The Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer, Model IR1DR1-1 device, is an electronic clinical thermometer using an infrared sensor to detect body temperature from the auditory canal in the neonatal, pediatric and adult population used in the home setting.
Device Story
Device is an electronic infrared ear thermometer for home use. It utilizes a thermopile sensor to detect natural thermal radiation from the tympanic membrane and surrounding auditory canal tissue. Infrared energy is captured by a lens, converted into temperature values by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and displayed on an LCD. Features include a position indication system to assist with probe placement and an elevated temperature alarm (audible beeps if >37.5°C). Operated by the user via Start and O/I keys. Output is a digital temperature reading used by the patient or caregiver to monitor body temperature. Benefits include non-invasive, rapid temperature assessment.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical validation conducted per ASTM E1965-98 and IEC 80601-2-56. Studies evaluated clinical uncertainty and clinical repeatability of the IR1DR1-1. Results demonstrated the device meets performance requirements for accuracy and repeatability in the intended population.
Technological Characteristics
Infrared thermopile sensor (TPS23B); lens-based optical system; ASIC-based processing; LCD display with backlight; 3.0V battery power. Dimensions: 7.3mm tip width. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: Not applicable (non-sterile). Software: Embedded firmware for temperature calculation and position indication.
Indications for Use
Indicated for neonatal, pediatric, and adult populations for body temperature measurement via the auditory canal in a home setting.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A clinical electronic thermometer is a device used to measure the body temperature of a patient by means of a transducer coupled with an electronic signal amplification, conditioning, and display unit. The transducer may be in a detachable probe with or without a disposable cover.
Special Controls
(1) Device is not a clinical thermometer with telethermographic functions;
(2) Device is not a clinical thermometer with continuous temperature measurement functions; and
(3) Appropriate analysis and testing (such as that outlined in the currently FDA-recognized editions, as appropriate, of ISO 80601-2-56, “Medical electrical equipment—Part 2-56: Particular requirements for basic safety and essential performance of clinical thermometers for body temperature measurement,” or ASTM E1965, “Standard Specification for Infrared Thermometers for Intermittent Determination of Patient Temperature,” or ASTM E1112, “Standard Specification for Electronic Thermometer for Intermittent Determination of Patient Temperature,” or ASTM E1104, “Standard Specification for Clinical Thermometer Probe Covers and Sheaths”) must validate specifications and performance of the device.
Predicate Devices
Microlife Digital Infrared Ear thermometer, Model IR1DE1-1 (K034023)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
July 20, 2017
Microlife Intellectual Property GmbH % Susan Goldstein-Falk MDI Consultants. Inc. 55 Northern Boulevard Suite 200 Great Neck, New York 11021
Re: K170219
Trade/Device Name: Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer, Model IR1DR1-1 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.2910 Regulation Name: Clinical Electronic Thermometer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FLL Dated: June 1, 2017 Received: June 1, 2017
Dear Ms. Goldstein-Falk:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply
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with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely,
# Tara A. Ryan -S
for Lori Wiggins Acting Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control, and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K170219
Device Name
Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer, Model IR1DR1-1
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer, Model IR 1 device, is an electronic clinical thermometer using an infrared sensor to detect body temperature from the auditory canal in the neonatal, pediation used in the home setting.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="text-decoration: underline;">☐</span> Research Use (Part 21 CFR 201. Subject to Review) | <span style="text-decoration: underline;">☒</span> Gene Therapy Studies (21 CFR 201. Subject to Review) |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
__ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
|X | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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## K170219 510(K) SUMMARY
| Manufacturer's Name: | Microlife Intellectual Property GmbH, Switzerland<br>Espenstrasse 139<br>9443 Widnau / Switzerland |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Corresponding Official: | Mr. Gerhard Frick<br>Vice President of Technical and Service |
| Telephone Number: | Microlife Intellectual Property GmbH, Switzerland<br>+41 79 216 0070 |
| Email: | gerhard.frick@microlife.ch |
| Preparation Date: | July 13, 2017 |
| Trade Name: | Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer, Model IR1DR1- |
| Common or Usual Name: | Clinical Electronic Thermometer |
| Regulation Name:<br>Regulation Number:<br>Product Code:<br>Device Class: | Clinical Electronic Thermometer<br>21 CFR 880.2910<br>FLL<br>Class II |
| Primary Predicate Device: | K034023 Microlife Digital Infrared Ear thermometer, Model<br>IR1DE1-1 |
#### Device Description:
The Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer, Model IR1DR1-1 is an electronic thermometer using an infrared sensor (thermopile) to detect body temperature from the auditory canal. Its operation is based on measuring the natural thermal radiation emanating from the tympanic membrane and the adjacent surfaces.
Mode of operation:
The unit measures the infrared energy emitting from the middle ear and the surrounding tissue. This energy is absorbed by lenses and converted into temperature values.
The Microlife Digital Infrared Ear thermometer, Model IR1DR1-1, consists of the following parts: a) Thermopile Sensor b) Application-Specific Integrated Circuit d) Lens
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e) LCD and Backlight f) 2 Keys (Start key, O/I key) g) 1 battery 3.0V
The new Model IR1DR1-1 has the same intended use and temperature measurement fundamental algorithm as the predicate device 510(k) K034023 Microlife Model IR1DE1-1.
## Indications For Use
The Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer, Model IR1DR1-1 device, is an electronic clinical thermometer using an infrared sensor to detect body temperature from the auditory canal in the neonatal, pediatric and adult population used in the home setting.
# Substantial Equivalence Discussion
Both devices use infrared technology to measure and monitor the body temperature by the site of ear canal.
Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer IR1DR1-1 (cover free series products) has been compared to the cleared "Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer IR1DE1-1" (510(k) K#034023) as a reference for substantial equivalence. A table comparing the two devices is provided as follow:
| Attribute | Subject Device –<br>K170219: Microlife Ear<br>Thermometer 1R1DR1-1 | Predicate Device - K034023<br>: Microlife Ear<br>Thermometer 1R1DE1-1 | Comparison |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Thermometer<br>Type: | Infrared Thermometer | Infrared Thermometer | Same |
| Intended use | The device is an electronic<br>clinical thermometer using<br>an infrared sensor to detect<br>body temperature from the<br>auditory canal in the<br>neonatal, pediatric and<br>adult population used in<br>the home setting. | The device is an electronic<br>clinical thermometer using<br>an infrared sensor to detect<br>body temperature from the<br>auditory canal in the<br>neonatal, pediatric and adult<br>population used in the home<br>setting. | Same |
| Indications for use | The Microlife Digital<br>Infrared Ear Thermometer,<br>Model IR1DR1-1 device,<br>is an electronic clinical<br>thermometer using an<br>infrared sensor to detect<br>body temperature from the<br>auditory canal in the | The device is an electronic<br>clinical thermometer using<br>an infrared sensor to<br>detect body temperature<br>from the auditory canal in<br>the neonatal, pediatric and<br>adult population used in the<br>home setting. | Same |
| neonatal, pediatric and<br>adult population used in<br>the home setting. | | | |
| Thermometer Measurements | | | |
| Device<br>Measurement<br>Technology | Infrared | Same | - |
| Measurement<br>location | Ear Canal | Same | - |
| Probe cover<br>needed? | No | Same | - |
| Measurement<br>Range | 32.0- 42.2°C<br>(89.6 -108.0 °F) | 0 - 100°C<br>(32.0 - 212.0°F) | Different |
| Display<br>Resolution | 0.1°C or 0.1°F | Same | - |
| Accuracy Tested<br>(blackbody) | <35.5°C ±0.3°C<br>35.5°C-42.0°C ±0.2°C<br>>42.0°C ±0.3°C | Same | - |
| Positioning<br>Indication | Yes | No | Different |
| Elevated<br>Temperature<br>Alarm | Yes (10 short beeps when<br>measured temperature is<br>greater than 37.5 °C) | Same | - |
| Operating/Storage Environment | | | |
| Operating<br>Conditions | 10.0°C-40°C<br>(50.0°F~104.0°F)<br>with relative humidity 95% | 5°C-40°C (41°F~104°F)<br>with relative humidity 95% | Different |
| Storage Conditions | -25°C to 55 °C/-13°F<br>~131°F<br>with relative humidity 95% | Same | - |
| Device Internal Components | | | |
| Display type | LCD | Same | - |
| Memory | One temperature memory | Twelve temperatures<br>memory | Different |
| Sensor Type | TPS23B sensor | Same | - |
| Lens Type | Transparent | Same | - |
| Probe Head Dimensions | | | |
| Probe head : Tip<br>Width | 7.3 mm | Same | - |
| Probe Head:<br>Thickness at 5 mm<br>height | 8.56 mm | 8.35 mm | Different |
| Probe Head:<br>Thickness at 10 | 10.32 mm | 10.22 mm | Different |
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| Item | Test Name | Results |
|------|-----------|---------|
|------|-----------|---------|
| mm height | | | |
|---------------------------------------|-----------|------------|-----------|
| Integrated Circuit Model and Features | | | |
| Power Supply<br>Voltage | 2.2-3.6 V | 2.4- 5.5 V | Different |
| RAM Space | 512 Bytes | 256 Bytes | Different |
The indications for use statement and the intended use of the subject device is identical to the predicate device. The differences in the device are:
- 1. Measurement temperature range has been narrowed to more physiologically relevant temperatures. This does not introduce any new risk to the device.
- 2. Addition of the Position Indication Feature, which has been validated and verified through performance testing and clinical testing.
- 3. The integrated circuit model and its features have changed. These changes have been verified through performance testing.
- 4. The thermometer's memory can recall the last temperature measurement, which has been decreased from predicate which recalled the last 12 temperature measurements.
- 5. The Probe head and the rest of the device is dimensionally larger than the predicate device. This does not change how the device operates. The size difference was validated through clinical studies.
- 6. The operating condition has been narrowed. .
Based on the aforementioned modifications to the subject device, the subject device does not raise different types of safety and effectiveness questions when compared to the predicate device.
Performance TestingTesting information demonstrating performance of the Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer, Model IR1DR1-1 in the intended environment of use is supported by testing that was conducted in accordance with Guidance on the Content of Premarket Notification [510(K)] Submissions for Clinical Electronic Thermometers.
The following testing was conducted to prove safety and effectiveness as well as substantial equivalence to the predicate devices:
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| 1 | IEC 60601-1: 2005 and A1:2012 | Passed all testing requirements |
|----|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| 2 | ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1:2005/(R2012)<br>and A1:2012, C1:2009/(R)2012 and<br>A2:2010/(R2012) | Passed all testing requirements |
| 3 | IEC 60601-1-2: 2014 | Passed all testing requirements |
| 4 | ASTM E 1965-98 (2009) | Passed all testing requirements |
| 5 | ISO 14971: 2007 | Passed all testing requirements |
| 6 | AAMI/ANSI/ISO 10993-1: 2010 | Passed all testing requirements |
| 7 | AAMI/ANSI/ISO 10993-5: 2010 | Passed all testing requirements |
| 8 | AAMI/ANSI/ISO 10993-10: 2010 | Passed all testing requirements |
| 9 | AAMI/ANSI/ISO 10993-12: 2012 | Passed all testing requirements |
| 10 | AAMI/ANSI/ISO 80606-2-56: 2009 | Passed all testing requirements |
| 11 | IEC 60601-1-11:2010 | Passed all testing requirements |
#### Performance Testing Summary:
Measurement accuracy of the subject thermometer was tested per and complies with the following standard:
Specification for IR thermometers : ASTM E1965-98 (2009)
Electrical and Electromagnetic Compatibility testing were conducted in accordance with the following standards:
Electrical Safety: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-11 EMC: IEC 60601-1-2
Software Verification and Validation: per the FDA Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices dated May 11, 2005
## Clinical Tests
Controlled human clinical studies were conducted in accordance with ASTM E1965-98, IEC80601-2-56 Test Report using the Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer r Model IR1DR1-1. Clinical data was presented evaluating clinical uncertainty and clinical repeatability per clinical validation for Microlife IR1DR1-1.
#### Conclusions
The modifications to the subject device include the addition of the position indication feature, the measurement reading range, the operating conditions, the integrated circuit system, temperature memory, and the physical dimensions of the device. There are no changes to the basic measurement technology. The modifications do not raise new or different questions of safety and effectiveness and are supported by non-clinical and clinical testing.
The Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer IR1DR1-1 is substantially equivalent to the Microlife Digital Infrared Ear Thermometer IR1DE1-1, cleared under K034023.
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.