before July 13, 1999, for any ultrasonic diathermy described in paragraph (b) of this section that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or that has, on or before July 13, 1999, been found to be substantially equivalent to an ultrasonic diathermy described in paragraph (b) of this section that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976. Any other ultrasonic diathermy described in paragraph (b) of this section shall have an approved PMA or declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 17742, May 11, 1987; 64 FR 18331, Apr. 14, 1999] (a) Identification. An exercise component is a device that is used in conjunction with other forms of exercise and that is intended for medical purposes, such as to redevelope muscles or restore motion to joints or for use as an adjunct treatment for obesity. Examples include weights, dumbbells, straps, and adaptive hand mitts. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. The device is also exempt from the current good manufacturing practice regulations in part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of §820.180, regarding general requirements concerning records and §820.198, regarding complaint files. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. Measuring exercise equipment consist of manual devices intended for medical purposes, such as to redevelop muscles or restore motion to joints or for use as an adjunct treatment for obesity. These devices also include instrumentation, such as the pulse rate monitor, that provide information used for physical evaluation and physical planning purposes., Examples include a therapeutic exercise bicycle with measuring instrumentation, a manually propelled treadmill with measuring instrumentation, and a rowing machine with measuring instrumentation. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Identification. Nonmeasuring exercise equipment consist of devices intended for medical purposes, such as to redevelop muscles or restore motion to joints or for use as an adjunct treatment for obesity. Examples include a prone scooter board, parallel bars, a mechanical treadmill, an exercise table, and a manually propelled exercise bicycle. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. The device is also exempt from the current good manufacturing practice regulations in part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of §820.180, regarding general requirements concerning records and §820.198, regarding complaint files. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. Powered exercise equipment consist of powered devices intended for medical purposes, such as to redevelop muscles or restore motion to joints or for use as an adjunct treatment for obesity. Examples include a powered treadmill, a powered bicycle, and powered parallel bars. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 1125, Jan. 16, 1996; 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. A powered finger exerciser is a device intended for medical purposes to increase flexion and the extension range of motion of the joints of the second to the fifth fingers of the hand. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 1125, Jan. 16, 1996; 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. An infrared lamp is a device intended for medical purposes that emits energy at infrared frequencies (approximately 700 nanometers to 50,000 nanometers) to provide topical heating. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Iontophoresis device intended for certain specified uses—(1) Identification. An iontophoresis device is a device that is intended to use a direct current to introduce ions of soluble salts or other drugs into the body and induce sweating for use in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis or for other uses if the labeling of the drug intended for use with the device bears adequate directions for the device's use with that drug. When used in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, the sweat is collected and its composition and weight are determined. (2) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (b) Iontophoresis device intended for any other purposes—(1) Identification. An iontophoresis device is a device that is intended to use a direct current to introduce ions of soluble salts or other drugs into the body for medical purposes other than those specified in paragraph (a) of this section. (2) Classification. Class III (premarket approval). (c) Date PMA or notice of completion of a PDP is required. No effective date has been established of the requirement for premarket approval for the device described in paragraph (b)(1). See §890.3. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 17742, May 11, 1987] (a) Identification. A powered external limb overload warning device is a device intended for medical purposes to warn a patient of an overload or an underload in the amount of pressure placed on a leg. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Identification. A powered inflatable tube massager is a powered device intended for medical purposes, such as to relieve minor muscle aches and pains and to increase circulation. It simulates kneading and stroking of tissues with the hands by use of an inflatable pressure cuff. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Identification. A therapeutic massager is an electrically powered device intended for medical purposes, such as to relieve minor muscle aches and pains. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 1125, Jan. 16, 1996; 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. A cold pack is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of a compact fabric envelope containing a specially hydrated pliable silicate gel capable of forming to the contour of the body and that provides cold therapy for body surfaces. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807. The device also is exempt from the current good manufacturing practice regulations in part 820, with the exception of §820.180, with respect to general requirements concerning records, and §820.198, with respect to complaint files. (a) Identification. A hot or cold disposable pack is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of a sealed plastic bag incorporating chemicals that, upon activation, provides hot or cold therapy for body surfaces. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). Except when intended for use on infants, the device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1963, as amended at 65 FR 2322, Jan. 14, 2000] (a) Identification. A water circulating hot or cold pack is a device intended for medical purposes that operates by pumping heated or chilled water through a plastic bag and that provides hot or cold therapy for body surfaces. (b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 59231, Nov. 3, 1998] (a) Identification. A moist heat pack is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of silica gel in a fabric container used to retain an elevated temperature and that provides moist heat therapy for body surfaces. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. The device is also exempt from the current good manufacturing practice regulations in part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of §820.180, regarding general requirements concerning records and §820.198, regarding complaint files. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. A powered heating pad is an electrical device intended for medical purposes that provides dry heat therapy for body surfaces. It is capable of maintaining an elevated temperature during use. (b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E part 807 of this chapter subject to §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 59231, Nov. 3, 1998] (a) Identification. A presssure-applying device is a device intended for medical purposes to apply continuous pressure to the paravertebral tissues for muscular relaxation and neuro-inhibition. It consists of a table with an adjustable overhead weight that, in place of the therapist's hands, presses on the back of a prone patient. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 59 FR 63015, Dec. 7, 1994; 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. A powered muscle stimulator is an electrically powered device intended for medical purposes that repeatedly contracts muscles by passing electrical currents through electrodes contacting the affected body area. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Ultrasound and muscle stimulator for use in applying therapeutic deep heat for selected medical conditions—(1) Identification. An ultrasound and muscle stimulator for use in applying therapeutic deep heat for selected medical conditions is a device that applies to specific areas of the body ultrasonic energy at a frequency beyond 20 kilohertz and that is intended to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as relief of pain, muscle spasms, and joint contractures, but not for the treatment of malignancies. The device also passes electrical currents through the body area to stimulate or relax muscles. (2) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (b) Ultrasound and muscle stimulator for all other uses—(1) Identification. An ultrasound and muscle stimulator for all other uses except for the treatment of malignancies is a device that applies to the body ultrasonic energy at a frequency beyond 20 kilohertz and applies to the body electrical currents and that is intended for the treatment of medical conditions by means other than the generation of deep heat within body tissues and the stimulation or relaxation of muscles as described in paragraph (a) of this section. (2) Classification. Class III (premarket approval). (c) Date PMA or notice of completion of PDP is required. A PMA or notice of completion of a PDP for a device described in paragraph (b) of this section is required to be filed with the Food and Drug Administration on or before July 13, 1999 for any ultrasound and muscle stimulator described in paragraph (b) of this section that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or that has, on or before July 13, 1999, been found to be substantially equivalent to an ultrasound and muscle stimulator described in paragraph (b) of this section that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976. Any other ultrasound and muscle stimulator described in paragraph (b) of this section shall have an approved PMA or declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 17742, May 11, 1987; 64 FR 18331, Apr. 14, 1999] (a) Identification. A multi-function physical therapy table is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of a motorized table equipped to provide patients with heat, traction, and muscle relaxation therapy. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Identification. Powered traction equipment consists of powered devices intended for medical purposes for use in conjunction with traction accessories, such as belts and harnesses, to exert therapeutic pulling forces on the patient's body. (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). (a) Identification. A traction accessory is a nonpowered accessory device intended for medical purposes to be used with powered traction equipment to aid in exerting therapeutic pulling forces on the patient's body. This generic type of device includes the pulley, strap, head halter, and pelvic belt. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. The device is also exempt from the current good manufacturing practice regulations in part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of §820.180, regarding general requirements concerning records and §820.198, regarding complaint files. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 1125, Jan. 16, 1996; 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. A chilling unit is a refrigerative device intended for medical purposes to chill and maintain cold packs at a reduced temperature. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9 [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 1125, Jan. 16, 1996; 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. A powered heating unit is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of an encased cabinet containing hot water and that is intended to heat and maintain hot packs at an elevated temperature. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 1125, Jan. 16, 1996; 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001] (a) Identification. A therapeutic vibrator is an electrically powered device intended for medical purposes that incorporates various kinds of pads and that is held in the hand or attached to the hand or to a table. It is intended for various uses, such as relaxing muscles and relieving minor aches and pains. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in §890.9. [48 FR 53047, Nov. 23, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 1125, Jan. 16, 1996; 66 FR 38818, July 25, 2001]
Title 21: Food and Drugs
PART 890—PHYSICAL MEDICINE DEVICES
Subpart F—Physical Medicine Therapeutic Devices
§ 890.5050 Daily activity assist device.
§ 890.5100 Immersion hydrobath.
§ 890.5110 Paraffin bath.
§ 890.5125 Nonpowered sitz bath.
§ 890.5150 Powered patient transport.
§ 890.5160 Air-fluidized bed.
§ 890.5170 Powered flotation therapy bed.
§ 890.5180 Manual patient rotation bed.
§ 890.5225 Powered patient rotation bed.
§ 890.5250 Moist steam cabinet.
§ 890.5275 Microwave diathermy.
§ 890.5290 Shortwave diathermy.
§ 890.5300 Ultrasonic diathermy.
§ 890.5350 Exercise component.
§ 890.5360 Measuring exercise equipment.
§ 890.5370 Nonmeasuring exercise equipment.
§ 890.5380 Powered exercise equipment.
§ 890.5410 Powered finger exerciser.
§ 890.5500 Infrared lamp.
§ 890.5525 Iontophoresis device.
§ 890.5575 Powered external limb overload warning device.
§ 890.5650 Powered inflatable tube massager.
§ 890.5660 Therapeutic massager.
§ 890.5700 Cold pack.
§ 890.5710 Hot or cold disposable pack.
§ 890.5720 Water circulating hot or cold pack.
§ 890.5730 Moist heat pack.
§ 890.5740 Powered heating pad.
§ 890.5765 Presssure-applying device.
§ 890.5850 Powered muscle stimulator.
§ 890.5860 Ultrasound and muscle stimulator.
§ 890.5880 Multi-function physical therapy table.
§ 890.5900 Power traction equipment.
§ 890.5925 Traction accessory.
§ 890.5940 Chilling unit.
§ 890.5950 Powered heating unit.
§ 890.5975 Therapeutic vibrator.
