K103311 · Kimberly Clark Corporation · HEB · Dec 10, 2010 · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Device Facts
Record ID
K103311
Device Name
U BY KOTEX CLICK UNSCENTED MENSTRUL TAMPONS
Applicant
Kimberly Clark Corporation
Product Code
HEB · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Decision Date
Dec 10, 2010
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 884.5470
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click* is an unscented menstrual tampon inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual fluid.
Device Story
Device is an unscented menstrual tampon consisting of an absorbent rayon pledget, overwrap, withdrawal cord, and a three-piece plastic telescoping applicator. The applicator features an inner plunger, a clear middle tube, and an outer barrel with a rounded tip. The device is intended for over-the-counter use by females to absorb menstrual fluid. The subject device introduces new black, violet, and orange pearlescent colorants to the applicator plastic. The tampon component remains identical to the predicate. The device is used by the patient for personal hygiene during menstruation.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Biocompatibility testing included cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5), mucosal irritation (ISO 10993-10), mucosal sensitization (ISO 10993-10), and acute systemic toxicity (ISO 10993-11), all of which met requirements. Absorbency performance complies with 21 CFR 801.430.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: 100% rayon radially-wound eight-groove bullet-shaped pledget, non-woven overwrap, rayon-polyester blend withdrawal cord, and plastic telescoping applicator. The applicator is modified with black, violet, or orange pearlescent colorants. The device is a non-sterile, over-the-counter menstrual product.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by females to absorb menstrual fluid.
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.
Predicate Devices
Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click* Unscented Menstrual Tampons (K091749)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# ്യ Kimberly-Clark Corporation
K103311
# Special 510(k) for Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click* Unscented Menstrual Tampons
#### Section 5. 510(k) SUMMARY
DEC 1 0 2010
### SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS INFORMATION
| Submitter's Name: | Kimberly-Clark Corporation |
|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter's Address: | 2100 Winchester Road<br>Neenah, WI 54956 |
| | Mailing address for regulatory correspondence:<br>1400 Holcomb Bridge Road<br>Roswell, GA 30076-2199 |
| Submitter's Phone No: | 770-587-7131 |
| Submitter's Fax No. | 920-380-6308 |
| Date of Preparation: | November 09, 2010 |
| Name of Device<br>Trade Name: | U by KOTEX Click* Unscented Menstrual Tampons;<br>Regular, Super and Super Plus absorbencies (Applicators in<br>violet and orange pearlescent colors) |
| Common Name: | Menstrual Tampon, Unscented |
| Classification Name: | Tampon, Menstrual, Unscented |
| Product Code: | HEB |
| Legally marketed device<br>to which equivalency is<br>claimed: | Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click* Unscented Menstrual<br>Tampons; Regular, Super and Super Plus absorbencies<br>(Applicators in lime green, pink, blue and yellow pearlescent<br>colors) - K091749 |
| Description of the device: | This device is a conventional unscented menstrual tampon<br>consisting of an absorbent pledget, overwrap, a withdrawal<br>cord and an applicator. The terminology used in describing<br>the device in rest of the 510(k) submission is as follows; |
| | Complete device: U by KOTEX Click* Unscented<br>Menstrual Tampons with applicator |
| | Tampon component: Absorbent pledget, overwrap and a<br>withdrawal cord. |
| | Applicator: Inner plunger tube, a clear middle telescopic<br>tube and an outer insertion tube (barrel) formed with a<br>closed, rounded tip. |
| | The absorbent pledget consists of a ribbon of rayon fibers.<br>A rayon-polyester blend withdrawal cord is placed on the |
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# දිග්රී Kimberly-Clark Corporation
## Special 510(k) for Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click* Unscented Menstrual Tampons
| ribbon and the ribbon is radially wound, then compressed<br>into a traditional eight-groove bullet-shaped pledget,<br>overwrapped with a non-woven fabric. The tampon<br>component is inserted into a three-piece plastic applicator<br>consisting of an inner plunger tube, a clear middle<br>telescopic tube and an outer insertion tube (barrel) formed<br>with a closed, rounded tip. Each tampon with applicator is<br>wrapped in an individual plastic film wrapper and packaged<br>in sealed multi-unit containers for retail sale. | | | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Summary of technological<br>characteristics compared to the<br>predicate device: | The currently marketed predicate device has four<br>applicators in lime green, pink, blue and yellow pearlescent<br>colors. The modification is to add three new colorants in<br>black, violet and orange pearlescent colors to the individual<br>subject device applicator presentations which were not part<br>of the predicate device. All other raw materials used in the<br>manufacture of the subject applicators remain unchanged<br>as compared to the predicate device. The tampon<br>component of the subject device (pledget, overwrap and<br>withdrawal string) remains completely unchanged as<br>compared to the predicate device. Thus, the only difference<br>between the subject and the predicate device is in the<br>addition of three new applicators in black, violet and orange<br>pearlescent colors. The fundamental scientific technology<br>and intended use remains exactly the same between the<br>subject and the predicate devices. All performance<br>characteristics, product efficacy and safety considerations<br>between the subject device and the predicate have been<br>shown to be equivalent.<br>The subject device is thus composed of a 100% rayon<br>radially-wound eight-groove bullet-shaped pledget, an<br>overwrap and a withdrawal string and a three piece<br>telescoping plastic applicators in black, violet and orange<br>pearlescent colors. The predicate device is also composed<br>of a 100% rayon radially-wound eight-groove bullet-shaped<br>pledget, an overwrap and a withdrawal string and a three<br>piece telescoping plastic applicator, but the applicators<br>presentations are available in lime green, pink, blue and<br>yellow pearlescent colors. | | |
| Brief description of preclinical<br>toxicology: (biocompatibility)<br>tests | Preclinical Tests<br>Cytotoxicity Test<br>Mucosal Irritation Test<br>Mucosal Sensitization<br>Test<br>Acute Systemic Toxicity<br>Test | Standard<br>ISO 10993, Part 5<br>ISO 10993, Part 10<br>ISO 10993, Part 10<br>ISO 10993, Part 11 | Performance<br>Meets<br>Meets<br>Meets<br>Meets |
| Safety Assessment: | The subject 510(k) device has undergone applicator color | | |
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Image /page/2/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The logo consists of a stylized symbol on the left, followed by the company name "Kimberly-Clark Corporation" in bold, black font. The symbol appears to be a stylized representation of a cross or star within a circle.
## Special 510(k) for Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click* Unscented Menstrual Tampons
| | extraction and biocompatibility testing. The results of these<br>studies support the conclusion that the subject 510(k) device<br>is equivalent and as safe as the predicate device, the<br>Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click* Unscented Menstrual<br>Tampons with applicator. |
|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Effectiveness: | The subject 510(k) device complies with the syngyna<br>absorbency requirements of 21 CFR § 801.430 as does the<br>predicate device, the Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click*<br>Unscented Menstrual Tampons. |
| Conclusions: | The results of performance and safety assessments of the<br>subject device support the conclusion that it is safe for its<br>intended use and that it is substantially equivalent to the<br>predicate device, the Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click*<br>Unscented Menstrual Tampons. |
.
*Trademark of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
. . .
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle with three stripes representing the department's commitment to health, services, and people. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Mail Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Ms. Cheryl Sanzare Associate Director, Global Regulatory Affairs Kimberly Clark Corporation 1400 Holcomb Bridge Road ROSWELL GA 30076
DEC 1 0 2010
Re: K103311
> Trade Name: Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click* Unscented Menstrual Tampons Regulation Number: 21 CFR 8884.5470 Regulation Name: Unscented menstrual tampon Regulatory Class: II Product Code: HEB Dated: November 9, 2010 Received: November 10, 2010
Dear Ms. Sanzare:
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 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
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adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) 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 go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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 Small Manufacturers. International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
**Sincerely yours,**
Hukut Zemin us
Herbert P. Lerner, M.D., Director (Acting) Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal and Urological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
#### Enclosure
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# K103311
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The logo consists of a circular symbol to the left of the company name. The company name is written in a combination of bold and regular font styles. The word "Kimberly-Clark" is in bold, while "Corporation" is in a regular font.
:
DEC 1 0 2010
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE
| Applicant: | Kimberly-Clark Corporation |
|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number: | K103311 |
| Device Name: | Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click* Unscented Menstrual<br>Tampons |
| Indications for<br>Use: | Kimberly-Clark* U by KOTEX Click* is an unscented menstrual<br>tampon inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual fluid. |
Prescription Use Per 21CFR 801.109 Subpart D Over-The-Counter X Per 21CFR 801.109 Subpart C
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
OR
Concurrence of CDRH Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Helen Remm
ive, Gastro-Renal, and
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.