K222046 · Suzhou Borage Medical Technology Co., Ltd. · HEB · Sep 30, 2022 · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Device Facts
Record ID
K222046
Device Name
Unscented Menstrual Tampon
Applicant
Suzhou Borage Medical Technology Co., Ltd.
Product Code
HEB · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Decision Date
Sep 30, 2022
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 884.5470
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The unscented menstrual tampon is intended for insertion into the vagina for the absorption of menstrual or other vaginal discharge.
Device Story
Unscented menstrual tampon; available as digital or applicator-based versions. Device comprises absorbent viscose pledget, polyethylene/polyethyleneterephthalate overwrap, polyester/viscose removal string, and polyethylene/polypropylene applicator. Available in four absorbency levels (light, regular, super, super plus). Intended for single-use, non-sterile, over-the-counter vaginal insertion. User inserts tampon to absorb menstrual flow; removal via withdrawal cord. Device functions as passive absorbent barrier. Benefits include menstrual hygiene management.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Performance testing included dimensions, absorbency, removal string strength, fiber shedding, tampon integrity, and chemical residues. Biocompatibility testing included cytotoxicity, skin sensitization, vaginal irritation, and acute systemic toxicity. Microbiology testing confirmed no enhancement of S. aureus growth, no increase in TSST-1 production, and no alteration of normal vaginal microflora.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Viscose pledget, PE/PET overwrap, polyester/viscose string, PE/PP applicator. Design: Cylindrical, bullet-like shape. Absorbency: 6g to 15g. Non-sterile, single-use. Complies with ISO 10993-1 and FDA guidance for menstrual tampons.
Indications for Use
Indicated for individuals requiring absorption of menstrual or other vaginal discharge.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An unscented menstrual tampon is a device that is a plug made of cellulosic or synthetic material that is inserted into the vagina and used to absorb menstrual or other vaginal discharge. This generic type of device does not include menstrual tampons treated with scent (i.e., fragrance materials) or those with added antimicrobial agents or other drugs.
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September 30, 2022
Suzhou Borage Medical Technology Co., Ltd. % Grace Liu Consultant Shenzhen Joyantech Consulting Co. Ltd 1713A, 17th Floor, Block A, Zhongguan Times Square, Nanshan District Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000 China
Re: K222046
Trade/Device Name: Unscented Menstrual Tampon Regulation Number: 21 CFR§ 884.5470 Regulation Name: Unscented Menstrual Tampon Regulatory Class: II Product Code: HEB Dated: June 13, 2022 Received: July 11, 2022
Dear Grace Liu:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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.
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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 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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatoryinformation/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Jason R. Roberts, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT3B: Division of Reproductive, Gynecology and Urology Devices OHT3: Office of GastroRenal, ObGyn, General Hospital and Urology Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K222046
Device Name Unscented Menstrual Tampon
Indications for Use (Describe)
The unscented menstrual tampon is intended for insertion into the absorption of menstrual or other vaginal discharge.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
X Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary - K222046
# 1. Contact Details
# 1.1 Applicant information
| Applicant Name | Suzhou Borage Medical Technology Co., Ltd. |
|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | No.9 Shiheshan Road, Dongshan Town, Wuzhong District,<br>Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 215107, China |
| Contact person | Zhou Nana |
| Phone No. | +86-512-66280008 |
| E-mail | znn@borage.com.cn |
| Date Prepared | 2022-09-27 |
## 1.2 Submission Correspondent
| Image: Logo | Shenzhen Joyantech Consulting Co., Ltd |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| | 1713A, 17th Floor, Block A, Zhongguan Times Square, Nanshan |
| 卓远天成 | District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China |
| Phone No. | +86-755-86069197 |
| Contact person | Grace Liu; Field Fu; |
| Contact person's e-mail | grace@cefda.com; field@cefda.com |
| Website | http://www.cefda.com |
# 2. Device Information
| Trade name | Unscented Menstrual Tampon |
|---------------------|------------------------------|
| Common name | Unscented Menstrual Tampon |
| Classification | II |
| Classification name | Tampon, Menstrual, Unscented |
| Product code | HEB |
| Regulation No. | 21 CFR 884.5470 |
# 3. Legally Marketed Predicate Device
| Trade Name | Tosama 100% Organic Cotton Menstrual Tampon |
|---------------|---------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number | K15117 |
| Product Code | HEB |
| Manufacturer | TOSAMA, d.o.o. |
The predicate device has not been subject to a design-related recall.
# 4. Device Description
The proposed device is a traditional unscented menstrual tampon, and it has two types (i.e. digital tampon and applicator tampon). Each device consists of a tampon, including an absorbent pledget ("absorbent core") completely surrounded by overwap ("security veil") and a removal string ("withdrawal cord"), and an applicator (only for the applicator tampon). The tampon is of the traditional cylindrical, bullet-like shape. The applicator
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has a smooth, rounded tip to ease insertion.
The proposed device is provided in 4 absorbencies: light (≤6g), regular (6~9g), super (9~12g) and super plus (12~15g). Each device is individually wrapped and packaged in sealed multi-unit containers for retail sale. And it is provided non-sterile and for single use only.
# 5. Intended Use/Indication for Use
The unscented menstrual tampon is intended for insertion into the vagina for the absorption of menstrual or other vaginal discharge.
# 6. Technological Characteristics Comparison
| | Comparison item | Proposed Device<br>(K222046) | Predicate Device<br>(K15117) | Comment | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------|--|
| | Manufacturer | Suzhou Borage Medical<br>Technology Co., Ltd. | TOSAMA, d.o.o. | None | |
| | Product Name | Unscented Menstrual<br>Tampons | Tosama 100% Organic<br>Cotton Menstrual Tampon | None | |
| | Product Code | HEB | HEB | Same | |
| | Regulation Number | 21 CFR § 884.5470 | 21 CFR § 884.5470 | Same | |
| | Classification | Class II | Class II | Same | |
| | Intended Use/ Indications for Use | The unscented menstrual<br>tampon is intended for<br>insertion into the vagina for<br>the<br>absorption<br>of<br>menstrual or other vaginal<br>discharge. | The Tosama 100% Organic<br>Cotton Menstrual Tampon is<br>intended for insertion into<br>the<br>vagina<br>for<br>the<br>absorption of menstrual or<br>other vaginal discharge. | Same | |
| | Single Use | Yes | Yes | Same | |
| | Sterility | Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Same | |
| | Design | Tampon with cylindrical<br>shape and bullet-like tip.<br>Applicator with<br>smooth,<br>rounded tip. | Tampon with cylindrical<br>shape and bullet-like tip.<br>Applicator with<br>smooth,<br>rounded tip. | Same | |
| Absorbency | | | | | |
| | Light | ≤6g | N/A | | |
| Regular | | 6~9g | 6~9g | Different | |
| Super | | 9~12g | 9~12g | | |
| | Super plus | 12~15g | 12~15g | | |
| Product dimensions | | | | | |
| Digital tampon | | | | | |
| Light<br>Pledget length | | (40~50) mm | N/A | Different | |
| | | | | | |
| | Pledget diameter | (9.5~12.5) mm | | | |
| | Removal string<br>length | (125~165) mm | | | |
| | Pledget length | (40~50) mm | (43.0~46.0) mm | | |
| Regular | Pledget diameter | (10.5~13.5) mm | (11.0~12.0) mm | | |
| | Removal string<br>length | (125~165) mm | (130~160) mm | | |
| | Pledget length | (45~55) mm | (48.0~51.0) mm | | |
| Super | Pledget diameter | (11.5~14.5) mm | (12.0~13.0) mm | | |
| | Removal string<br>length | (125~165) mm | (130~160) mm | | |
| | Pledget length | (45~55) mm | (48.0~51.0) mm | | |
| Super plus | Pledget diameter | (13.3~16.3) mm | (14.0~15.0) mm | | |
| | Removal string<br>length | (125~165) mm | (130~160) mm | | |
| Applicator tampon | | | | | |
| | Pledget length | (40~50) mm | | | |
| | Pledget diameter | (9.5~12.5) mm | | | |
| Light | Removal string<br>length | (125~165) mm | N/A | | |
| | Applicator length | 125 mm | | | |
| | Applicator diameter | 15 mm | | | |
| | Pledget length | (40~50) mm | (43.0~46.0) mm | | |
| | Pledget diameter | (10.5~13.5) mm | (11.0~12.0) mm | | |
| Regular | Removal string<br>length | (125~165) mm | (130~160) mm | | |
| | Applicator length | 125 mm | 120 mm | | |
| | Applicator diameter | 15 mm | 13 mm | | |
| | Pledget length | (45~55) mm | (43.0~46.0) mm | | |
| | Pledget diameter | (11.5~14.5) mm | (12.0~13.0) mm | | |
| Super | Removal string<br>length | (125~165) mm | (130~160) mm | | |
| | Applicator length | 126 mm | 120 mm | | |
| | Applicator diameter | 16.5 mm | 16 mm | | |
| Super plus | Pledget length | (45~55) mm | (43.0~46.0) mm | | |
| | Pledget diameter | (13.3~16.3) mm | (14.0~15.0) mm | | |
| | Removal string<br>length | (125~165) mm | (130~160) mm | | |
| | Applicator length | 126 mm | 120 mm | | |
| | Applicator diameter | 16.5 mm | 18 mm | | |
| Component | Pledget | 100% Viscose | 100% Organic Cotton | Different | |
| Materials | Overwap | Polyethylene and<br>Polyethyleneterephthalate | 100% Organic Cotton | | |
| | Removal string | Polyester and Viscose | 100% Organic Cotton | | |
| | Applicator | Polyethylene and<br>Polypropylene | TPO | | |
| Additives<br>and<br>Finishing<br>Agents | Anti-wicking agent<br>of removal string | Paraffin-based resin | Paraffin-based resin | Same | |
| | Finishing agent of<br>pledget | Polyoxyethylene stearate | Not available | Different | |
| Complies with ISO 10993-1 | | Yes | Yes | Same | |
| Compliance with microbiology<br>requirements of FDA Guidance for<br>Tampons | | Yes | Yes | Same | |
| Labeling | | Complied with 21 CFR part<br>801 | Complied with 21 CFR part<br>801 | Same | |
Table 1 Technological Characteristics Comparison Table
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The proposed device has the similar indication for use as the predicate device as well as comparable technical characteristics, and the differences don't raise any additional questions for safety and effectiveness. Therefore, the subject device has the same intended use as the predicate.
# 7. Summary of Non-clinical Testing
Non-clinical testing was conducted to verify that the proposed device can meet all design specifications and perform similarly to the predicate device. The following tests were conducted.
#### Performance Testing
The following performance characteristics were assessed in accordance with the FDA guidance document "Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff - Menstrual Tampons and Pads: Information for Premarket Notification Submissions (510(k)s)" issued on July 27, 2005.
- > Dimensions
- > Absorbency
- > Removal string strength
- > Fiber shedding
- > Tampon integrity
- > Chemical residues
All samples met the predefined acceptance criteria.
#### Biocompatibility Testing
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Biocompatibility studies were performed in accordance with the FDA guidance document "Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff - Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, 'Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process" issued on September 4, 2020 as follows:
- > In vitro cytotoxicity test per ISO 10993-5:2009
- > Skin sensitization test per ISO 10993-10:2010
- > Vaginal irritation test per ISO 10993-10:2010
- > Acute systemic toxicity test per ISO 10993-11:2017 (tampon only)
All tests were performed on the tampon and applicator separately. The results demonstrated that the proposed device is non-cytotoxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-systemically toxic.
## Microbiology Testing
Per the FDA guidance document "Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff - Menstrual Tampons and Pads: Information for Premarket Notification Submissions (510(k)s)" issued on July 27, 2005, the following microbiology testing was conducted on the final, finished form of the proposed device, and the test results showed that the proposed device does not:
- > enhance the growth of Staphylococcus aureus;
- > increase the production of Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 (TSST-1);
- > alter the growth of normal vaginal microflora.
## 8. Clinical Testing
No clinical study is included in this submission.
## 9. Conclusions
The nonclinical tests demonstrate that the proposed device is as safe and effective, as the legally marketed device (K15117). Therefore, the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate.
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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.