MICROGEL ALKALINE HEMOGLOBIN ELECTROPHORESIS TEST SYSTEM, MICROGEL ACID HEMOGLOBIN ELECTROPHORESIS TEST SYSTEM
Applicant
Interlab S.R.L.
Product Code
JBD · Hematology
Decision Date
Jun 30, 2006
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 864.7440
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Microgel Alkaline Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test kit is intended for qualitative and semiquantitative determination of normal hemoglobins (A1, A2 and F) as well as certain abnormal or variant hemoglobins (S or D and C or E) using agarose gel. To distinguish hemoglobins S from D or C from E an alternate confirmatory test such as acid hemoglish hemoglobin electrophoresis is necessary. The electrophoretic test is performed at allialine pH and provides a valuable screening method for hemoglobin patterns. Densitometry of the pattern allows the relative quantification of hemogram patism belief allows the pattern allows the relative automated Microod instrument automated Microgel instrument. The Microgel Acid Hemoglobin Electrophoresis kit is a qualitative test for the identification of both normal and abnomal or variant hemoglobins, and to confirm the identify of clinication of hemoglobins such as A. E. Gand O. Th hemoglobins such as A, F, S and C. The Acid Hemoglobin test kit employs agarose gel at acidic pH and is for in vitro diagnes and of The Rold Hemoglouin test Kit Employs agarose gel at acidid Microgel instrument Microgel instrument.
Device Story
System uses agarose gel electrophoresis to separate hemoglobin variants based on net charge; alkaline pH for screening; acid pH for confirmation. Input: hemolyzed red blood cells. Process: automated Microgel instrument applies samples to Mylar-supported agarose gel; applies voltage for migration; performs denaturation, staining (Amido Black), destaining, and drying. Output: electrophoretic patterns evaluated via visual inspection or densitometry for relative quantification. Used in clinical laboratories; operated by technicians. PC-based software controls instrument sequences and manages data. Results aid clinicians in identifying hemoglobinopathies; acid electrophoresis required to differentiate S from D or C from E.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; device relies on bench testing and performance validation of the electrophoretic separation and densitometry methods.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Mylar-supported agarose gel plates, buffered sponges, lysing/staining/washing solutions. Principle: Electrophoretic migration based on net charge. Energy: Electrical (voltage applied via Microgel instrument). Connectivity: Bidirectional serial link to external PC. Software: PC-controlled automated sequence. Sterilization: Not applicable.
Indications for Use
Indicated for qualitative and semiquantitative determination of normal (A1, A2, F) and abnormal/variant (S, D, C, E) hemoglobins in human blood samples. Used as a screening method for hemoglobin patterns at alkaline pH and for identification/confirmation of hemoglobins (A, F, S, C, E, G, O) at acidic pH. Requires confirmatory testing to distinguish S from D or C from E.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrophoretic hemoglobin analysis system is a device that electrophoretically separates and identifies normal and abnormal hemoglobin types as an aid in the diagnosis of anemia or erythrocytosis (increased total red cell mass) due to a hemoglobin abnormality.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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S510 (k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION
DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
K053571
B. Purpose for Submission:
New Device
C. Measurand:
Hemoglobin A, A2, F, S, C, E, D
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative, Semi-quantitative, Qualitative
E. Applicant:
Interlab Scientific Instruments srl
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Microgel Alkaline Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test system
Microgel Acid Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test system
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR 864.7440, Electrophoretic Hemoglobin Analysis System
21 CFR 864.7415, Abnormal Hemoglobin Assay
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
JBD, System, Analysis, Electrophoretic Hemoglobin
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GKA, Abnormal Hemoglobin Quantitation
4. Panel:
Hematology (81)
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
The Microgel Alkaline Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test kit is intended for qualitative and semi-quantitative determination of normal hemoglobins (A1, A2 and F) as well as certain abnormal or variant hemoglobins (S or D and C or E) using agarose gel. To distinguish hemoglobins S from D or C from E an alternate confirmatory test such as acid hemoglobin electrophoresis is necessary. The electrophoretic test is performed at alkaline pH and provides a valuable screening method for hemoglobin patterns. Densitometry of the pattern allows the relative quantification of hemoglobin bands. The kit SRE604K has been designed for use with the fully automated Microgel instrument.
The Microgel Acid Hemoglobin Electrophoresis kit is a qualitative test for the identification of both normal and abnormal or variant hemoglobins, and to confirm the identity of clinically relevant hemoglobins such as A, F, S and C. The Acid Hemoglobin test kit employs agarose gel at acidic pH and is for in vitro diagnostic use. The kit has been designed for use with the fully automated Microgel instrument.
2. Indication(s) for use:
The Microgel Alkaline Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test kit is intended for qualitative and semi-quantitative determination of normal hemoglobins (A1, A2 and F) as well as certain abnormal or variant hemoglobins (S or D and C or E) using agarose gel. To distinguish hemoglobins S from D or C from E an alternate confirmatory test such as acid hemoglobin electrophoresis is necessary. The electrophoretic test is performed at alkaline pH and provides a valuable screening method for hemoglobin patterns. Densitometry of the pattern allows the relative quantification of hemoglobin bands. The kit SRE604K has been designed for use with the fully automated Microgel instrument.
The Microgel Acid Hemoglobin Electrophoresis kit is a qualitative test for the identification of both normal and abnormal or variant hemoglobins, and to confirm the identity of clinically relevant hemoglobins such as A, F, S and C. The Acid Hemoglobin test kit employs agarose gel at acidic pH and is for in vitro diagnostic use. The kit has been designed for use with the fully automated Microgel instrument.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
Not applicable.
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4. Special instrument requirements:
Not applicable.
I. Device Description:
The Microgel Alkaline and Acid Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test kits consist of seven components; (1) Agarose gel plates(2) Buffered Sponges, (3) Lysing solution, (4) Amino Black Stain Solution, (5) Washing Solution for Applicators, (6) Disposable Sample Plates, (7) Blotters. The Microgel Alkaline and Acid Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test kits are used in conjunction with a Microgel instrument, a laboratory analyzer for electrophoretic analysis. The electrophoresis is performed using the migration phenomena on Mylar membranes, on which agarose gel is deposited (GEL), when voltage is applied. The Microgel Unit, with external command from a PC, sets up a sequence of basic phases to conduct the analysis. The instrument monitoring during the analysis is performed by the external PC with a bidirectional serial link.
1. Predicate device name(s):
Sebia HYDROGEL HEMOGLOBINS
Interlab Alkaline Hemoglobin
Interlab Acid Hemoglobin
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
K991362
K032862
K040146
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Item | MICROGEL HEMOGLOBINS | SEBIA HYDRAGEL HEMOGLOBINS | MICROTECH HEMOGLOBINS |
| Intended use | The Microgel Alkaline Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test kit is intended for qualitative and semi-quantitative determination of normal hemoglobins (A1, A2 and F) as well as certain abnormal or variant hemoglobins (S or D and C or E) using agarose gel. To distinguish hemoglobins S from D or E, the microgel is intended for quantitative and semi-quantitative determination of normal hemoglobins (A1, A2 and F) as well as certain abnormal or variant hemoglobins (S or D and C or E) using cellulose acetate supported on Mylar. The test is a screening method for in vitro diagnostic use in the Microtech 672 PCPC and the Microtech 648 | The Hydragel Hemoglobin is designed for separation of normal hemoglobins (A1 and A2) and for the detection of the major hemoglobin variant: S or D and C or E by electrophoresis on alkaline agarose gels. The resulting electrophoregrams are evaluated visually for | The Interlab Alkaline Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test system is intended for the separation of normal hemoglobins (A1, A2 and F) as well as certain abnormal or variant hemoglobins (S or D and C or E) using cellulose acetate supported on Mylar. The test is a screening method for in vitro diagnostic use in the Microtech 672 PCPC and the Microtech 648 |
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| Similarities | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Item | MICROGEL HEMOGLOBINS | SEBIA HYDRAGEL HEMOGLOBINS | MICROTECH HEMOGLOBINS |
| | C from E an alternate confirmatory test such as acid hemoglobin electrophoresis is necessary. The electrophoretic test is performed at alkaline pH and provides a valuable screening method for hemoglobin patterns. Densitometry of the pattern allows the relative quantification of hemoglobin bands. The kit SRE604K has been designed for use with the fully automated Microgel instrument. | pattern abnormalities. Densitometry can serve as an aid in the interpretation by providing relative concentrations of individual fractions. | ISO fully automated analyzers. To distinguish hemoglobins S from D or C from E an alternate confirmatory test such as acid hemoglobin electrophoresis is necessary. |
| | The Microgel Acid Hemoglobin Electrophoresis kit is a qualitative test for the identification of both normal and abnormal or variant hemoglobins, and to confirm the identity of clinically relevant hemoglobins such as A, F, S and C. The Acid Hemoglobin test kit employs agarose gel at acidic pH and is for in vitro diagnostic use. The kit has been designed for use with the fully automated Microgel instrument. | The Hydragel Hemoglobins are designed for separation of normal hemoglobin A, abnormal hemoglobins S and C and fetal hemoglobin F, by electrophoresis on acidic agarose gels. Hydragel Acid Hemoglobin is essential to confirm the identification of hemoglobin variants previously detected on alkaline gels, in particular to differentiate hemoglobins S from D and E from C. The tests are used in conjunction with the semi-automated Hydrasys system. | The Interlab Acid Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test system is intended for the electrophoresis separation of hemoglobins to confirm the identity of clinically relevant hemoglobins such as A, F, S, and C. It is to be used in conjunction with the Interlab Alkaline Hemoglobin Electrophoresis test kit. The Acid Hemoglobin test kit is for in vitro diagnostic use and can be automated on the Microtech 672 PCPC and Microtech 648 ISO instruments. |
| Results | Visual | Same | Same |
| Method | Agarose gel electrophoresis | Agarose gel electrophoresis | Cellulose Acetate or Mylar |
| Test Principle | Normal hemoglobins and most variant have different electrophoretic mobility and can be resolved according to their net charge by | Normal hemoglobins and most variant have different electrophoretic mobility and can be resolved according to their net charge by | Normal hemoglobins and most variant have different electrophoretic mobility and can be resolved according to their net charge by electrophoresis on cellulose |
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| Similarities | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Item | MICROGEL HEMOGLOBINS | SEBIA HYDRAGEL HEMOGLOBINS | MICROTECH HEMOGLOBINS |
| | electrophoresis on agarose gel in alkaline or acid buffer. | electrophoresis on agarose gel in alkaline or acid buffer. | acetate in alkaline or acid buffer. |
| Specimen | Hemolyzed separated red blood cells using hemolyzing solution. | Hemolyzed separated red blood cells using hemolyzing solution | Hemolyzed separated red blood cells using distilled water |
| Sample Application | Pipetting Station | Same | Same |
| Detection | Densitometric | Same | Same |
| Differences | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Item | MICROGEL HEMOGLOBINS | SEBIA HYDRAGEL HEMOBLOBINS | MICROTECH HEMOGLOBINS |
| Equipment and Accessories | Microgel System Alternative to Microgel systems: Migration Chamber and power supply Sample applicator Reagent containers Dryer Optional Densitometer | Sebia Hydrasys System Alternative to Hydrasys System: Sebia Migration Cell Sebia Sample Applicator Sebia Gel Processing/Staining Module Optional Densitometer | Microtech 648 ISO System Microtech 672 PCPC System Alternative to Microtech systems: Migration Chamber and power supply Sample applicator Reagent containers Dryer Optional Densitometer |
| Reagents | Alkaline Hb Gel Plates Acid Hb Gel Plates Buffered Sponges Lysing Solution Amino Black Staining Washing Solution for Applicators | Alkaline Hb Gel Strips Acid Hb Gel Strips Buffered Strips Hemolysing Reagent Staining Solution Diluent Amidoblack Stain | Alkaline Hb Gel Strips Acid Hb Gel Strips Running Buffer Destaining Solution Clearing Solution Ponceau Red Stain |
# K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
# L. Test Principle:
# Microgel Alkaline Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
Normal hemoglobins and most variants have different electrophoretic mobility and can be resolved according to their net charge by electrophoresis on agarose gel plate in an alkaline buffer. The analysis is performed using the fully automated Microgel instrument. When the electrophoretic separation of the bands is complete, the agarose gel plate is denatured, stained with Amino Black, distained and dried. The patterns are then scanned and the densitometric results are shown together with the graph.
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# Acid Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
Normal hemoglobins and most variants have different electrophoretic mobility and can be resolved according to their net charge by electrophoresis on agarose gel in acid buffer. This method allows separation of those variant hemoglobins that overlap in the alkaline electrophoretic pattern. The analysis is performed using the fully automated Microgel instrument. When the electrophoretic separation of the bands is complete, the agarose gel plate is denatured, stained with Amido Black, destained and dried. Visual inspection of the patterns is performed to detect both normal and abnormal or variant hemoglobins.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### 1. Analytical performance:
#### a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Microgel Alkaline Hemoglobin – Intra-run
Three different samples were run on Microgel; thirteen replicates of each sample were run on one gel plate using the same batch number of reagents. Electrophoretic patterns were evaluated visually. Mean, SD, and CV values were calculated for each fraction.
**Precision (Intra-run) results:**
| Sample # | Hb A | Hb A2 | Hb F | Hb S | Hb C | Mean (%) | SD | CV (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A | X | | | | | 62.8 | 0.87 | 1.38 |
| | | | | | X | 37.2 | 0.87 | 2.33 |
| B | X | | | | | 57.12 | 0.12 | 0.2 |
| | | X | | | | 1.26 | 0.05 | 4.01 |
| | | | X | | | 31.15 | 0.19 | 0.62 |
| | | | | X | | 10.46 | 0.18 | 1.68 |
| C | X | | | | | 97.45 | 0.07 | 0.07 |
| | | X | | | | 2.55 | 0.07 | 2.59 |
**Microgel Acid Hemoglobin – Intra-run**
Three different abnormal samples (S, AFSA2, and AFSC) were used. Thirteen replicates of each sample were run on the sample gel plate, using the same batch number of the kit. The electrophoretic patterns were inspected visually. The presences of all abnormal bands were confirmed.
#### b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
An abnormal patient sample was serially diluted and run on the Interlab Hemoglobin test system assess the linearity of the system. Hemoglobin A1 and A2 bands were measured to show the range of concentrations, and assess the lowest concentration that can be detected on the agarose gel system. The results are as follows:
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Linearity range for HbA2 in emolised sample: 0.4 – 2.1 g/L
(Total Hb concentration: 150 g/L)
% of HbA2 = 5.6% Conc. HbA2 = 8.4 g/L
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
**Microgel Alkaline Hemoglobin**
Stability studies were performed at two time periods Test O (time O), Test 1 (after 6 months from production date). During these periods the kits was stored at 15 – 30°C. Used in this study were control solution AFSC and three different normal patients (two containing HbA1 and HbA2 and carbonic anhydrase, and one contain traces of HbF).
**Microgel Acid Hemoglobin**
Stability studies were performed at three time periods Test O (time O), Test 1 (after 6 months from production date and Test 2 (one year after the production date). During these periods the kits was stored at 15 – 30°C. Used in this study were two control solutions, AFSC and AFSA2, and two different normal patients (containing traces of HbF, HbA1 and HbA2).
Present six months stability meets the acceptance criteria, based on the parameters tested, for the kits when stored at 15 – 30°C for both Alkaline and Acid Hemoglobin kits. Expiration dating will be monitored and increased as acceptance criteria allow.
d. Detection limit:
A commercially available abnormal control with known concentration values was serially diluted. Hemoglobin fractions were measured to access the lowest level that can be detected on the agarose gel system. Results are as follows:
Total Hemoglobin Target Value = 58.4 g/L
HbF is detected in a concentration range of: 0.54 – 17.43 g/L
HbS is detected in a concentration range of: 0.54 – 8.65 g/L
**Microgel Acid Hemoglobin**
HbA is detected at the lowest concentration of: 0.50 g/L
HbF is detected at the lowest concentration of: 0.60 g/L
HbS is detected at the lowest concentration of: 0.52 g/L
HbC is detected at the lowest concentration of: 0.44 g/L
e. Analytical specificity:
Not applicable.
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f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable.
## 2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
**Microgel Alkaline Hemoglobin**
The study was performed on a total of one hundred eight (108) samples from both normal (62) and suspected pathological (46) patients. Ninety-two (92) were tested on the Interlab Microgel Hemoglobin system and with a commercially available agarose gel system, while twenty-eight (28) were compared using cellulose acetate. The samples were analyzed with the Interlab Alkaline Hemoglobin kit.
Results are as follows:
| Hb fraction | n | Slope | y-intercept | R2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hb A | 92 | 1.02 | -2.39 | 1.0 |
| Hb F | 92 | 1.05 | -1.34 | 1.0 |
| Hb S | 92 | 0.97 | 0.49 | 1.0 |
| Hb C | 92 | 1.16 | -0.31 | 0.97 |
| Hb fraction | n | Slope | y-intercept | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hb A | 28 | 1.01 | -0.81 | 1.00 |
| Hb S | 28 | 1.01 | -0.13 | .99 |
| Hb C | 28 | 1.01 | 0.02 | 1.00 |
**Microgel Acid Hemoglobin**
Hemoglobin samples from thirty-one samples, either normal or with hemoglobin disorders were tested. The samples were tested with another commercially available electrophoretic system and agarose gel system. The results revealed no false negative or false positive bands by visual inspection. The study resulted in 100% agreement to the reference method for the observed bands.
The blood samples and their diagnostic assessment used for all studies were provided by hospitals outside of the United States.
b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable.
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3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not applicable.
b. Clinical specificity:
Not applicable.
c. Other clinical supportive data (when a. and b. are not applicable):
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable.
5. Expected values/Reference range:
NOTE: values in the box refer to the Interlab Reference Ranges for Hemoglobins, analyzed by alkaline electrophoresis.
| | Interlab Reference Ranges |
| --- | --- |
| Hb Fraction | % |
| HbA1 | 96-99 |
| HbF | <2.0 |
| HbA2 | 1.0-3.5 |
N. Instrument Name:
Interlab, MICROGEL
O. System Descriptions:
1. Modes of Operation:
Microgel automatically performs all the steps of the analytical procedure: application of the samples on the agarose gel plate, electrophoretic migration, gel denaruation and destaining, final gel drying.
2. Software:
The Elfolab/Microgel software applications are the user interface between PC and the
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Tool.
The Elfolab application is dedicated to the following activities:
- Display, modify, print and save the analysis result
- Start new analysis
- Insert and search patient data as well as compare with previous analysis
- Modify analysis graphs and recalculate
The Microgel application for the Microgel can:
- Start analysis from PC
- Show the status of the tool during the analysis
- Transfer results data to Elfolab software
- Modify the parameters and sequence of the analysis
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and software development processes for this line of product types:
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
3. Specimen Identification:
Manual input of patient data
4. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
Whole blood collected with EDTA is the sample of choice and should be collected following laboratory’s procedure and according to the Good Laboratory Procedure Guidelines. The whole blood can be stored for one week if refrigerated at 2 – 8° C.
5. Calibration:
Not applicable
6. Quality Control:
It is recommended to include in the samples the Interlab Control solutions (Hemoglobin Control AFSA2, AFSC for Alkaline Hemoglobin testing and Hemoglobin AFSC for Acid Hemoglobin testing) in accordance with the guidelines or requirements of local, state, and/or federal regulation or accrediting organizations. In addition, the laboratory should establish acceptance parameters for each lot of control material.
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
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Q. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
R. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
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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.