The Carbon Dioxide assay is used for the quantitation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in human serum or plasma.
Device Story
In vitro diagnostic assay for quantitative analysis of CO2 in human serum or plasma; utilizes enzymatic reaction where phospho(enol)pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) converts bicarbonate and phospho(enol)pyruvate to oxalacetate and phosphate; malate dehydrogenase (MDH) reduces oxalacetate to malate, oxidizing NADH analog; decrease in absorbance at 404 nm measured by automated clinical chemistry analyzers (AEROSET and ARCHITECT c8000); used in clinical laboratory settings by trained personnel; results aid clinicians in assessing patient acid-base status and diagnosing related metabolic disorders.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Precision evaluated per CLSI EP5-A (20 days, 2 runs/day, 2 replicates/run); total CV 2.01-2.5%. Linearity evaluated per CLSI EP6-A (5-50 mEq/L range). LOD 1.5 mEq/L, LOQ 4 mEq/L per CLSI EP17-A. Interference testing showed no significant impact from bilirubin (60 mg/dL), hemoglobin (2,000 mg/dL), or Intralipid (2,000 mg/dL). Method comparison against predicate (Hitachi 717) showed correlation coefficients >0.989.
Indicated for the measurement of bicarbonate/carbon dioxide in human serum or plasma to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with acid-base balance changes.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A bicarbonate/carbon dioxide test system is a device intended to measure bicarbonate/carbon dioxide in plasma, serum, and whole blood. Bicarbonate/carbon dioxide measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disorders associated with changes in body acid-base balance.
Predicate Devices
Carbon Dioxide (CO2L) on the Hitachi 717 Analyzer (k032377)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION
DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k060295
B. Purpose for Submission:
New device
C. Measurand:
Carbon Dioxide
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative enzymatic assay
E. Applicant:
Abbott Laboratories
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Carbon Dioxide Reagent
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section
21 CFR §862.1160, Bicarbonate/carbon dioxide test
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
KHS
4. Panel:
75 (Chemistry)
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H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See Indications for use.
2. Indication(s) for use:
Bicarbonate/ carbon dioxide measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disorders associated with changes in body acid-base balance.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For Prescription use only.
4. Special instrument requirements:
Abbott AEROSET® and Abbott ARCHITECT® c8000®
I. Device Description:
The carbon dioxide reagent is supplied as a liquid, ready-to-use, single reagent kit in three sizes which contain:
10 x 23 mL – estimated tests per kit: 3,000
10 x 50 mL – estimated tests per kit: 7,500
10 x 77 mL – estimated tests per kit: 12,000
| Reactive Ingredients | Concentration |
| --- | --- |
| Phospho (enol) pyruvate | 63 mmol/L |
| NADH analog | 3.0 mmol/L |
| Phospho (enol) pyruvate Carboxylase (Microbial) | >2,000 U/L |
| Malate Dehydrogenase (Mammalian) | >20,000 U/L |
The calibrators for use with this assay were previously cleared under k981706.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
Carbon Dioxide (CO2L) on the Hitachi 717 Analyzer
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2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
k032377
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Assay Characteristics | New Device - Carbon Dioxide (k060295) | Carbon Dioxide (CO2L) on Hitachi 717 Analyzer (k032377) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Analyte Measured | Carbon Dioxide | Carbon Dioxide |
| Intended Use | The Carbon Dioxide assay is used for the quantitation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in human serum or plasma. | The Carbon Dioxide assay is used for the quantitation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in human serum or plasma. |
| Assay Principle | Carbon Dioxide, as bicarbonate (HCO3-), and phospho(enol)pyruvate (PEP) are converted to oxalacetate and phosphate in the reaction catalyzed by phosphor(enol)pyruvate Carboxylase (PEPC). Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) catalyzes the reduction of oxalacetate to malate with the concomitant oxidation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) analog. The resulting decrease in absorbance at 404 nm is proportional to the CO2 content in the sample. | Carbon Dioxide, as bicarbonate (HCO3-), and phospho(enol)pyruvate (PEP) are converted to oxalacetate and phosphate in the reaction catalyzed by phosphor(enol)pyruvate Carboxylase (PEPC). Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) catalyzes the reduction of oxalacetate to malate with the concomitant oxidation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) analog. The resulting decrease in absorbance at 415 nm is proportional to the CO2 content in the sample. |
| Detection of Analyte | Endpoint | 2-point rate |
| Samples | Serum and plasma | Serum and plasma |
| Assay Range | 5 to 50 mEq/L | 1.5 to 50 mEq/L |
| Analysis Medium | Aqueous solution | Aqueous solution |
| Use of Calibrators | Yes | Yes |
| Use of Controls | Yes | Yes |
K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
CLSI (formerly NCCLS) Document EP5-A.
CLSI (formerly NCCLS) Document EP6-A.
CLSI (formerly NCCLS) Document EP 17-A.
CLSI (formerly NCCLS) Document EP9-A2
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L. Test Principle:
According to the sponsor the Abbott Carbon Dioxide Reagent is a quantitative enzymatic assay based on the PEP Carboxylase methodology. Carbon Dioxide, as bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), and phospho (enol) pyruvate (PEP) are converted to oxalacetate and phosphate in the reaction catalyzed by phosphor (enol) pyruvate Carboxylase (PEPC). Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) catalyzes the reduction of oxalacetate to malate with the concomitant oxidation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) analog. The resulting decrease in absorbance at 404 nm is proportional to the CO₂ content in the sample.
M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
To determine the within-run, between-run, between-day, and total precision of the Carbon Dioxide assay on the AEROSET and ARCHITECT c8000 Systems, the total precision as well as the precision for each component of variation (between-day, between-run, and within-run) was estimated in accordance with CLSI EP5-A. The sponsor indicated that two control levels (Level 1 and Level 2) at normal and abnormal analyte concentrations were tested. These controls were evaluated over 20 days, two runs per day, and two replicates per run. The sponsor determined that precision was considered acceptable if the total SD is ≤ 1 mEq/L or total %CV is ≤ 5.5%, whichever is greater. Precision was reported as the total percent CV. The precision results are summarized in the below tables.
AEROSET Precision
| Control | | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| N | | 80 | 80 |
| Mean (mEq/L) | | 38.04 | 19.69 |
| Within Run | SD | 0.25 | 0.17 |
| | %CV | 0.66 | 0.88 |
| Between Run | SD | 0.68 | 0.32 |
| | %CV | 1.80 | 1.60 |
| Between Day | SD | 0.24 | 0.30 |
| | %CV | 0.63 | 1.52 |
| Total | SD | 0.77 | 0.47 |
| | %CV | 2.01 | 2.38 |
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# ARCHITECT Precision
| Control | | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| N | | 80 | 80 |
| Mean (mEq/L) | | 37.8 | 19.6 |
| Within Run | SD | 0.37 | 0.25 |
| | %CV | 1.0 | 1.3 |
| Between Run | SD | 0.41 | 0.28 |
| | %CV | 1.1 | 1.4 |
| Between Day | SD | 0.54 | 0.32 |
| | %CV | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Total | SD | 0.78 | 0.49 |
| | %CV | 2.1 | 2.5 |
# b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
The sponsor indicated that the linear range of analyte concentrations of the Carbon Dioxide assay on the AEROSET and ARCHITECT c8000 Systems linearity was evaluated in accordance with a modified protocol based on CLSI EP6-A. Ten (10) samples at various concentrations spanning the desired linear range of the assay were run in four replicates. At least one level was included which exceeded the desired linear range. The percent recovery for each sample was determined by dividing the mean observed result by the predicted value. Results are presented below.
# AEROSET Linearity
| Level | N | Mean Conc. (mEq/L) | SD | Predicted Results (mEq/L) | Difference (mEq/L) | %Difference |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 4 | 2.888 | 0.075 | 3.007 | -0.119 | -3.973 |
| 2 | 4 | 5.430 | 0.041 | 5.720 | -0.290 | -5.068 |
| 3 | 4 | 8.425 | 0.131 | 8.433 | -0.008 | -0.093 |
| 4 | 4 | 13.825 | 0.042 | 13.859 | -0.034 | -0.243 |
| 5 | 4 | 30.113 | 0.198 | 30.136 | -0.024 | -0.079 |
| 6 | 4 | 36.725 | 0.199 | 35.562 | 1.163 | 3.270 |
| 7 | 4 | 46.290 | 0.494 | 46.414 | -0.124 | -0.266 |
| 8 | 4 | 51.828 | 0.221 | 51.840 | -0.012 | -0.023 |
| 9 | 4 | 54.580 | 0.435 | 54.552 | 0.028 | 0.051 |
| 10 | 4 | 56.685 | 1.370 | 57.265 | -0.580 | -1.013 |
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# ARCHITECT Linearity
| Level | N | Mean Conc. (mEq/L) | SD | Predicted Results (mEq/L) | Difference (mEq/L) | %Difference |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 4 | 3.165 | 0.018 | 3.240 | -0.075 | -2.319 |
| 2 | 4 | 5.753 | 0.123 | 5.942 | -0.188 | -3.165 |
| 3 | 4 | 8.616 | 0.164 | 8.643 | -0.027 | -0.308 |
| 4 | 4 | 14.095 | 0.255 | 14.045 | 0.050 | 0.355 |
| 5 | 4 | 30.297 | 0.288 | 30.263 | 0.033 | 0.111 |
| 6 | 4 | 36.412 | 0.248 | 35.666 | 0.746 | 2.092 |
| 7 | 4 | 46.434 | 0.283 | 46.471 | -0.038 | -0.081 |
| 8 | 4 | 51.369 | 0.645 | 51.874 | -0.505 | -0.973 |
| 9 | 4 | 54.189 | 1.122 | 54.575 | -0.386 | -0.707 |
| 10 | 4 | 57.665 | 0.347 | 57.276 | 0.388 | 0.678 |
The data generated above indicate the Carbon Dioxide assay is linear from 5 to 50 mEq/L (mmol/L), with recovery within $\pm 4.3\%$ or $\pm 1\mathrm{mEq / L}$ of the predicted value with $95\%$ confidence.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
The reagent calibration stability was determined by the recovery method on multiple lots of Carbon Dioxide reagent. Fresh reagent was calibrated with fresh calibrators on Day 0. Control material (normal and abnormal) and a prepared test sample near the linear high were analyzed on Day 0, 2, 7, 14, 15, and 17. The sponsor's acceptance criteria for recovery on each day are the Mean value of the samples $\leq 4.3\%$ or $\leq 1$ mEq/L, whichever is greater, of the Day 0 results. All test points up to and including Day 17 met the target for recovery. The resulting calibration stability claim is 14 days.
The reagent open onboard stability was also determined by the recovery method on multiple lots of Carbon Dioxide reagent. Fresh reagent was calibrated with fresh calibrators on Day 0. Control material (normal and abnormal) and a prepared test sample near the linear high were analyzed on Day 0, 2, 7, 14, 15, and 17 without recalibration. Day 17 testing was repeated after re-calibration with both the onboard and fresh reagent.
All test points up to and including Day 17 met the target for recovery. The resulting open on-board stability claim is 14 days. The sponsor claims a product shelf-life/expiration of 12 months. Protocols and acceptance criteria were reviewed.
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# d. Detection limit:
The sponsor determined the Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) on the AEROSET and the ACHITECT c8000 Systems. The LOQ is the analytical concentration at which the $\mathrm{CV} = 20\%$ . An internal verification study by the sponsor produced a CV of $10.5\%$ at a $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ concentration of $3.7\mathrm{mEq / L}$ ( $3.7\mathrm{mmol / L}$ ).
The Limit of Detection (LOD) testing for Carbon Dioxide was performed using a study design based on CLSI EP17-A. An internal verification study by the sponsor produced an LOD for Carbon Dioxide of $1.5\mathrm{mEq/L}$ ( $1.5\mathrm{mmol/L}$ ). The proportions of false positives ( $\alpha$ ) and false negatives ( $\beta$ ) were less than $5\%$ and the limit of blank (LOB) was $1.3\mathrm{mEq/L}$ ( $1.3\mathrm{mmol/L}$ ).
The sponsors claim an LOQ of $4\mathrm{mEq/L}$ and an LOD of $2\mathrm{mEq/L}$ for the Carbon Dioxide assay.
# e. Analytical specificity:
The sponsor conducted studies to evaluate interferences in the Carbon Dioxide assay caused by bilirubin, hemoglobin, and intralipid on the AEROSET and ARCHITECT c8000 Systems. Interference effects were assessed at medical decision levels of the analyte. Human serum samples (reference) at two Carbon Dioxide concentrations (Lower Decision Level and Upper Decision Level) were spiked with various levels of interferents.
According to the sponsor, four replicates of each interferent level and four replicates of reference sample were run. The percent recovery was determined by dividing the mean result of replicates for each interferent level by the mean result of the replicates of the reference sample. The sponsor's acceptance criteria were the level of interference was considered acceptable if there was no more than $\pm 4.3\%$ or $\pm 1$ mEq/L, whichever greater, difference between the interferent result and the reference result.
Testing was performed using the AEROSET System. The tables below summarize the results for serum samples at each level, indicating the highest interferent concentration at which the degree of interference was within $\pm 4.3\%$ or $\pm 1\mathrm{mEq / L}$ .
Interfering Substances - Lower Decision Level
| Interfering Substance | Interfering Substance Concentration | Target (mEq/L) | Observed (mEq/L) | (%Target) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bilirubin | 30 mg/dL | 20.5 | 20.4 | 100 |
| | 60 mg/dL | 20.5 | 20.2 | 99 |
| Hemoglobin | 1,000 mg/dL | 20.1 | 19.9 | 99 |
| | 2,000 mg/dL | 20.1 | 19.1 | 95 |
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| Interfering Substance | Interfering Substance Concentration | Target (mEq/L) | Observed | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | (mEq/L) | (%Target) |
| Intralipid | 1,000 mg/dL | 20.0 | 20.0 | 100 |
| | 2,000 mg/dL | 20.0 | 20.3 | 102 |
Interfering Substances – Upper Decision Level
| Interfering Substance | Interfering Substance Concentration | Target (mEq/L) | Observed | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | (mEq/L) | (%Target) |
| Bilirubin | 30 mg/dL | 36.9 | 37.1 | 101 |
| | 60 mg/dL | 36.9 | 36.9 | 100 |
| Hemoglobin | 1,000 mg/dL | 34.9 | 35.5 | 102 |
| | 2,000 mg/dL | 34.9 | 35.3 | 101 |
| Intralipid | 1,000 mg/dL | 36.8 | 36.4 | 99 |
| | 2,000 mg/dL | 36.8 | 36.2 | 98 |
The percent interference was within $\pm 4.3\%$ difference or $\pm 1\mathrm{mEq/L}$, whichever was greater, for serum samples containing $60~\mathrm{mg/dL}$ bilirubin; $2,000~\mathrm{mg/dL}$ hemoglobin; and $2,000~\mathrm{mg/dL}$ Intralipid, for both Lower and Upper Decision Levels.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable for this type of device.
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
The sponsor performed comparative studies using the AEROSET® and ARCHITECT® c8000® Systems compared to the Roche Carbon Dioxide (CO2L) assay on the Hitachi 717 Analyzer. The AEROSET System showed a correlation coefficient of 0.994, slope of 0.99, and Y-intercept of $-0.20\mathrm{mEq/L}$ when compared to the Hitachi 717 Analyzer. The ARCHITECT c8000 System showed a correlation coefficient of 0.9893, slope of 0.98, and Y-intercept of $-0.75\mathrm{mEq/L}$ when compared to the Hitachi 717 Analyzer.
The sponsor performed method comparison correlations between the AEROSET System and ARCHITECT c8000 System using the Carbon Dioxide assay. The ARCHITECT c8000 System showed a correlation coefficient of 0.995, slope of 0.98 and Y-intercept of $-0.55\mathrm{mEq/L}$ when compared to the AEROSET System.
b. Matrix comparison:
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Twenty-six (26) subjects were tested using each of the collection tubes to be evaluated. The serum tube used for the baseline was the only glass tube; all other specimen tubes were plastic. Data were analyzed for statistical differences between different tube types. The sponsor’s acceptance criteria were acceptability of each anticoagulant is based on a difference of less than ± 4.3% or ± 1 mEq/L, whichever is greater, between the mean values of all samples / replicates for each tube type in question and the plain glass serum tube.
Testing was performed using the AEROSET System. The table below summarizes the results of the specimen tube study.
Specimen Tube – Data Summary
| | | Differences (mEq/L) | | | % Differences | | | % Recoveries | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Substance | N | Mean | Min | Max | Mean | Min | Max | Mean | Min | Max |
| Lithium Hep Plasma | 26 | -0.084 | -2.058 | 0.853 | -0.329 | -8.824 | 3.221 | 99.671 | 91.176 | 103.22 |
| Lithium Hep PST | 26 | -0.417 | -2.333 | 0.453 | -1.580 | -10.00 | 1.610 | 98.420 | 89.997 | 101.61 |
| Na Hep Plasma | 26 | -0.147 | -2.863 | 0.843 | -0.598 | -12.28 | 3.026 | 99.402 | 87.724 | 103.03 |
| SST Serum | 26 | 0.076 | -1.050 | 1.115 | 0.311 | -4.503 | 4.770 | 100.31 | 95.497 | 104.77 |
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:
The sponsor claims reference ranges published in the literature (Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, editors. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 1999:1066):
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Serum/Plasma
Range (mEq/L)
| Cord | 14 to 22 |
| --- | --- |
| Newborn | 13 to 22 |
| Premature, 1 week | 14 to 27 |
| Infant | 20 to 28 |
| Child | 20 to 28 |
| Adult | 22 to 29 |
| > 60 years | 23 to 31 |
For Carbon Dioxide, results expressed in mEq/L are equivalent to mmol/L.
The sponsor recommends that each laboratory determine its own reference range based upon its particular locale and population characteristics.
N. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
O. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
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.