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  4. Policy for the Temporary Use of Portable Cryogenic Containers Not in Compliance With 21 CFR 211.94(e)(1) For Oxygen and Nitrogen During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Guidance for Industry
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GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

Policy for the Temporary Use of Portable Cryogenic Containers Not in Compliance With 21 CFR 211.94(e)(1) For Oxygen and Nitrogen During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Guidance for Industry Guidance for Industry April 2020

Download the Final Guidance Document
Final Level 1 Guidance
Docket Number:
FDA-2020-D-1136
Issued by:
Guidance Issuing Office
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

Updated April 20, 2020

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) plays a critical role in protecting the United States from threats such as emerging infectious diseases, including the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. FDA is committed to providing timely guidance to support response efforts to this pandemic.

As demand for oxygen and nitrogen intended for medical use increases due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FDA has become aware of concerns regarding a low supply of portable cryogenic medical gas containers and has received inquiries regarding the use of gas containers that do not meet certain regulatory requirements for portable cryogenic medical gas containers (e.g., industrial gas containers).

FDA is issuing this guidance to communicate its policy for the temporary use of certain gas containers for oxygen and nitrogen intended for medical use for the duration of the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on January 31, 2020.

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Submit Comments Online

You can submit online or written comments on any guidance at any time (see 21 CFR 10.115(g)(5))

If unable to submit comments online, please mail written comments to:

Dockets Management
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

All written comments should be identified with this document's docket number: FDA-2020-D-1136.

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