OSMETECH OPTI R CRITICAL CARE ANALYZER, MODEL GD7044
K061730 · Osmetech, Inc. · CEM · Aug 4, 2006 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K061730
Device Name
OSMETECH OPTI R CRITICAL CARE ANALYZER, MODEL GD7044
Applicant
Osmetech, Inc.
Product Code
CEM · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Aug 4, 2006
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1600
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Osmetech OPTI R Critical Care Analyzer is intended to be used for the measurement of pH, PCO2, PO2, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, total hemoglobin content and oxygen saturation in sample of whole blood, serum or plasma in either a traditional blood gas, clinical laboratory setting or point-of-care locations by personnel minimally qualified to perform and report these results.
Device Story
Microprocessor-based analyzer; measures pH, pCO2, PO2, Na+, K+, iCa2+ via optical fluorescence sensors; measures total hemoglobin (ctHb) and oxygen saturation (SO2) via optical reflectance. Input: whole blood, plasma, or serum samples via capillary, syringe, or ComfortSampler. Cassette-based system; cassette contains sensors and is bar-code calibrated. Device performs automated calibration using internal buffer and gas every 30 minutes or per sample. Used in clinical labs or point-of-care settings by qualified personnel. Output: measured values displayed on touch screen, printed via thermal printer, or transmitted to HIS/LIS via RS232. Assists clinicians in diagnosing acid-base, electrolyte, and respiratory disturbances; enables rapid clinical decision-making for critically ill patients.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation testing, including linearity and precision studies, were performed to demonstrate equivalence to the predicate device. No clinical trial data was required or presented.
Technological Characteristics
Microprocessor-based instrument; dimensions 4.9 x 14.3 x 9.8 in; weight 10 lbs. Sensing: optical fluorescence (pH, pCO2, PO2, Na+, K+, iCa2+) and optical reflectance (ctHb, SO2). Energy source: electrical. Connectivity: RS232 for HIS/LIS integration. User interface: touch screen graphical display. Output: thermal printer. Cassette-based consumable system with bar-coded calibration data.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring assessment of acid-base status, electrolyte balance, and oxygenation. Used for diagnosis/monitoring of metabolic/respiratory acidosis/alkalosis, electrolyte imbalances (hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hyperkalemia, hypokalemia), renal disease, anemia, polycythemia, and cardiac/pulmonary function. For professional, prescription use only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A potassium test system is a device intended to measure potassium in serum, plasma, and urine. Measurements obtained by this device are used to monitor electrolyte balance in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases conditions characterized by low or high blood potassium levels.
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K061730
AUG - 4 2006
# 510(k) Summary
- (1) Submitter's name, address Osmetech Inc. 235 Hembree Park Drive Roswell, GA 30076
# Contact Person
Bernie Heitz Vice President, Operations Phone: 770.510.4444 x 4623
Fax: 770.510.4445
Date of preparation of this summary: June 15, 2006
### (2) Device trade or proprietary name:
Osmetech OPTI R Critical Care Analyzer
# Device common or usual name or classification name:
pH, Blood Gas, Electrolyte, hemoglobin and oxygen saturation analyzer
| Product Nomenclature | Regulation | Classification<br>Number | Class | Panel |
|---------------------------------------------|------------|--------------------------|-------|------------|
| ELECTRODE, ION SPECIFIC,<br>POTASSIUM | 862.1600 | 75 CEM | II | CHEMISTRY |
| ELECTRODE, ION SPECIFIC,<br>IONIZED CALCIUM | 862.1145 | 75 JFP | II | CHEMISTRY |
| ELECTRODE, ION SPECIFIC,<br>SODIUM | 862.1665 | 75 JGS | II | CHEMISTRY |
| ELECTRODE, BLOOD GASES<br>(PCO2,PO2) AND pH | 862.1120 | 75 CHL | II | CHEMISTRY |
| SYSTEM, HEMOGLOBIN,<br>AUTOMATED | 864.5620 | 81 GKR | II | HEMATOLOGY |
| OXIMETER, WHOLE BLOOD | 864.7500 | 81 GLY | II | HEMATOLOGY |
| MULTI ANALYTE CONTROL<br>SOLUTION | 862.1660 | 75 JJY | I | CHEMISTRY |
# CLASSIFICATION
### (3) Predicate Device Information
The predicate device is the OPTI R Critical Care Analyzer (formerly AVL OPTI R Analyzer), 510(k) Number K000103, concurrence date.
### (4) Substantial Equivalence
The OPTI R Analyzer is a modified design of our existing Osmetech OPTI R Analyzer (formerly AVL OPTI R Analyzer) [K000103].
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The modified OPTI R Analyzer has the following similarities to those which previously received 510 (k) concurrences:
- have the same indicated use, .
- use the same operating principle, .
- incorporate the same basic design, .
- . incorporate the same materials,
- are packaged using the same materials and processes. .
In summary, the OPTI R Analyzer described in this submission is substantially equivalent in function, safety and efficacy to the currently marketed predicate device [K000103]. A comparison of features between the modified OPTI R analyzer and the original OPTI R is provided under the tab, Comparison to Predicate Device.
## (5) Description of the new device
The OPTI R Critical Care Analyzer is a small [4.9 x 14.3 x 9.8 in., 10 lbs], microprocessor-based instrument using optical fluorescence for the measurement of pH, pCO2, PO2, sodium, potassium and ionized calcium in samples of whole blood, plasma or serum. In addition, it uses optical reflectance for the measurement of total hemoglobin and oxygen saturation. A multiple use cassette provides up to 50 patient and 42 aqueous quality control samples on a single cassette during a seven day period. The sample count and time is maintained by the analyzer and reported to the user with each sample operation. The cassette contains six optical fluorescence sensors and is packaged in a sealed foil pouch which bears a bar-coded label with calibration and identification information. One of these sensors, the oxygen sensor, is also used for the simultaneous measurements of ctHb and SO2. This bar code is read by 'swiping' the foil pouch through a bar code reader conveniently located on the right side of the OPTI R instrument. This bar coded information is used for a calibration verification of the cassette prior to sample introduction. The cassette is then removed from the pouch and placed into the measuring chamber of the OPTI R and a light-tight cover is closed and secured. The OPTI R performs a calibration as needed, but minimally every 30 minutes or within 30 minutes of every patient's sample utilizing liquid buffer and precision calibration gas, both of which are maintained within the analyzer. The buffer is contained in the OPTI R Fluid Pack and the precision gas is contained in a cylinder. Various checks of mechanical and calibration integrity are performed during this calibration to ensure correct operation and measurement.
The OPTI R aspirates the specimen into the cassette either from a capillary tube, syringe or Osmetech ComfortSampler™, and into position over the fluorescence sensors for pH, PCO2, PO2, Na , K , and iCa " as well as ctHb and SO2. During this process, additional checks are made for position and integrity of the sample, measurement stability, and end-point. After the results are displayed and printed
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the sample is moved to the waste pouch contained within the OPTI R Fluid Pack. The cassette is then rinsed and calibrated, after which the cassette is ready for the next sample.
Communication to the device is accomplished simply with the use of a touch screen graphical user interface. The analyzer communicates to the user through a color display and with a thermal printer using heat sensitive paper to output measured values, calibration reports, and other information. The data from the analyzer may be communicated to hospital HIS/LIS data systems through an RS232 output terminal.
#### (6) Intended use of the device
The Osmetech OPTI R Critical Care Analyzer is intended to be used for the measurement of pH, PCO2, PO2, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, total hemoglobin content and oxygen saturation in sample of whole blood, serum or plasma in either a traditional blood gas, clinical laboratory setting or point-of-care locations by personnel minimally qualified to perform and report these results.
This is the same intended use as previously cleared for the AVL OPTI R, 510(k) Number K000103, with exception of the name change from AVL to Osmetech.
### (7) Conclusions drawn from Verification and Validation Testing
Analysis of the data collected during verification and validation testing including linearity and precision testing for this device demonstrates that the Osmetech OPTI R Critical Care Analyzer is safe, effective, and equivalent to predicate device JK000103] to which it is compared. The key design verification tests that were performed as a result of the risk analysis are listed under the tab, Verification and Validation.
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo and text for the Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is a stylized graphic of three parallel lines. The text is in all caps and is centered below the logo.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 2098 Gaither Road Rockville MD 20850
Bernie Heitz VP. Engineering Osmetech CCD 235 Hembree Park Drive Roswell, GA 30076
AUG - 4 2006
Re: k061730
Trade/Device Name: Osmetech OPTI R Critical Care Analyzer Regulation Number: 21 CFR§862.1120 Regulation Name: Blood gases (Pco2, Po2) and blood pH test system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: CEM, JFP, JGS, CHL, GKR, GLY, JJY Dated: July 13, 2006 Received: July 25, 2006
Dear Mr. Heitz:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration. Iisting of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 800 to 895. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Parts 801 and 809); and good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820).
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Page 2 -
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific information about the application of labeling requirements to your device, or questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety at (240) 276-0484. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely vours,
Alberto Gutierrez
Alberto Gutierrez, Ph.D. Director Division of Chemistry and Toxicology Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number: K061730
### Device Name: Osmetech OPTI R Critical Care Analyzer
# Indications for Use
pH
The pH value of the blood, serum or plasma may be the single most valuable factor in the evaluation of the acid-base status of a patient. The pH value is an indicator of the balance between the buffer (blood), renal (kidney) and respiratory (lung) systems, and one of the most tightly controlled parameters in the body. The causes of abnormal blood pH values are generally classified as:
- a) primary bicarbonate deficit metabolic acidosis
- b) primary bicarbonate excess metabolic alkalosis
- c) primary hypoventilation respiratory acidosis
- d) primary hyperventilation respiratory alkalosis
An increase in blood, serum or plasma pH (alkalemia) may be due to increased plasma bicarbonate, or a feature of respiratory afkalosis due to an increased elimination of CO2, due to hyperventilation.
A decreased pH value (acidemia) in blood, serum or plasma may occur due to an increased formation of organic acids, an increased excretion of H+ ions in certain renal disorders, an increased acid intake such as in salicylate poisoning or loss of alkaline body fluids. Respiratory acidosis is the result of a decreased alveolar ventilation and may be acute; as the result of pulmonary edema, airway obstruction or medication, or may be chronic; as the result of obstructive or restrictive respiratory diseases.
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart D) OR
Over-The-Counter Use _ (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
| Concurrence of CDRH, Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (OIVD) |
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| Division Sign-Off |
| Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device |
| Evaluation and Safety |
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### PCO2
The PCO2 value of arterial blood is used to assess how well the body eliminates carbon dioxide, a byproduct of metabolism. A PCO2 value below the normal range is termed respiratory alkalosis and indicates hypocapnia, a condition caused by increased alveolar ventilation such as hyperventilation.
An arterial PCO2above the normal range is termed respiratory acidosis and indicates hypercapnia, a sign of ventilatory hypoventilation and failure, resulting from cardiac arrest, chronic obstructive lung disease, drug overdose, or chronic metabolic acid-base disturbances.
### PO2
The PO2 value of arterial blood is used to assess how well the body is able to absorb oxygen in the lungs. Values below the normal arterial PO2 (arterial hypoxemia) are usually caused by pulmonary, circulatory, or respiratory abnormalities (e.g. bronchial obstruction, vascular problems, decrease in cardiac output, increased oxygen demand, anatomical heart defect, low inspired O2 content). Generally, O2 levels above 100 mmHg do not contribute significantly to the oxygen content since, with normal hemoglobin concentrations, 80 - 100 mmHg, PO2 provides a 97% saturation level, and a level greater than 100% cannot be achieved.
### Sodium
Sodium is the major cation of extracellular fluid. Its primary functions in the body are to chemically maintain osmotic pressure and acid-base balance and to transmit nerve impulses. Sodium functions at the cell membrane level by creating an electrical potential between different cell membranes causing the transmission of nerve impulses and neuromuscular excitability to be maintained. Sodium is involved in some enzyme catalyzed reactions as a cofactor. The body has a strong tendency to maintain a total base content, and only slight changes are found even under pathologic conditions.
Prescription Use X (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart D) OR
Over-The-Counter Use (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
| Concurrence of CDRH, Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (OIVD) |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|

*Division Sign-Off*
| Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device |
|--------------------------------------|
| Evaluation and Safety |
< UV / 159
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Low sodium values, hyponatremia, usually reflect a relative excess of body water rather than a low total body sodium. Reduced sodium levels may be associated with: low sodium intake; sodium losses due to vomiting or diarrhea with adequate water and inadequate salt replacement, diuretics abuse, or salt-losing nephropathy; osmotic diuresis, metabolic acidosis; adrenocortical insufficiency; congenital adrenal hyperplasia; dilution type due to edema, cardiac failure, hepatic failure; and hypothyroidism.
Elevated sodium values, hypernatremia, are associated with conditions with water loss in excess of salt loss through profuse sweating, prolonged hyperpnea, severe vomiting or diarrhea, diabetes insipidus or diabetic acidosis; increased renal sodium conservation in hyperaldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome; inadequate water intake because of coma or hypothalamic diseases; dehydration; or excessive saline therapy.
The sodium value obtained may be used in the diagnosis or monitoring of all disturbances of the water balance, infusion therapies, vomiting, diarrhea, burns, heart and kidney insufficiencies, central or renal diabetes insipidus, endocrine disturbances and primary or secondary cortex insufficiency of the adrenal gland or other diseases involving electrolyte imbalance.
### Potassium
Potassium is the major cation in the intracellular fluid and functions as the primary buffer within the cell itself. Ninety percent of potassium is concentrated within the cell, and damaged cells release potassium into the blood. Potassium plays an important role in nerve conduction, muscle function, and helps maintain acid-base balance and osmotic pressure.
Elevated potassium levels, hyperkalemia, can be found in oligouria, anemia, urinary obstruction, renal failure due to nephritis or shock, metabolic or respiratory acidosis, renal tubular acidosis with the K ./H+ exchange and hemolysis of the blood. Low potassium levels, hypokalemia, can be found in excessive loss of potassium through diarrhea or vomiting, inadequate intake of potassium, malabsorption, severe burns and increased secretion of aldosterone. High or low potassium levels may cause changes in muscle irritability, respiration and myocardial function.
Prescription Use X (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart D) Over-The-Counter Use (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
OR
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (OIVD)
C.C.p
Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safe
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The potassium value obtained may be used to monitor electrolyte imbalance in the diagnosis and treatment of infusion therapies, shock, heart or circulatory insufficiency, acid-base imbalance, therapy with diuretics, all kinds of kidney problems, diarrhea, hyper- and hypo-function of adrenal cortex and other diseases involving electrolyte imbalance.
### lonized Calcium
Calcium in blood is distributed as free calcium ions (50%); bound to protein, mostly albumin (40%): and 10% bound to anions such as bicarbonate, citrate, phosphate and lactate. However, only ionized calcium can be used by the body in such vital processes as muscular contraction, cardiac function, transmission of nerve impulses and blood clotting. The OPTI R measures the ionized portion of the total calcium. In certain disorders such as pancreatitis and hyperparathyroidism, ionized calcium is a better indicator for diagnosis than total calcium.
Elevated calcium, hypercalcemia, may be present in various types of malignancy, and calcium measurements may serve as biochemical markers. In general, while ionized calcium may be slightly more sensitive, either ionized or total calcium measurements have about equal utility in the detection of occult malignancy. Hypercalcemia occurs commonly in critically ill patients with abnormalities in acid-base regulation and losses of protein and albumin, which gives a clear advantage to monitoring calcium status by ionized calcium measurements.
Patients with renal disease caused by glomerular failure often have altered concentrations of calcium, phosphate, albumin, magnesium and pH. Since these conditions tend to change ionized calcium independently of total calcium, ionized calcium is the preferred method of accurately monitoring calcium status in renal discase.
lonized calcium is important for diagnosis or monitoring of: hypertension management, parathyroidism, renal diseases, malnutrition, kidney stones, multiple myeloma and diabetes mellitus.
| Prescription Use _X_ | OR | Over-The-Counter Use ___ |
|----------------------------|----|----------------------------|
| (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart D) | | (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart C) |
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (OIVD)
C.H.
...ssion sign-off
Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Sa
061730
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### total Hemoqlobin concentration (ctHb)
Hemoglobin is the main component of erythrocytes. It serves as the vehicle for transportation of oxygen within the bloodstream and each gram of hemoglobin can carry 1.39 mL of oxygen. The oxygen combining capacity of the blood is directly proportional to the hemoglobin concentration rather than to the number of red blood cells (RBC), because some red cells contain more hemoglobin than others.
Although oxygen transport is the main function of hemoglobin, it also serves as an important buffer in the extracellular fluid. Decreases in the amount of hemoglobin can come about as a result of a decreased concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocytes, or a decreased number of erythrocytes that contain a normal concentration of hemoglobin.
Decreased levels are found in anemia states, hyperthyroidism, severe hemorrhage and hemolytic reactions due to transfusions of incompatible blood, reaction to chemical, infectious and physical agents as well as various systemic diseases. Increased levels are found in hemoconcentration of the blood, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.
ctHb gives valuable information in an emergency situation if interpreted not in an isolated fashion but in conjunction with other pertinent laboratory data.
ctHb is used to screen for disease associated with anemia, to determine the severity of anemia, to follow the response to treatment for anemia and to evaluate polycythemia.
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart D) OR
Over-The-Counter Use (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (OIVD)
C.C.H.
Peter Silvestri
Fire of In Vitro Diagnostic Device
K061730
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### Hemoglobin Oxygen Saturation (SO2%)
When each heme group of the hemoglobin molecule is associated with one molecule of oxygen, the hemoglobin is referred to as oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb). The amount of oxyhemoglobin, expressed as a fraction of the total functional hemoglobin (able to bind oxygen), is termed hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SO2%). The largest portion (about 98%) of blood oxygen content is the oxygen bound to hemoglobin. The reference interval for arterial blood from healthy adults is typically 94 to 98%.
Decrease in SO2 below the critical level necessary for tissue oxygen saturation is a grave clinical situation. Low oxygen saturation may be caused by many of the same factors responsible for arterial hypoxemia. Low fractional oxyhemoglobin (FOzHb), defined as a fraction of total available hemoglobin, may also be caused by unusually large amounts of non-functional hemoglobins, high concentrations of deoxyhemoglobin, chemically altered hemoglobin or factors affecting the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, including: temperature, pH, PCO2, 2,3-DPG concentration and type of hemoglobin.
> For Professional Use Only For In Vitro Diagnostic Use
Prescription Use _ X (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart D) OR
Over-The-Counter Use _ (Per 21 CFR 801.subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (OIVD)
C.H.
Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safe
061730
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.