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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Recognized Consensus Standards: Medical Devices
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Part B: Supplementary Information Sheet (SIS)
FR Recognition List Number 046 Date of Entry 12/23/2016 
FR Recognition Number 14-169
Standard
ASTM  F2391-05 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for Measuring Package and Seal Integrity Using Helium as the Tracer Gas
Scope/Abstract
1.1 This test method includes several procedures that can be used for the measurement of overall package and seal barrier performance of a variety of package types and package forms, as well as seal/closure types. The basic elements of this method include:
1.1.1 Helium (employed as tracer gas),
1.1.2 Helium leak detector (mass spectrometer), and
1.1.3 Package/product-specific test fixtures.
1.1.4 Most applications of helium leak detection are destructive, in that helium needs to be injected into the package after the package has been sealed. The injection site then needs to be sealed/patched externally, which often destroys its saleability. Alternatively, if helium can be incorporated into the headspace before sealing, the method can be non-destructive because all that needs to be accomplished is to simply detect for helium escaping the sealed package.
Extent of Recognition
Complete standard
Rationale for Recognition
This standard is relevant to medical devices and is recognized on its scientific and technical merit and/or because it supports existing regulatory policies.
Transition Period
FDA recognition of ASTM F2391-05 (Reapproved 2016) [Rec# 14-169] will be superseded by recognition of ASTM F2391-22 [Rec# 14-584]. FDA will accept declarations of conformity, in support of premarket submissions, to [Rec# 14-169] until July 6, 2025. After this transition period, declarations of conformity to [Rec# 14-169] will not be accepted.
Public Law, CFR Citation(s) and Procode(s)*
This standard is relevant for all medical devices where sterilization and packaging are components of the development and manufacture of the product.
Relevant FDA Guidance and/or Supportive Publications*
1. ISO 11607-1 Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices - Part 1: Requirements for materials, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems.

2. ISO 11607-2 Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices - Part 2: Validation requirements for forming, sealing and assembly processes.

3. ISO/TS 16775 First edition 2014-05-15 Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices - Guidance on the application of ISO 11607-1 and ISO 11607-2.

Appropriate Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards in Premarket Submissions for Medical Devices - Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff, issued September 2018.
FDA Technical Contact
 Patrick Weixel
  FDA/OC/CDRH/OPEQ/OIDRH/DRH/
  301-796-5537
  Patrick.Weixel@fda.hhs.gov
Standards Development Organization
ASTM ASTM International http://www.astm.org/
FDA Specialty Task Group (STG)
Sterility
*These are provided as examples and others may be applicable.
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