The following fields were updated due to additional information: d9: device available for eval yes, d9: returned to manufacturer on: 27-may-2022.H6: investigation summary: eight photos and one sample with open packaging were received by our quality team for evaluation.The photos were subjected to visual inspection to check for foreign matter.A strip of black loose fiber foreign matter was observed respectively on the catheter tubing and in the needle cover.The sample was subjected to visual inspection, and a strip of black loose fiber foreign matter was observed in the needle cover.The foreign matter was sent for fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ftir) analysis to determine the foreign matter type.The results indicated that the foreign matter spectrum matches reasonably with polyoxymethylene.A review of the internal manufacturing device records and raw material history files for the reported lot number was performed and no recorded quality problems or rejections to this incident were found.An investigation was conducted on the potential foreign matter sources ¿ material, machine, and man/environment.The two key components nearer to the foreign matter location were investigated.The catheter tubing where the foreign matter was located and the needle cover, as it might have been transferred onto the catheter tubing after assembly.The manufacturing process for both components were reviewed and no black, fibrous polyoxymethylene materials are used during production, packaging, and storage.Therefore, the materials are unlikely the source of the foreign matter.As the foreign matter is covering throughout the catheter tubing, so the entire manufacturing process was reviewed to identify the section of the process that has contact with the whole catheter tubing.The only process that comes into contact with the whole catheter tubing is the flaring station, where two rubber pads hold onto the tubing and move it downwards to assemble to the metal wedge.Based on the material specification provided by the rubber pad supplier, the rubber pads are made of neoprene rubber (polychloroprene), which does not match with the foreign matter type.Therefore, the flaring station is unlikely to be the foreign matter source.All the machines on the production line are fully covered, surfaces that are in contact with the product are cleaned periodically per the cleaning schedule.The lint-free cloth that is used to clean the machine surfaces is white in color, and is made from poly(ethylene terephalate), which does not match the foreign matter type.Therefore, the machines are unlikely to be the foreign matter source.The personal protective equipment (ppe) used in the production area were looked into to identify those with similar characteristics of foreign matter.The ppe closest in color with foreign matter is the cleanroom smock, however this is dark blue not black, and is made of poly(ethylene terephthalate) which does not match with the foreign matter.Therefore, the man / environment is unlikely to be the source of the foreign matter.As there is no black, fibrous polyoxymethylene material found in on the components, or used in the machines and man / environment, the actual foreign matter source could not be identified.As the sample was returned in open packaging, the actual root cause could not be established.
|