FSN

A Field Safety Notice (FSN) serves as a pivotal communication tool employed by manufacturers or their representatives in connection with Field Safety Corrective Actions (FSCAs). It encompasses communications disseminated to customers and/or users, addressing pertinent matters related to product safety and corrective actions. Particularly in the context of medical devices, FSNs are utilized to relay important information about actions being undertaken by manufacturers in response to existing products on the market.

The primary function of an FSN is to effectively convey a Field Safety Corrective Action (FSCA) and any associated safety details to users. Moreover, FSNs can be employed to provide updated guidance on the appropriate utilization of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) products. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that users impacted by an FSCA are informed through FSNs, with copies also sent to relevant national regulatory authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO). Distribution of FSNs to affected users is paramount, with manufacturers maintaining a comprehensive distribution list, including contact names and email addresses for each recipient. This list must be available upon request. Users typically receive FSNs through procurement agents or in-country distributors who are responsible for notifying all users within their region of supply. If necessary, distributors may need to translate the FSN into local languages, while ensuring the quality of translation is maintained. The efficacy of FSNs lies in their ability to efficiently disseminate critical safety information and facilitate appropriate actions within the medical device industry.