K223715 · STERIS Corporation · FRC · Jun 15, 2023 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K223715
Device Name
Celerity Incubator
Applicant
STERIS Corporation
Product Code
FRC · General Hospital
Decision Date
Jun 15, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.2800
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Use the Celerity Incubate and automatically read STERIS Celerity Biological Indicators for Steam and Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide sterilization at 55°C - 60°C for a fluorescent result.
Device Story
Celerity Incubator is a benchtop device for incubating and reading fluorescent biological indicators (BIs) used in steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization. The device features 8 wells arranged in 2 banks of 4, maintained at 59°C. Operation involves scanning the BI barcode, which triggers the system to apply the appropriate algorithm. The device uses UV LEDs to excite fluorescent molecules produced by enzymatic activity (a-glucosidase) within the BI, with a photodiode detecting the emitted light. Results are displayed via LCD screen, LED indicators (red for positive/failure, green for negative), and audible alarms. The device provides automated, rapid readout (5 or 20 minutes depending on the BI) to confirm sterilization cycle effectiveness. It is intended for use in clinical settings to assist healthcare providers in monitoring sterilization processes.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance was validated by comparing the fluorescent readout of the Celerity Incubator against 7-day growth out methods per FDA guidance. Results demonstrated >97% alignment for intended biological indicators. Additional testing included human factors validation, electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2:2014), electrical safety (IEC 61010-1), and software validation (IEC 62304).
Technological Characteristics
Benchtop incubator with 8 wells; 100-240 VAC power with 12 VDC conversion; UV LED excitation source; photodiode detection; factory-calibrated; operates at 59°C (-4°C/+1°C tolerance); barcode scanner input; LCD/LED/audible alarm output; software-controlled.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by healthcare personnel to incubate and automatically read STERIS Celerity Biological Indicators for Steam and Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide sterilization processes at 55°C - 60°C to detect fluorescent results indicating sterilization cycle efficacy.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Biological sterilization process indicator: A device intended for use by a health care provider to accompany products being sterilized through a sterilization procedure and to monitor adequacy of sterilization. The device consists of a known number of microorganisms, of known resistance to the mode of sterilization, in or on a carrier and enclosed in a protective package. Subsequent growth or failure of the microorganisms to grow under suitable conditions indicates the adequacy of sterilization. Physical/chemical sterilization process indicator: A device intended for use by a health care provider to accompany products being sterilized through a sterilization procedure and to monitor one or more parameters of the sterilization process. The adequacy of the sterilization conditions as measured by these parameters is indicated by a visible change in the device.
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June 15, 2023
STERIS Corporation Gregory Land Lead Regulatory Affairs Specialist 5960 Heisley Rd Mentor, Ohio 44060
Re: K223715
Trade/Device Name: Celerity Incubator Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.2800 Regulation Name: Sterilization Process Indicator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FRC Dated: May 19, 2023 Received: May 19, 2023
### Dear Gregory Land:
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.
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
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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-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) 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,
# Christopher K. Dugard -S
for Clarence W. Murray, III, PhD Deputy Director DHT4B: Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
Submission Number (if known)
K223715
Device Name
Celerity Incubator
Indications for Use (Describe)
Use the Celerity Incubate and automatically read STERIS Celerity Biological Indicators for Steam and Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide sterilization at 55°C - 60°C for a fluorescent result.
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 For Celerity Incubator
STERIS Corporation 5960 Heisley Road Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: (440) 354-2600 Fax No: (440) 357-9198
| Contact: | Mr. Gregory Land<br>Lead Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Tel: 440-392-7424<br>greg_land@steris.com |
|------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submission Date: | June 13, 2023 |
K Number: K223715
STERIS Corporation ■ 5960 Heisley Road ■ Mentor, OH 44060-1834 USA ■ 440-354-2600
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#### 1. Device Name
| Trade Name: | Celerity Incubator |
|------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Device Class: | Class II |
| Common/usual Name: | Incubator |
| Classification Name: | Indicator, Biological Sterilization Process |
| Classification Number: | 21 CFR 880.2800 |
| Product Code: | FRC |
#### 2. Predicate Device
K213881 - Celerity Incubator
#### 3. Device Description
The Celerity Incubator incubates and reads fluorescent Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) and Steam Biological Indicators (BIs). The BI is incubated at 59°C with an acceptable tolerance of -4°C/+1°C. During incubation, the BI is monitored for a potential fluorescence signal generated as a result of the production of a-glucosidase. When a growth response has been detected or when the required incubation time has elapsed, the incubator indicates the results to the user.
#### Indications for Use 4.
Use the Celerity Incubator to incubate and automatically read STERIS Celerity Biological Indicators for Steam and Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide sterilization at 55°C - 60°C for a fluorescent result.
#### 5. Technological Characteristics Comparison Table
A comparison of technical characteristics between the proposed and predicate devices is summarized in Table 1.
| Feature | Proposed Device<br>Universal Biological<br>Indicator Incubator | Predicate Device<br>Celerity Indicator<br>(K213881) | Comparison |
|------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Indications<br>for Use | Use the Celerity Incubator to<br>incubate and automatically<br>read STERIS Celerity<br>Biological Indicators for | Use the Celerity Incubator to<br>incubate and automatically<br>read STERIS Celerity<br>Biological Indicators for | Same |
| Feature | Proposed Device<br>Universal Biological<br>Indicator Incubator | Predicate Device<br>Celerity Indicator<br>(K213881) | Comparison |
| | Steam and Vaporized<br>Hydrogen Peroxide<br>sterilization at 55°C - 60°C<br>for a fluorescent result. | Steam and Vaporized<br>Hydrogen Peroxide<br>sterilization at 55°C - 60°C<br>for a fluorescent result. | |
| Basis of<br>Readout | Photodiode detects<br>fluorescence produced by<br>enzymatic activity that results<br>from viable biological<br>indicator organisms. | Photodiode detects<br>fluorescence produced by<br>enzymatic activity that results<br>from viable biological<br>indicator organisms. | Same |
| Incubation<br>Temperature<br>Range | 55 - 60 °C | 55 - 60 °C | Same |
| Voltage<br>Range | 100-240 VAC with 12 VDC<br>conversion | 100-240 VAC with 12 VDC<br>conversion | Same |
| Test Capacity | 8 wells | 8 wells | Same |
| Calibration | Factory calibration - no<br>calibration by customer | Factory calibration - no<br>calibration by customer | Same |
| Incubation<br>Time | 5 minutes or 20 minutes<br>depending on Biological<br>Indicator | 20 minutes | Similar |
| Fluorescence<br>Detection | UV LEDs are used to excite<br>the fluorescent molecule<br>produced by enzyme cleavage<br>of the fluorogenic substrate<br>contained in the BI's media.<br>The emitted light is detected<br>by a photodiode. | UV LEDs are used to excite<br>the fluorescent molecule<br>produced by enzyme cleavage<br>of the fluorogenic substrate<br>contained in the SCBI's<br>media. The emitted light is<br>detected by a photodiode. | Same |
| Indication of<br>Results | Positive - audible alarm,<br>visual LED lights and screen<br>Negative - optional alarm,<br>visual indication with LED<br>lights and LCD screen<br>User must acknowledge<br>results | Positive - audible alarm,<br>visual LED lights and screen<br>Negative - optional alarm,<br>visual indication with LED<br>lights and LCD screen<br>User must acknowledge<br>results | Same |
| System<br>Operation | The reader/incubator wells<br>are arranged in 2 banks of 4<br>wells and preset to 59°C. The<br>user scans the barcode on the<br>label of an activated BI using<br>the system's barcode scanner | The reader/incubator wells<br>are arranged in 2 banks of 4<br>wells and preset to 59°C. The<br>user scans the barcode on the<br>label of an activated BI using<br>the system's barcode scanner | Same |
| | Proposed Device<br>Universal Biological<br>Indicator Incubator | Predicate Device<br>Celerity Indicator<br>(K213881) | Comparison |
| Feature | and places it into an open<br>well. The system detects the<br>well the BI was placed into<br>and begins measurement of<br>fluorescence; a blinking<br>yellow light indicates the<br>incubation is in process and<br>the read initiated. The<br>System uses information from<br>the barcode to apply the<br>appropriate algorithm to the<br>well. A "positive" reading is<br>interpreted as an indication of<br>a potential sterilization cycle<br>failure. A "positive" finding<br>is indicated to the user by red<br>light on the front panel<br>adjacent to the well, by an<br>audible alarm, and by text<br>displayed on the LCD screen.<br>The alarm must be muted by<br>the operator when a positive<br>result is obtained. The LCD<br>screen provides instructions<br>for the user to turn off the<br>alarm for that specific BI.<br>Should another BI become<br>"positive", the alarm will<br>sound again and the above<br>actions are repeated.<br>If the result is not positive at | and places it into an open<br>well. The system detects the<br>well the BI was placed into<br>and begins measurement of<br>fluorescence; a blinking<br>yellow light indicates the<br>incubation is in process and<br>the read initiated. The<br>System uses information from<br>the barcode to apply the<br>appropriate algorithm to the<br>well. A "positive" reading is<br>interpreted as an indication of<br>a potential sterilization cycle<br>failure. A "positive" finding<br>is indicated to the user by red<br>light on the front panel<br>adjacent to the well, by an<br>audible alarm, and by text<br>displayed on the LCD screen.<br>The alarm must be muted by<br>the operator when a positive<br>result is obtained. The LCD<br>screen provides instructions<br>for the user to turn off the<br>alarm for that specific BI.<br>Should another BI become<br>"positive", the alarm will<br>sound again and the above<br>actions are repeated.<br>If the result is not positive at | |
| | the end of the incubation<br>time, the result is negative. | the end of the incubation<br>time, the result is negative. | |
| | Negative results are identified<br>by a green light on the front<br>panel adjacent to the well<br>with the "negative" BI and by<br>text on the LCD. In addition,<br>an optional alarm is available | Negative results are identified<br>by a green light on the front<br>panel adjacent to the well<br>with the "negative" BI and by<br>text on the LCD. In addition,<br>an optional alarm is available | |
| | for negative results. | for negative results. | |
Table 1. Technological Characteristics Comparison Table to predicate device
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#### Summary of Non-Clinical Performance Testing 6.
Testing was performed to evaluate performance and demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate as summarized in Table 2.
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| Test | Acceptance Criteria | Result |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|
| Qualification<br>Testing with<br>intended<br>Biological<br>Indicators | Fluorescent Read meets > 97% alignment with 7-day grow<br>out per FDA guidance on reduced incubation time for<br>intended Biological Indicators for Vaporized Hydrogen<br>Peroxide Celerity 5 Biological Indicators | PASS |
| Human Factors | Typical users are capable of following the written<br>instructions for use to correctly use the Celerity Incubators. | PASS |
| Electromagnetic<br>Compatibility | IEC 60601-1-2:2014 General Requirements for Basic Safety<br>and Essential Performance – Collateral Standard:<br>Electromagnetic Compatibility - Requirements and Tests | PASS |
| Electrical Safety<br>Conformance | IEC 60101-1 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment<br>for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use Part 1:<br>General Requirements | PASS |
| Software<br>Validation per<br>IEC 62304 | The software that controls the system was validated and<br>determined to operate effectively and as designed. | PASS |
### Table 2. Performance Testing
#### 7. Conclusion
The Celerity Incubator has met the established performance criteria. Based on the intended use, technological characteristics and non-clinical performance data, the subject device is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as the legally marketed predicate device (K213881), Class II (21 CFR 880.2800), product code FRC.
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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.
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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.