Terragene® Bionova® Photon Biological Indicator (BT225) is a 7-second readout Self-Contained Biological Indicator (SCBI) inoculated with a minimum of 10^6 viable Geobacillus stearothermophilus bacterial spores and is intended for routine monitoring of the efficacy of steam sterilization processes. BT225 SCBI is not recommended and should not be used for qualification testing purposes. On each Terragene® Bionova® SCBI is a chemical process indicator that changes color from pink to brown when exposed to steam. - Gravity-displacement Steam Sterilization Cycles 132 °C, 25 minutes 132 °C, 15 minutes 132 °C, 10 minutes 135 °C, 10 minutes - Dynamic-air-removal Steam Sterilization Cycles 132 °C, 4 minutes 135 °C, 3 minutes Terragene® Bionova® Photon Auto-reader Incubator (BPH) incubates at 60 °C and reads the Terragene® Bionova® Photon SCBIs at the times prescribed in the User Manual.
Device Story
System comprises Terragene Bionova Photon Biological Indicator (BT225) and Bionova Photon Auto-Reader Incubator (BPH). BT225 contains Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores; serves as biological indicator for steam sterilization. Auto-reader incubates indicator at 60 °C; performs rapid readout (7 seconds) to detect sterilization efficacy. Indirect growth detection method used instead of traditional culture-based growth. Healthcare providers use system to monitor sterilization process adequacy. Chemical indicator on SCBI provides visual confirmation (pink to brown) of steam exposure. System output informs clinical decision-making regarding sterility of processed items. Benefits include rapid verification of sterilization cycle performance, reducing wait times for instrument availability.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Evidence based on non-clinical performance testing, including analytical performance characteristics, limit of detection, end-point color stability, and readout accuracy validation.
Technological Characteristics
Self-contained biological indicator (SCBI) containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. Includes chemical process indicator (pink to brown). Auto-reader incubator operates at 60 °C. System utilizes indirect growth detection. Software-controlled analysis. Electrical components subject to EMC and electrical safety testing.
Indications for Use
Indicated for routine monitoring of steam sterilization efficacy in healthcare settings. Intended for use with gravity-displacement and dynamic-air-removal steam sterilization cycles. Not for use in cycle qualification testing.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
The Terragene Bionova Photon Biological Indicator (BT225) and Terragene Bionova Photon Auto-Reader Incubator (BPH) is a biological sterilization indicator with indirect growth detection. It is a self-contained biological indicator (SCBI) inoculated with Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, intended for routine monitoring of the efficacy of steam sterilization processes (gravity-displacement and dynamic-air-removal cycles). The system uses fluorescence technology to provide a 7-second readout of sterilization efficacy.
Special Controls
In combination with the general controls of the FD&C Act, the biological sterilization indicator with indirect growth detection is subject to the following special controls:
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# DE NOVO CLASSIFICATION REQUEST FOR TERRAGENE BIONOVA PHOTON BIOLOGICAL INDICATOR (BT225); TERRAGENE BIONOVA PHOTON AUTO-READER INCUBATOR (BPH)
### REGULATORY INFORMATION
FDA identifies this generic type of device as:
Biological sterilization indicator with indirect growth detection. A biological sterilization indicator with indirect growth detection capabilities is a device intended for use by a healthcare provider to accompany products being sterilized through a sterilization process to monitor the adequacy of sterilization. Detection of surviving microorganisms is accomplished by a method other than direct detection of growth or growth products.
NEW REGULATION NUMBER: 21 CFR 880.2806
CLASSIFICATION: Class II
PRODUCT CODE: QVB
### BACKGROUND
DEVICE NAME: Terragene Bionova Photon Biological Indicator (BT225); Terragene Bionova Photon Auto-Reader Incubator (BPH)
SUBMISSION NUMBER: DEN220042
## DATE DE NOVO RECEIVED: July 01, 2022
#### SPONSOR INFORMATION:
Terragene SA Ruta Nacional No. 9 Km 280, Parque Industrial Micropi Alvear, Santa Fe Argentina
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE
The Terragene Bionova Photon Biological Indicator (BT225); Terragene Bionova Photon Auto-Reader Incubator (BPH) is indicated as follows:
Terragene® Bionova® Photon Biological Indicator (BT225) is a 7-second readout Self-Contained Biological Indicator (SCBI) inoculated with a minimum of 100 viable Geobacillus stearothermophilus bacterial spores and is intended for routine monitoring of
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the efficacy of steam sterilization processes. BT225 SCBI is not recommended and should not be used for qualification testing purposes. On each Terragene® Bionova® SCBI is a chemical process indicator that changes color from pink to brown when exposed to steam.
- Gravity-displacement Steam Sterilization Cycles 132 °C, 25 minutes 132 °C, 15 minutes 132 °C, 10 minutes 135 ℃, 10 minutes
- Dynamic-air-removal Steam Sterilization Cycles 132 °C. 4 minutes 135 °C, 3 minutes
Terragene® Bionova® Photon Auto-reader Incubator (BPH) incubates at 60 ℃ and reads the Terragene® Bionova® Photon SCBIs at the times prescribed in the User Manual.
# LIMITATIONS
Terragene Bionova Photon Biological Indicator (BT225): Terragene Bionova Photon Auto-Reader Incubator (BPH) is intended to be marketed for Over-the-Counter (OTC) device.
PLEASE REFER TO THE LABELING FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS.
# DEVICE DESCRIPTION
# Terragene® Bionova® Photon Biological Indicator (BT225)
Terragene® Bionova® Photon Biological Indicator (BT225) is a Biological Indicator for monitoring gravity-displacement and dynamic-air-removal steam sterilization cycles at 132 °C -135 ℃. When BT225 is used in conjunction with the Terragene® Bionova® Photon Auto-reader Incubator (BPH), it provides a final fluorescent result at 7 seconds.
Terragene® Bionova® Photon Biological Indicators (BT225) are single-use Self-Contained Biological Indicators (SCBIs) that are formed by a carrier with Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 spores and an ampoule containing a bacteriological growth medium. Both, the media ampoule and the carrier, are contained in a polypropylene tube enclosed with a black cap with holes and a barrier permeable to steam.
Each SCBI has a label located on the outside of the tube. This label contains information regarding the expiration date and the lot of the SCBI, as well as a chemical process indicator that turns from pink to brown to indicate that the SCBI has been exposed to steam.
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# Basic Design
Image /page/2/Figure/1 description: The image shows a biological indicator used for sterilization monitoring. The indicator consists of several components, including a hole with special paper, a plastic cap, a plastic tube, an identification label, a process indicator, a glass ampoule with growth medium, and a spore carrier. These components work together to provide a reliable method for verifying the effectiveness of sterilization processes.
# Terragene® Bionova® BPH Photon Instant Auto-reader Incubator
Terragene® Bionova® Photon Auto-reader Incubator (BPH) has been designed for the incubation at 60 ℃ and automatic readout of the Bionova® Photon line of Self-contained Biological Indicators (SCBIs) appropriate for monitoring steam sterilization cycles. It allows an instant readout (7-second) of the BT225 SCBI using fluorescence technology and 48-hour incubation for visual color change confirmation.
Usage: For incubation and readout of Bionova Instant BT225 SCBls. Readout fluorescence system after 7-second incubation at 60 °C.
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows a close-up of a black and gray electronic device with a partially opened lid. The device has several buttons and indicators on its front panel, including power, volume, and connectivity symbols. The brand name "PHOTON" is visible at the bottom of the front panel. The device appears to be a portable or handheld device, possibly a communication or control unit.
# SUMMARY OF BENCH STUDIES
## SHELF LIFE/STERILITY
The Terragene® Bionova® Photon Biological Indicator is a single-use device with 18 months of shelf life which is supported by validation testing.
Chemical Process Indicator on SCBI label has an expiration date of 18 months when used as part of SCBI. End Point Stability Reaction: chemical indicator endpoint shall remain unchanged for a period.
of not less than 6 months when stored at previously indicated conditions.
Terragene® Bionova® BPH Photon Instant Auto-reader Incubator shelf life is 5 years.
## BIOCOMPATIBILITY/MATERIALS
The Terragene® Bionova® Photon Biological Indicator (BT225) has no patient contacting components/materials. The sponsor provided material certification statement as per Attachment F of the FDA 2020 Biocompatibility Guidance document, Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process, " found at https://www.fda.gov/media/142959/download
## SOFTWARE
The Terragene® Bionova® BPH Photon Instant Auto-reader Incubator software has the functionality of controlling the equipment user interface through a panel (with LEDs and push buttons) allowing its configuration. The software is able to control the incubation temperature, fluorescence readout process for biological indicators by UV-excitation and subsequent readout
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of the emitted light using photodiodes. The software testing was conducted as per FDA guidance document, "Content of premarket submissions for Device Software Functions, " found at https://www.fda.gov/media/153781/download. The software validation and verification include the software description, level of concern (LOC), Device hazard analysis, software requirements/design specifications. Architecture design chart, software development and maintenance activities, Unresolved anomalies (Bugs and Defects), Revision level, History, Cybersecurity analysis, Traceability analysis/matrix and validation testing. The verification and validation testing reports are found adequate. The software is an accessory to the subject device for the reader/incubator and of a moderate level of concern.
# ELECTROMAGNETIC CAPABILITY & ELECTROMAGNETIC SAFETY
Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility for Terragene® Bionova® BPH Photon Instant Auto-reader Incubator was demonstrated following IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety, IEC 61010-2-010 CB certificate, ANSI C63.27 2017 Wireless Coexistence Report, IEC 61326-1, Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use-EMC requirements-Part 1: General requirements. The electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility test reports are found to be adequate to support the functionality of Terragene® Bionova® BPH Photon Instant Auto-reader Incubator.
## PERFORMANCE TESTING - BENCH
The following performance tests support that the device can achieve its intended use:
#### In-Use Performance Testing for Bionova Photon Biological Indicator (BT225) .
The study demonstrated correct performance of Bionova Photon Biological Indicator (BT225) for claimed gravity-displacement and dynamic-air-removal sterilization cycles when subjected to in-use testing in health-care facilities steam sterilizers and read at 7second (fluorescence) and 48-hour (visual). All results including positive controls met the acceptance criteria.
#### Design and Performance Validation Bionova® Photon Biological Indicator (BT225) ●
The validation testing and the associated validation test reports consisted of different test protocols to support design and performance of the subject device, as described below:
- Viable spore population assay for Bionova® BT225 Instant Readout Biological Indicators The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the subject device meets specifications
for spore population according to ANSI/AAMI ISO 11138-1, ANSI/AAMI ISO 11138-3 standards and the FDA guidance, Biological Indicator (BI) Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions, found at https://www.fda.gov/media/71134/download. Three lots were evaluated and all three lots met the specifications.
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- . Resistance characteristics study for Bionova® BT225 Instant Readout Biological Indicators The purpose of this study is to evaluate the resistance characteristics (1) D-value. 2) Zvalue, 3) Survival Time, and 3) Kill Time) of the subject device. All the samples met specifications for resistance characteristics of the "Recommended Minimum Populations and Resistance Characteristics" stated on the FDA guidance for BIs, as well as comply with ANSI/AAMI ISO 11138-1:2017 and ANSI/AAMI ISO 11138-3:2017 standards.
- Recovery medium test for Bionova® BT225 Instant Readout Biological Indicators. ● The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the suitability of the culture medium used in the build-up of the subject device. Culture medium was evaluated from three different lots used in the build-up of the subject device. The results support spore recovery after steam sterilization process, complying with ANSI/AAMI ISO 11138-1 standard (Subclause 7.2).
- Carrier and primary packaging materials evaluation for Bionova® BT225 Instant ● Readout Biological Indicators. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of carriers and primary packaging materials on the performance of BIs. The subject device was tested according to the methods described in the FDA special controls guidance for Bls. The results demonstrate compliance with ANSI/AAMI ISO 11138-1:2017 standard.
- Reduced Incubation Time for Bionova® BT225 Instant Readout Biological Indicators. ● The 7-second reduced incubation time for the subject device was validated for 7-second readout, 48-hours, and 7-days. In all cases, tests carried out showed appropriate sensitivity value above 97% and specificity value above 87.5%.
- Visual readout stability for Bionova® BT225 Instant Readout Biological Indicators. . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color stability for 7-days of incubation for different lots of BIs. Visual inspection of the culture medium for 7 days confirms its color stability for lethal and non-lethal cycles. Culture medium color is stable during 7 days of incubation.
- Holding time assessment for Bionova® BT225 Instant Readout Biological Indicators. . The purpose of this study was to validate the claimed 7-day holding time between sterilization and incubation. The tests carried out showed a sensitivity value above 97% indicating that there is no difference in the results obtained for the declared 7-day holding time. Results were also evaluated for the 7-second fluorescence readout, 48-hour visual readout, 7-day readout, and 14-day readout. The results for all incubation periods and readout methods were equivalent.
- Bionova® BT225 Instant Readout Biological Indicators limit of detection. ● The purpose of this study was to show that the incubator can detect a very low number of viable spores (i.e. 1-100 spores). Fluorescence readouts were compared with the plating results, positive fluorescence readouts were obtained for every BI which showed 1 to 100 viable count result. This demonstrates the incubator can detect a very low number of
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viable spores and the limit of detection is good enough to guarantee the product sensitivity. The detection limit (LOD), LOQ, sensitivity and specificity testing methodology are expected to be clearly described and are justified against appropriate worst-case detection conditions and aligned with the FDA recognized standard, such as CLSI EP 17-A2 (Evaluation of Detection Capability for Clinical Laboratory Measurement Procedures; Approved Guideline-Second Edition).
- Shelflife stability study for Bionova® BT225 Instant Readout Biological Indicators. ● Three different lots of SCBIs were evaluated for stability via real-time aging for 18 months. Samples from each lot were evaluated in accordance with ANSI/AAMI ISO 11138-1:2017 and ANSI/AAMI ISO 11138-3:2017 for the spore population stability and D-value. All samples met the acceptance criteria of those standards for all time points.
#### Design and Performance Validation BT225 Chemical Indicator ●
The purpose of this study is to validate the performance of chemical process indicator on subject device label according to ANSI/AAMI ISO 11140-1 standard and in compliance with FDA guidance for CIs, Premarket Notifications for chemical indicators, www.fda.gov/media/72010/download. The results of this study show that all samples met the acceptance criteria for the testing conditions. These results were also verified for samples that had been real-time aged for 18-24 months. The results for aged and fresh samples were equivalent. Another test was conducted to evaluate samples aged throughout the 18-month claimed shelf-life. Another study was conducted to verify that the chemical indicator labels do not offset or transfer when in contact with the same substrate from which they are manufactured. The result show that the indicators do not release any substance or bleed when they come in contact with their substrate.
The sponsor completed testing and demonstrated that the Terragene Bionova® performance complies with the standards. The device has been appropriately evaluated for performance on the bench.
# LABELING
The labeling consists of Instructions for Use in user guide and packaging labels of the device.
## RISKS TO HEALTH
The table below identifies the risks to health that may be associated with use of biological sterilization indicator with indirect growth detection and the measures necessary to mitigate these risks.
Identified Risks to Health and Mitigation Measures
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| Risks to Health | Mitigation Measures |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Infection resulting from false negative<br>results for inadequately sterilized<br>devices | Non-clinical performance testing<br>Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis<br>Labeling |
| Delayed or cancelled procedure due to<br>false positive results | Non-clinical performance testing<br>Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis<br>Labeling |
| Electrical shock or interference with<br>other devices | Electrical safety testing<br>Electromagnetic compatibility testing |
| False positive or false negative results<br>due to device degradation in-storage | Shelf-life testing |
| Inability to detect growth or growth<br>products due to inadequate incubation<br>conditions, resulting in false negative<br>result. | Non-clinical performance testing |
# SPECIAL CONTROLS
In combination with the general controls of the FD&C Act, the biological sterilization indicator with indirect growth detection is subject to the following special controls:
- Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the device performs as (1) intended under anticipated conditions of use and must include the following:
- Demonstration that the measured response is dependent on the sterilization cycle (i) parameter(s) representing the indicated cycle conditions;
- (ii) Analytical performance characteristics validation, including scientifically justified samples, worst case conditions, test protocols, reports, and data analysis to evaluate the indicated cycle conditions with established acceptance criteria for each parameter;
- Comparison of detected signal with the number of surviving spores using (iii) objective performance measures with both sensitivity and specificity parameters.);
- (iv) Limit of detection testing;
- (v) End point color stability testing; and
- Validation of accuracy over a specified readout time. (vi)
- (2) Performance data must support the shelf life of the device by demonstrating continued device functionality over the labeled shelf life.
- (3) Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis must be performed for any software components of the device.
- (4) Performance data must demonstrate the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrical safety of the electrical components of the device.
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- (૨) Labeling must include:
- (i) Information on the sensitivity and specificity of the device and warning/precaution statements for any potential false positive or false negative rates:
- (ii) Time interval for read out; and
- For devices intended for use in process monitoring only, warnings against use for (iii) cycle qualification.
### BENEFIT-RISK DETERMINATION
### Benefit
The sponsor demonstrated that the probable benefits include the following:
* The benefits of the device are based on nonclinical laboratory studies described above. Testing demonstrated low level of detection by incubator/auto reader to detect minimum number of spores leading to increased sensitivity >97% and improved sterilization process monitoring.
* The shorter biological indicator read time will make sterilized device distribution faster to support patient procedures as well as clinical laboratory experiments / studies.
### Risk
The risks of the device are based on nonclinical laboratory testing described above.
The main probable risks of the proposed device are a false negative result leading to ineffective sterilization of medical devices or a false positive result leading to the requirement to re-run the sterilization cycle, causing delayed procedures or degradation of the components being sterilized. The testing demonstrated >97% sensitivity and therefore supported routine monitoring of the efficacy of steam sterilization processes. Specificity testing did not achieve the >95% threshold, therefore the device is not recommended and should not be used for qualification testing purposes. There is an additional risk of electrical shock and interference with other devices.
The device ultimately did not pose a direct risk to patients and identified risks have been mitigated with appropriate performance testing and warning/precaution statements in the device labeling/instructions for use and special controls.
Based on the performance testing provided (in particular; sensitivity, specificity, end point stability, shelf life, software validation and labeling) and risk mitigations, the probable benefits outweigh the probable risks for the subject device.
#### Patient Perspectives
This submission did not include specific information on patient perspectives for this device.
#### Benefit/Risk Conclusion
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In conclusion, given the testing provided and available information above, for the following indication statement:
Terragene® Bionova® Photon Biological Indicator (BT225) is a 7-second readout Self-Contained Biological Indicator (SCBI) inoculated with a minimum of 100 viable Geobacillus stearothermophilus bacterial spores and is intended for routine monitoring of the efficacy of steam sterilization processes. BT225 SCBI is not recommended and should not be used for qualification testing purposes. On each Terragene® Bionova® SCBI is a chemical process indicator that changes color from pink to brown when exposed to steam.
- Gravity-displacement Steam Sterilization Cycles 132 °C, 25 minutes 132 °C, 15 minutes 132 °C, 10 minutes 135 ℃, 10 minutes
- Dynamic-air-removal Steam Sterilization Cycles 132 °C, 4 minutes 135 °C, 3 minutes
Terragene® Bionova® Photon Auto-reader Incubator (BPH) incubates at 60 °C and reads the Terragene® Bionova® Photon SCBIs at the times prescribed in the User Manual.
The probable benefits outweigh the probable risks for the Terragene Bionova Photon Biological Indicator (BT225): Terragene Bionova Photon Auto-Reader Incubator (BPH). The device provides benefits, and the risks can be mitigated by the use of general controls and the identified special controls.
## CONCLUSION
The De Novo request for the Terragene Bionova Photon Biological Indicator (BT225): Terragene Bionova Photon Auto-Reader Incubator (BPH) is granted, and the device is classified as follows:
Product Code: OVB Device Type: Biological sterilization indicator with indirect growth detection Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.2806 Class: II
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.