K060652 · Gen-Probe, Inc. · LSL · Aug 17, 2006 · Microbiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K060652
Device Name
TIGRIS DTS GEN-PROBE APTIMA COMBO 2 ASSAY
Applicant
Gen-Probe, Inc.
Product Code
LSL · Microbiology
Decision Date
Aug 17, 2006
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 866.3390
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The APTIMA COMBO 2 Assay is a target amplification nucleic acid probe test that utilizes target capture for the in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae in clinician-collected endocervical, vaginal and male urethral swab specimens, patientcollected vaginal swab specimens', female and male urine specimens and gynecological specimens collected in the PreservCyt Solution and processed with the Cytyc ThinPrep 2000 System. The assay may be used to test specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals to aid in the diagnosis of gonococcal and/or chlamydial urogenital disease using the TIGRIS DTS Automated Analyzer or semi-automated instrumentation as specified. 1 Patient-collected vaginal swab specimens are an option for screening women when a pelvic exam is not otherwise indicated. The vaginal swab specimen collection kit is not for home use. 2 Gynecological specimens collected in the PreservCyt Solution and processed with the Cytyc ThinPrep 2000 System have only been reviewed and cleared for use with the APTIMA Combo 2 Assay in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Device Story
Tigris DTS Automated Analyzer performs fully automated nucleic acid amplification testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Input: clinician/patient-collected vaginal/endocervical/urethral swabs, urine, or PreservCyt-processed gynecological specimens. Process: instrument automates sample processing, target capture, amplification, and detection using Aptima Combo 2 assay reagents. Output: qualitative detection/differentiation of rRNA, provided as printed worklists for clinical review. Used in clinical laboratories; operated by trained technicians. System automates steps previously performed semi-manually, improving throughput and consistency. Results aid clinicians in diagnosing urogenital infections, enabling timely patient treatment.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Study compared Tigris automated results against semi-automated DTS results using 170 vaginal swabs and 170 PreservCyt specimens. Agreement ranged from 96% to 100% across all result combinations. Analytical precision verified using 13 stock pools spiked with CT/GC RNA; 132/132 samples agreed with expected results. No clinical sensitivity/specificity data provided.
Technological Characteristics
Nucleic acid amplification and hybridization protection assay. Fully automated instrument platform. Software-controlled sample processing, amplification, and detection. Connectivity: standalone instrument with printed worklist output. Sterilization: N/A (reagents). Algorithm: Kinetic profile-based interpretation (parameters A, B, C, D and specific zones).
Indications for Use
Indicated for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals to aid in the diagnosis of gonococcal and/or chlamydial urogenital disease. Patient-collected vaginal swabs are for screening women when a pelvic exam is not indicated; not for home use.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Neisseria spp. direct serological test reagents are devices that consist of antigens and antisera used in serological tests to identify Neisseria spp. from cultured isolates. Additionally, some of these reagents consist of Neisseria spp. antisera conjugated with a fluorescent dye (immunofluorescent reagents) which may be used to detect the presence of Neisseria spp. directly from clinical specimens. The identification aids in the diagnosis of disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Neisseria, such as epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, meningococcal disease, and gonorrhea, and also provides epidemiological information on diseases caused by these microorganisms. The device does not include products for the detection of gonorrhea in humans by indirect methods, such as detection of antibodies or of oxidase produced by gonococcal organisms.
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number: K060652
B. Purpose for Submission: Modification of the Tigris DTS APTIMA® Combo 2 assay to include vaginal swab specimens and PreservCyt specimens. Originally, the Aptima Combo 2 Assay received FDA clearance on May 21, 2001 (K032554) for testing endocervical and urethral swab, and urine specimens. The Tigris DTS System was indicated for use with the Aptima Combo 2 Assay (endocervical and urethral swabs, and urine specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic males and females) with k032194. Subsequently, vaginal swab specimens (patient- and clinician-collected) and endocervical samples collected in PreservCyt Solution processed with the Cytyc ThinPrep 2000 System were indicated (k032554 and k043224) for testing with the Aptima Combo 2 Assay.
The current submission is for additionally testing specimens collected and processed with the Cytyc ThinPrep 2000 System and vaginal swab specimens (self-collected and clinician-collected) on the Tigris DTS system for Aptima Combo 2 assay testing.
C. Measurand: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA
D. Type of Test: Nucleic acid amplification, hybridization protection detection
E. Applicant: Gen-Probe, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names: Aptima Combo 2 Assay with Tigris DTS Automated Instrument; DNA-reagents, Neisseria
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section: 21 CFR Part 866.3390 and 866.3120, Chlamydia Serological Reagents and Neisseria spp. Direct Serological Test Reagents
2. Classification: Class II
3. Product code: LSL and MKZ
4. Panel: 83, Microbiology Devices
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s): The APTIMA COMBO 2 Assay is a target amplification nucleic acid probe test that utilizes target capture for the in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
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from Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae in clinician collected endocervical, vaginal and male urethral swab specimens, patient-collected vaginal swab specimens, female and male urine specimens and gynecological specimens collected in the PreservCyt Solution and processed with the Cytyc ThinPrep 2000 System.
## 2. Indication(s) for use:
The assay may be used to test specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals to aid in the diagnosis of gonococcal and/or chlamydial urogenital disease using the TIGRIS DTS Automated Analyzer or semi-automated instrumentation as specified.
- Patient-collected vaginal swab specimens are an option for screening women when a pelvic exam is not otherwise indicated. The vaginal swab specimen collection kit is not for home use.
- Gynecological specimens collected in the PreservCyt Solution and processed with the Cytyc ThinPrep 2000 System have only been reviewed and cleared for use with the APTIMA Combo 2 Assay in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
## 3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
The Tigris DTS can only be used with specimens collected in the Aptima Unisex Swab Specimen Collection kit and the Aptima Urine Specimen Collection kit. PACE Specimen Collection Kits cannot be adapted for use on the Tigris DTS.
## 4. Special instrument requirements:
TIGRIS®DTS®™ Automated Analyzer
## I. Device Description:
The reagents for the TIGRIS DTS APTIMA Combo 2 Assay are unchanged from the initial submission (K032194). No new QC test methods were developed and/or validated for any material or reagents since the QC test methods have been developed and/or validated for the AC2 Assay on DTS Systems (K003395). The reagents for the Tigris DTS APTIMA® Combo 2 assay are unchanged from the semi-manual version, except for the volume provided. The Tigris instrument platform fully automates all steps necessary to perform the APTIMA® Combo 2 assay from sample processing through amplification, detection and data reduction.
## J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
### 1. Predicate device name(s):
AC2 Assay on DTS System (K003395)
TIGRIS®DTS®™ Automated Analyzer (k032194)
AC2 Assay on DTS System, for self-collection of vaginal swab specimens (k032554)
AC2 Assay on DTS System, for ThinPrep 2000 processed PreservCyt endocervical specimens (k043224)
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2. Predicate 510(k) number(s): see above
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Tigris hardware | Same | Same |
| Aptima Combo 2 assay reagents | Same | Same |
| Indications | Males and females; symptomatic and asymptomatic | Same |
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Tigris software | Version 3.3.13 | Version 1.04.04 |
| ADM Sample scrip | Aspirate and dispense several times | Single aspirate and dispense |
| Vaginal swabs in STM | Automated (Tigris) | Semi-automated |
| ThinPrep 2000 processed PreservCyt endocervical samples | Automated (Tigris) | Semi-automated |
| Specimen types | Endocervical and urethral swabs, urine | Additionally vaginal swabs, and ThinPrep processed cervical samples |
# K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable): NA
L. Test Principle: The Tigris allows full automation of the Aptima Combo 2 procedure. Specimen tubes and controls are loaded onto the instrument, along with necessary reagents and other supplies (pipet tips, MTUs, etc.). Test results are handled by software that generates printed worklists.
# M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
# 1. Analytical performance:
# a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Agreement of Tigris results with expected results (and compared to agreement of DTS with expected results) from testing replicate samples prepared from pools to create 13 stock vaginal samples and 13 stock PreservCyt samples (prepared from one master pool). Each stock was spiked with varying amounts of CT and GC RNA and 10 replicates of each stock tested (with the exception of the non-spiked pool that had 12 replicates) on one Tigris instrument and also semi-manually. All 132 samples for each specimen type master pool tested on the Tigris agreed with expected results, while one very low CT (0.5 fg) was equivocal and another negative with the semi-manual (DTS) method. These data
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verify that 0.5 – 5000fg CT RNA and 25-250,000 GC-RNA produce consistent positive results with the AC2 assay run on the Tigris instrument. Between-day and between-run variances were not factored in the study design. These data are more appropriately precision-type data rather than clinical agreement as represented in the package insert. Note: in a previous Tigris study, pools were unique fore each sample type and level and whole organisms were spiked.
| Panel Member | Spiking Concentration (per Reaction) |
| --- | --- |
| 1 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 5 fg/assay – GC 250 fg/assay |
| 2 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 5 fg/assay – GC 250,000 fg/assay |
| 3 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 5000 fg/assay – GC 250 fg/assay |
| 4 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 5000 fg/assay – GC 250,000 fg/assay |
| 5 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 0.5 fg/assay – GC 0 fg/assay |
| 6 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 5 fg/assay – GC 0 fg/assay |
| 7 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 50 fg/assay – GC 0 fg/assay |
| 8 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 5000 fg/assay – GC 0 fg/assay |
| 9 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 0 fg/assay – GC 25 fg/assay |
| 10 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 0 fg/assay – GC 250 fg/assay |
| 11 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 0 fg/assay – GC 2500 fg/assay |
| 12 | 10 spiked tubes: CT 0 fg/assay – GC 250,000 fg/assay |
| 13 | 12 tubes: CT 0 fg/assay – GC 0 fg/assay |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range: NA
RLU levels cannot be compared because the kinetic algorithm moderates interpretation
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Controls are prepared in-house by the manufacturer and are not traceable to a standard or independent measure.
d. Detection limit:
A study was performed with CT and NG RNA spiked into negative vaginal and PC sample polls at 5 fg and 250 fg/assay. 60 replicates of each were tested on the Tigris DTS System. Similarities in detection limits cannot be deduced from this study. Using this model, the actual LoD for neither Tigris nor semi-manual DTS can be assessed, and comparison is not possible. One can conclude that testing at this level of RNA (the amount in the provided controls) is reproducible with >95% confidence. The labeling does not infer limits of detection with these data.
The following limitation (that would apply to both DTS and Tigris testing with AC2 on PreservCyt samples was added to the AC2 labeling:
"There is no evidence of degradation of nucleic acids in PreservCyt solution. If a PreservCyt specimen has small numbers of CT and GC cellular material, uneven distribution of this cellular material may occur. Also, when compared to direct sampling with the Aptima Swab Transport Media, the additional volume of PreservCyt Solution results in greater dilution of the sample material. These factors may affect the ability to detect small numbers of organisms in the collected material. If negative results from the specimen do not fit with the clinical impression, a new specimen may be necessary."
e. Analytical specificity:
Culture isolates were added to PreservCyt liquid Pap Media at approximately 10E6 cells/mL and tested on the Tigris DTS System. C. pneumoniae and C. psittaci (2 strains)
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were also tested. As seen previously with Tigris DTS data, RLU levels with *N. elongata* in PreservCyt solution were increased (21-41 RLU vs 3-7 RLU for the majority of other organisms tested). This same effect was observed with the same organism in Swab Transport Media (k032194).
Additionally, 235 vaginal swab specimens (in STM) and 240 negative post-processed Cytyc specimens were tested for inhibition by adding 5 fg CT RNA and 250 fg GC RNA per assay. No AC2 results were inhibitory for this level of added RNA.
With addition of fresh blood (10% v/v) to 3 clinical vaginal swab and 3 post-processed Cytyc specimen pools that were spiked with 5 fg CT RNA and 250, no differences in result between DTS and Tigris were observed for pools with and without blood, or for RNA-spiked pools with and without blood.
f. Assay cut-off:
The AC2 kinetic profiles were modified with the Tigris application (k032194). Although the cutoffs measured in RLUs is the same, the computation of the kinetic profiles was changed (specifications for parameters A, B, C, and D and for Zone A1, A2, A4, A5, B3, C1, C2, C3 and C4).
2. Comparison studies: Clinical specimens obtained from 6 cytopathology laboratories were processed at two laboratories and transferred with up to 3 Aptima specimen transfer kit tubes. One vaginal swab was obtained from some women. All specimens were shipped to GenProbe and initially tested with the AC2 assay using DTS instrumentation (semi-automated) to separate positive specimens for comparing results between Tigris and DTS methods for the AC2 with vaginal swab and PreservCyt collected samples. Selected specimens (170 vaginal swabs and 170 processed PreservCyt specimens) from 181 women were for tested on AC2 – Tigris instrumentation. Specimens from 309 women were used to prepare specimen pools used for a clinical panel of RNA-spiked samples. Any specimen with invalid or equivocal AC2 results on DTS instrumentation was excluded. Of the 17 worklists initiated on the Tigris, 13 (76%) were valid and 4 were invalid runs (due to luminometer high background that were repeated.
a. Method comparison with predicate device: With the pre-selected specimens, agreement of Tigris results for vaginal swab specimens ranged from 96% to 100% for all result combinations (CT+GC+, CT+GC-, CT-GC+, and CT-GC-). Agreement for PreservCyt specimens ranged from 96% to 100%.
b. Matrix comparison: No differences in agreement between semi-automated DTS and Tigris DTS system were observed for the two matrices evaluated (vaginal swabs in specimen transport media and endocervical samples in processed PreservCyt added to STM).
3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity: NA
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b. Clinical specificity: NA
4. Clinical cut-off: NA
5. Expected values/Reference range: NA
N. Instrument Name: Tigris DTS™ System
O. System Descriptions:
1. Modes of Operation: no change
2. Software: Current software version is 3.3.13; changes to initial release version (1.04.04) include bug fixes, luminometer performance check enhancements, language handling for Tigris installation SW, Sample temperature monitoring improvements, UPS enhancements and other minor improvements. Target Capture Reagent pipetting parameters (part of the Assay Definitions Module) were changed to increase the pipetting time. Changes were made to aspirate and dispense specimen several times, allowing for sufficient volume aspiration and dispensing.
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and software development processes for this line of product types:
Yes in k032194
3. Specimen Identification: no change
4. Specimen Sampling and Handling: Specimens are collected (either a swab or a urine specimen) and transferred to the Aptima Specimen Collection device (swab or urine transport tubes containing transport/stabilizing medium). Residual endocervical samples from ThinPrep 2000 processing must be transferred to Specimen Collection tubes with using an ancillary Specimen Transfer Kit. Specimen tubes are placed into racks containing 20 tubes each. The tubes must be visually checked for adequate volume and precipitates.
5. Calibration: no change
6. Quality Control: Assay controls are RNA preparations that would not monitor factors associated with matrix in the test system; users must prepare controls from cultured material, or use previously positive specimen material.
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
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Carryover studies previously showed that low levels of contamination (falsely positive or equivocal in blank samples) could be expected (up to 2% on one of three instruments evaluated). Warnings are included in the package insert to advise laboratories. This rate most likely due to carry-over would be higher than expected prevalence in many populations.
Q. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
R. Conclusion:
1. The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
7
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.