What this endpoint does
This article covers device/classification.json, the openFDA route for Classification. Device names, product codes, panels, and classifications. We are not the FDA — we just help you query their public API.
Who uses it
Regulatory consultants and biomedical engineers query device endpoints when tracking 510(k) clearances, PMA decisions, or malfunction reports. Product descriptions vary wildly in length.
Example request
Paste this into a browser or our Explorer (swap the search term as needed):
GET https://api.fda.gov/device/classification.json?search=device_name:catheter&limit=5You should see JSON with meta.results.total telling you how many matches exist.
Searching the data
Start with search=device_name:catheter in our Explorer or your own HTTP client. Each endpoint documents its own field list on open.fda.gov. Common knobs: limit (how many rows), skip (offset for paging), sort (field:asc or field:desc), and count (aggregate unique values).
Tips that save time
If a query times out, tighten your search or lower limit. The public API is shared infrastructure.
limit— usually capped at 1,000 per callskip— walk through large result setscount=some_field.exact— quick frequency tables
Before you rely on this data
openFDA Explorer is an independent website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA public data is useful for research and general interest. It is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional about your health. openFDA data may be incomplete or reported voluntarily — treat it as a starting point, not a verdict.