K970230 · Reckitt Benckiser, Inc. · MED · Oct 29, 1997 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K970230
Device Name
SPOROX
Applicant
Reckitt Benckiser, Inc.
Product Code
MED · General Hospital
Decision Date
Oct 29, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6885
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Sporox® is intended to be used as a ready-to-use liquid chemical sterilant for the sterilization or high-level disinfection of heat-sensitive medical equipment for which alternative methods of terminal reprocessing are not suitable or available.
Device Story
Sporox is a ready-to-use 7.5% hydrogen peroxide solution buffered with phosphoric acid; functions as a liquid chemical sterilant and high-level disinfectant for heat-sensitive medical equipment. Germicidal action occurs via strong oxidation of cellular components. Used in clinical settings for reprocessing endoscopes and other heat-sensitive devices; requires manual soaking of equipment. Healthcare providers monitor efficacy via chemical indicator strips; solution reusable for up to 21 days. Benefits include effective terminal reprocessing for devices incompatible with heat-based sterilization methods.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing included AOAC use-dilution, fungicidal, tuberculocidal, and sporicidal methods. Biocompatibility testing followed ISO-10993 (acute dermal/oral toxicity, skin/eye irritation, in-vitro hemolysis, 28-day oral toxicity). Material compatibility evaluated via 500-hour exposure (equivalent to 1000 cycles). Actual use testing performed on endoscopes (post-patient and inoculated). No adverse effects reported during 13 years of prior marketing.
Technological Characteristics
7.5% hydrogen peroxide solution buffered with phosphoric acid. Minimum effective concentration (MEC) 6%. Liquid chemical germicide. Compatible with various plastics, metals, and elastomers. Stability: 2 years unopened; 21-day reuse life. Testing conducted per ISO-10993.
Indications for Use
Indicated for high-level disinfection of heat-sensitive medical equipment. Requires 30-minute soak at 20°C. Solution is 7.5% hydrogen peroxide (buffered with phosphoric acid) with a minimum effective concentration (MEC) of 6%. Reusable for up to 21 days when used with appropriate chemical indicator strips.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A liquid chemical sterilant/high level disinfectant is a germicide that is intended for use as the terminal step in processing critical and semicritical medical devices prior to patient use. Critical devices make contact with normally sterile tissue or body spaces during use. Semicritical devices make contact during use with mucous membranes or nonintact skin.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). Guidance on the Content and Format of Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions for Liquid Chemical Sterilants/High Level Disinfectants, and user information and training.
Predicate Devices
Cidex® Formula 7 Long-Life Activated Dialdehyde Solution (K924334)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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OCT.24.1997 3:41PM RECKITT & COLMAN TECH CTR. NO.108
4.2/4
# RECKITT & COLMAN INC.
SECTION 4
K970230
510(k) SUMMARY
SPOROX®
OCT 29 1997
RECKITT & COLMAN INC.
225 SUMMIT AVENUE
MONTVALE, NJ 07645
Date: October 24, 1997
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of the SMDA 1990 and 21CFR§807.92 as delineated in the Federal Register, Vol. 59, No. 239, pg 6428 ff, December 14, 1994.
## 1.0 Contact Person:
Ms. Eileen J. Moyer
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Reckitt & Colman Inc.
1 Philips Parkway
Montvale, NJ 07645
Phone: (201)573-6314
Fax: (201)573-6046
## 2.0 Name of Device:
Trade Name: Sporox®
Common Name: Hydrogen Peroxide
Classification name(s): Liquid Chemical Sterilant / high level disinfectant (MED)
Unclassified
## 3.0 Predicate Device:
Cidex® Formula 7 Long-Life Activated Dialdehyde Solution, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson (K924334).
Section 4 - 1
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OCT.24.1997 3:41PM FECKITT & COLMAN TECH CTR.
NO.105 P.3/4
# RECKITT & COLMAN INC.
## 4.0 Description of Devices:
Sporox is a nominal 7.5% hydrogen peroxide solution, buffered with phosphoric acid. Hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient in Sporox®, exerts its germicide via a strong oxidation reaction of cellular components.
## 5.0 Intended Use:
Sporox® is intended to be used as a ready-to-use liquid chemical sterilant for the sterilization or high-level disinfection of heat-sensitive medical equipment for which alternative methods of terminal reprocessing are not suitable or available.
## 6.0 Technological Characteristics:
Both Sporox® and the predicate device, Cidex®, are liquid chemical sterilants for sterilization or high-level disinfection of heat-sensitive medical equipment for which alternative methods of terminal reprocessing are not suitable or available. They differ primarily in their active ingredient, the need for activation, contact conditions and reuse period. Cidex's active ingredient is 2.5% dialdehyde and, unlike Sporox®, it requires activation. The contact time as a sterilant is 6 hours at 20°C for Sporox® and 10 hours at 25°C for Cidex®. The contact time for disinfection is 30 minutes at 20°C for Sporox® and 90 minutes at 25°C for Cidex®. Finally, Sporox® can be reused for up to 21 days and Cidex® can be reused for up to 28 days.
### 6.1 Nonclinical Tests (Toxicity / Stability)
Reckitt & Colman conducted testing that demonstrated Sporox's bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal, sporicidal, and tuberculocidal activity, utilizing appropriate AOAC use dilution, fungicidal, tuberculocidal and sporicidal methods. Additionally, the Company conducted acute dermal toxicity, acute oral toxicity, primary skin irritation, in-vitro hemolysis, primary eye irritation, neutral red uptake bioassay, and 28-day oral toxicity testing, consistent with FDA's guidance on biocompatibility testing. See FDA, Use of International Standard ISO-10993, "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing, #G95-1 (May 1, 1995). These tests demonstrated the product's safety for use as a liquid chemical sterilant. The Company also conducted stability studies demonstrating the product has a minimum of two years stability if unopened and stored according to label instruction, and that the product can be reused for up to 21 days when used at 20°C according to label instructions.
Section 4 - 2
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OCT.24.1997 3:41PM RECKITT & COLMAN TECH CTR.
NO.108 P.4/4
# RECKITT & COLMAN INC.
## 6.2 Device / Material Compatibility Studies
The Company demonstrated the compatibility of Sporox® with medical devices and device materials, as set forth in the product's labeling, by conducting studies with actual devices, in both simulated use and clinical applications, and by conducting a rigorous evaluation of a number of difference plastics, metals, and elastomers commonly used in medical devices and noted in the product label. The materials were exposed to a Sporox® solution, containing 7.42% hydrogen peroxide content for 500 hours at 20°C (equivalent to 1000 disinfectant cycles).
## 6.3 Residue Testing
The Company conducted testing consistent with FDA's "Guidance on the Content and Format of 510(k) Submission for Liquid Chemical Germicides," demonstrating extremely low levels of residuals associated with reprocessing of even very complex medical devices. The levels were significantly below levels which are expected to induce toxic or harmful effects.
## 6.4 Actual Use Testing
Reckitt & Colman Inc. has submitted actual use testing and information that demonstrates the safety and efficacy of Sporox® for use as a liquid chemical sterilant. The company has submitted testing for Sporox® utilizing endoscopes after patient use and using inoculated endoscopes. The product was marketed previously for thirteen years with no experience of adverse effects. Documentation of Sporox® use by the Mayo Clinic in the clinical setting was submitted by the company.
The above nonclinical and device/material compatibility studies demonstrate that Sporox® is as safe and effective as Cidex® Formula 7 Long-Life Activated Dialdehyde Solution.
Section 4 - 3
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville MD 20850
Ms. Eileen J. Moyer
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Reckitt & Colman, Incorporated
One Philips Parkway
Montvale, New Jersey 07645-1575
OCT 29 1997
Re: K970230
Trade Name: Sporox®
Regulatory Class: Unclassified
Product Code: MED
Dated: October 16, 1997
Received: October 17, 1997
Dear Ms. Moyer:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531
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Page 2 - Ms. Moyer
through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4618. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Timothy A. Ulatowski
Director
Division of Dental, Infection Control and General Hospital Devices
Office of Device Evaluation
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) NUMBER: K970230
DEVICE NAME: Sporox® Sterilizing & Disinfecting Solution
INDICATIONS FOR USE:
Sporox® Sterilizing & Disinfecting Solution is a ready-to-use liquid chemical germicide. The product is a 7.5% nominal hydrogen peroxide solution buffered with phosphoric acid. The minimum effective concentration (MEC) is 6%. Sporox® Sterilizing and Disinfecting Solution is intended for use in the high level disinfection of heat sensitive medical equipment using the prescribed contact conditions. Devices must be soaked for 30 minutes at 20°C to high level disinfect. Sporox® may be reused for up to 21 days in conjunction with the use of an appropriate chemical indicator strip.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)

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Over-the-Counter Use ☑
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.