BD PROBETEC NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE (GC) QX AMPLIFIED DNA ASSAY
K090971 · Becton, Dickinson & CO · LSL · Jun 5, 2009 · Microbiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K090971
Device Name
BD PROBETEC NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE (GC) QX AMPLIFIED DNA ASSAY
Applicant
Becton, Dickinson & CO
Product Code
LSL · Microbiology
Decision Date
Jun 5, 2009
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 866.3390
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The BD ProbeTec™ Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) Qx Amplified DNA Assay, when tested with the BD Viper™ System in extracted mode, uses Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA) technology for the direct, qualitative detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA in clinician-collected female endocervical and male urethral swabs, patient-collected vaginal swab specimens (in a clinical setting), and female and male urine specimens. The assay is indicated for use with asymptomatic and symptomatic female and male individuals to aid in the diagnosis of gonococcal urogenital disease. The BD Viper System, when used with the BD ProbeTec amplified nucleic assay(s), is intended for the in vitro detection of targeted organisms from specimens as identified in the assay-specific reagent package insert(s).
Device Story
Assay uses Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA) to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA. Input: clinician-collected endocervical/urethral swabs, patient-collected vaginal swabs, or urine. Reagents (primers, fluorescent probes, enzymes) are dried in microwells; BD Viper System automates rehydration, incubation, and fluorescence reading. Device calculates peak fluorescence (MaxRFU) and compares against threshold to determine presence/absence of target DNA. Includes Extraction Control (EC) to validate process. System reports results as positive, negative, or EC failure. Used in clinical settings; operated by laboratory personnel. Output aids clinicians in diagnosing gonococcal urogenital disease, facilitating timely patient treatment.
Clinical Evidence
Multi-site clinical study (n=1768 compliant subjects: 994 female, 774 male) across seven North American clinics. Compared assay results against a Patient Infected Status (PIS) algorithm using two reference NAATs. Total of 6284 results evaluated. Overall sensitivity 99.3% (95% CI: 98.3% - 99.8%) and specificity 99.3% (95% CI: 99.1% - 99.5%). Performance metrics provided by specimen type (endocervical, vaginal, urethral, urine) and symptomatic status.
Technological Characteristics
Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA) technology. Uses ferric oxide particles for DNA extraction. Detection via fluorescently-labeled probes and thermally-controlled fluorescent readers. Automated processing on BD Viper System. Threshold-based qualitative result (125 MaxRFU).
Indications for Use
Indicated for asymptomatic and symptomatic males and females to aid in the diagnosis of gonococcal urogenital disease using endocervical, urethral, vaginal, or urine specimens.
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.
Predicate Devices
BD ProbeTec Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) Qx Amplified DNA Assay (K081825)
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY
A. 510(k) Number: K090971
B. Purpose for Submission: Addition of claims to the assay intended use to include asymptomatic male individuals. The BD ProbeTec™ Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) Q® Amplified DNA Assay" and BD Viper™ System were previously cleared (K081825).
C. Measurand: Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA
D. Type of Test: Qualitative determination of Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA using the Strand Displacement Amplification technology
E. Applicant: BD Diagnostic System
F. Proprietary and Established Names: BD ProbeTec™ Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) Q® Amplified DNA Assay
G. Regulatory Information:
| Product Code | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| LSL | Class II | 21CFR 866.3390 Neisseria spp. direct serological test reagents | Microbiology (83) |
H. Intended Use:
The BD ProbeTec GC Q® Amplified DNA Assay, when tested with the BD Viper™ System in Extracted Mode, uses Strand Displacement Amplification technology (SDA) for the direct, qualitative detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA in clinician-collected female endocervical and male urethral swab specimens, patient-collected vaginal swab specimens (in a clinical setting), and male and female urine specimens. The assay is indicated for use with asymptomatic and symptomatic female and male individuals to aid in the diagnosis of gonococcal urogenital disease.
3) Special conditions for use statement(s): For Prescription use only
4) Special instrument requirements: BD Viper™ System with automated nucleic acid extraction mode
I. Device Description: The BD ProbeTec GC Q® Amplified DNA Assay is based on the simultaneous amplification and detection of target DNA using amplification primers and a fluorescently-labeled detector probe. The reagents for SDA are dried in two separate disposable microwells: the Priming Microwell contains the amplification primers, fluorescently-labeled detector probe, nucleotides and other reagents necessary for amplification, while the Amplification Microwell contains the two enzymes (a DNA polymerase and a restriction endonuclease) that are required for SDA. The BD
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Viper™ System pipettes a portion of the purified DNA solution from each Extraction Tube into a Priming Microwell to rehydrate the contents. After a brief incubation, the reaction mixture is transferred to a corresponding, pre-warmed Amplification Microwell which is sealed to prevent contamination and then incubated in one of the two thermally-controlled fluorescent readers. The presence or absence of N. gonorrhoeae DNA is determined by calculating the peak fluorescence (Maximum Relative Fluorescent Units (MaxRFU)) over the course of the amplification process and by comparing this measurement to a predetermined threshold value.
In addition to the fluorescent probe used to detect amplified N. gonorrhoeae target DNA, a second labeled oligonucleotide is incorporated in each reaction. The Extraction Control (EC) oligonucleotide is labeled with a different dye than that used for detection of the N. gonorrhoeae -specific target and is used to confirm the validity of the extraction process. The EC is dried in the Extraction Tubes and is rehydrated upon addition of the specimen and extraction reagents. At the end of the extraction process, the EC fluorescence is monitored by the BD Viper System and an automated algorithm is applied to both the EC and N. gonorrhoeae -specific signals to report results as positive, negative, or EC failure.
## J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
a) Predicate device name (s):
BD ProbeTec™ Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) Q⁺ Amplified DNA Assay
Gen-Probe Amplified N. gonorrhoea Assay
b) Predicate Numbers (s): K081825, K043144
Comparison with predicate:
Device Comparison: Collection Devices and Accessories
| | BD ProbeTec GCQ Assay, Swab and Urine Specimens (Device) | BD ProbeTec GCQ Assay, Swab and Urine Specimens (K081825) | Gen-Probe Amplified Neisseria gonorrhoeae Assay (K043144) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| Specimen Types | • Urethral swab Same as K081825
• symptomatic males included
• Neat urine Same as K081825
• asymptomatic males included
• UPT urine - same as K081825; symptomatic males included
• Endocervical swab - Same as K081825
• Patient-collected vaginal swab (in a clinical setting) - Same as K081825
• Urethral swab | • Urethral swab symptomatic males only
• Neat urine
• symptomatic and symptomatic females ; symptomatic males only
• UPT urine - asymptomatic and symptomatic females
• symptomatic males only
• Endocervical swab - asymptomatic and symptomatic females
• Patient-collected vaginal swab (in a clinical setting) - asymptomatic and symptomatic females | • Urethral swab symptomatic males
• Neat urine
• asymptomatic and symptomatic females and males
• UPT urine - asymptomatic and symptomatic females and males
• Endocervical swab - asymptomatic and symptomatic females
• Patient-collected vaginal swab (in a clinical setting) - asymptomatic females
• Clinician-collected vaginal swab (in a clinical setting) - asymptomatic and symptomatic females |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Specimen Collection and Transport Accessories | • Same as K081825 | • Endocervical kit
• Urethral kit
• Vaginal kit
• UPT
• Neat urine (Qx Sample Tube) | • Unisex swab kit
• Vaginal swab kit
• Urine collection kit |
Device Comparison: Male Specimen Collection and Processing
| | BD ProbeTec GCQ Assay, Swab and Urine Specimens (Device) | BD ProbeTec GCQ Assay, Swab and Urine Specimens (K081825) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Specimen Collection | • Same as K081825 | • Urethral swab specimens are collected and placed in a BD CT/GC Qx Swab Diluent tube.
• UPT urine specimens are collected and placed in a BD Qx UPT.
• Neat urine specimens are collected and placed in a BD Qx Sample Tube. |
| Specimen Processing | • Same as K081825 | • Pre-warm specimens (swabs and urines) for 15 minutes before running BD Viper System |
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K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
1. Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices, May 11, 2005. http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/guidance/337.pdf
2. CLSI EP5-A2 “Evaluation of Precision Performance of Quantitative Measurement Methods”,
3. CLSI EP12-A “User Protocol for Evaluation of Qualitative Test Performance”.
L. Test Principle:
The BD ProbeTec GC Qⁱ Amplified DNA Assay is designed for use with the BD ProbeTec Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CT/GC) Qⁱ specimen collection and transport devices, applicable reagents, the BD Viper System and BD Fox Extraction. Specimens are collected and transported in their respective transport devices which preserve the integrity of the N. gonorrhoeae DNA over the specified ranges of temperature and time.
Urine and swab specimens undergo a pre-warm step in the BD Viper Lysing Heater to dissolve mucus and homogenize the specimen. After cooling, the specimens are loaded onto the BD Viper System which then performs all the steps involved in extraction and amplification of target DNA, without further user intervention. The specimen is transferred to an Extraction Tube that contains ferric oxide particles in a dissolvable film and dried Extraction Control. A high pH is used to lyse the bacterial cells and liberate their DNA into solution. Acid is then added to lower the pH and induce a positive charge on the ferric oxide, which in turn binds the negatively charged DNA. The particles and bound DNA are then pulled to the sides of the Extraction Tube by magnets and the treated specimen is aspirated to waste. The particles are washed and a high pH Elution Buffer is added to recover the purified DNA. Finally, a Neutralization Buffer is used to bring the pH of the extracted solution to the optimum for amplification of the target.
The BD ProbeTec GC Qⁱ Amplified DNA Assay is based on the simultaneous amplification and detection of target DNA using amplification primers and a fluorescently-labeled detector probe. The reagents for SDA are dried in two separate disposable microwells: the Priming Microwell contains the amplification primers, fluorescently-labeled detector probe, nucleotides and other reagents necessary for amplification, while the Amplification Microwell contains the two enzymes (a DNA polymerase and a restriction endonuclease) that are required for SDA. The BD Viper System pipettes a portion of the purified DNA solution from each Extraction Tube into a Priming Microwell to rehydrate the contents. After a brief incubation, the reaction mixture is transferred to a corresponding, pre-warmed Amplification Microwell which is sealed to prevent contamination and then incubated in one of the two thermally-controlled fluorescent readers. The presence or absence of N. gonorrhoeae DNA is determined by calculating the peak fluorescence (Maximum Relative Fluorescent Units (MaxRFU)) over the course of the amplification process and by comparing this measurement to a predetermined threshold value.
In addition to the fluorescent probe used to detect amplified N. gonorrhoeae target DNA,
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a second fluorescently-labeled oligonucleotide is incorporated in each reaction. The Extraction Control (EC) oligonucleotide is labeled with a different dye than that used for detection of the N. gonorrhoeae-specific target and is used to confirm the validity of the extraction process. The EC is dried in the Extraction Tubes and is re-hydrated upon addition of the specimen and extraction reagents. At the end of the extraction process, the EC fluorescence is monitored by the BD Viper instrument and an automated algorithm is applied to both the EC and N. gonorrhoeae-specific signals to report specimen results as positive, negative, or EC failure.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. **Analytical performance**: Same as described in K081825. No additional analytical studies were necessary to support this extended claim.
2. **Comparison studies**:
- a. **Method comparison with predicate method**: See below under Performance Characteristics
- b. **Matrix comparison**: NA
3. **Clinical studies**:
- a. **Clinical Sensitivity**: See under Performance Characteristics
- b. **Clinical specificity**: See under Performance Characteristics
## Performance Characteristics
Clinician-collected male urethral swab specimens and male Qx UPT and neat urine specimens were collected from 787 symptomatic and asymptomatic male subjects attending OB/GYN, sexually transmitted disease (STD) and family planning clinics at seven geographically diverse clinical sites in North America. Thirteen male subjects were excluded from the data analysis due to age requirement violations, antibiotic treatment in the last 21 days, opting to withdraw from the study after initially consenting, failure to obtain paired swab and urine specimens, urine quantity less than 20 mL, or transport and storage errors related to specimen collection. Therefore, the final data analysis included 774 compliant male subjects.
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GC Qx Assay Performance Compared to Patient Infected Status in asymptomatic and symptomatic male subjects (by specimen type status)
| Performance Compared to Patient Infected Status | | | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Specimen Type | Symptomatic | N | Sensitivity | 95% C.I. | Specificity | 95% C.I. | PPV | NPV |
| MS^{1} | A | 508 | 100.0% (12/12) | (73.5% - 100.0%) | 99.2% (501/505) | (98.0% - 99.8%) | 75.50% | 100.00% |
| | S | 257 | 100.0% (100/100) | (96.4% - 100.0%) | 98.7% (154/157) | (95.5% - 99.8%) | 98.00% | 100.00% |
| | Total | 774 | 100.0% (112/112) | (96.8% - 100.0%) | 99.1% (656/662) | (98.0% - 99.7%) | 95.00% | 100.00% |
| MUPT^{1} | A | 517 | 100.0% (12/12) | (73.5% - 100.0%) | 99.2% (501/505) | (98.0% - 99.8%) | 74.60% | 100.00% |
| | S | 257 | 100.0% (100/100) | (96.4% - 100.0%) | 98.7% (155/157) | (95.5% - 99.8%) | 98.00% | 100.00% |
| | Total | 774 | 100.0% (112/112) | (96.8% - 100.0%) | 99.1% (656/662) | (98.0% - 99.7%) | 95.00% | 100.00% |
| MNU^{1} | A | 517 | 100.0% (12/12) | (73.5% - 100.0%) | 99.2% (501/505) | (98.0% - 99.8%) | 74.60% | 100.00% |
| | S | 257 | 100.0% (100/100) | (96.4% - 100.0%) | 98.7% (155/157) | (95.5% - 99.8%) | 98.00% | 100.00% |
| | Total | 774 | 100.0% (112/112) | (96.8% - 100.0%) | 99.1% (656/662) | (98.0% - 99.7%) | 95.00% | 100.00% |
| Total | | 6284 | 99.3% (592/596) | (98.3% - 99.8%) | 99.3% (5650/5688) | (99.1% - 99.5%) | 93.70% | 99.90% |
MS: male urethral swab; MNU: male neat urine; MUPT: male UPT urine
1 Clinical Trial enrollment for asymptomatic male subjects was extended to obtain the total number of clinical positives for this sub-population.
GCQ Assay Performance for Asymptomatic Male Subjects Compared with PIS, by Collection Site
| Specimen Type | Collect Site | Prevalence % | N | Sensitivity | 95% C.I. | Specificity | 95% C.I. | # CT (+) and GC (+) | PPV | NPV |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| MS | IND | 2.00% | 100 | 100.0% (2/2) | (15.8% - 100.0%) | 98.0% (96/98) | (92.8% - 99.8%) | 1 | 50.50% | 100% |
| | JHU | 0.00% | 13 | NA | | 100.0% (13/13) | (75.3% - 100.0%) | 0 | NA | NA |
| | LSU | 2.80% | 218 | 100.0% (6/6) | (54.1% - 100.0%) | 99.5% (211/212) | (97.4% - 100.0%) | 4 | 85.20% | 100% |
| | UAB | 0.00% | 18 | NA | | 100.0% (18/18) | (81.5% - 100.0%) | 0 | NA | NA |
| | UMMC | 2.50% | 159 | 100.0% (4/4) | (39.8% - 100.0%) | 99.4% (154/155) | (96.5% - 100.0%) | 3 | 81.00% | 100% |
| MNU | IND | 2.00% | 100 | 100.0% (2/2) | (15.8% - 100.0%) | 98.0% (96/98) | (92.8% - 99.8%) | 1 | 50.50% | 100% |
| | JHU | 0.00% | 13 | NA | | 100.0% (13/13) | (75.3% - 100.0%) | 0 | NA | NA |
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# Additional Analysis: Co-infection status
To determine the effect of CT co-infection with GC, a performance analysis was conducted to assess the GCQ assay results when compared against PIS by co-infection status. Co-infection is defined as GCQ PIS positive and CTQ PIS positive. CTQ PIS positive is defined similarly as to GCQ PIS positive (two of the three reference swabs tested positive for CT). The following table displays the co-infection status of the subjects, the number of specimens, and the calculated sensitivities and specificities for the GCQ assay.
GCQ Assay performance compared to Patient Infected Status by Co-Infection Status for Asymptomatic Males
| | | | Performance Compared to Patient Infected Status | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Specimen Type | Co-infection | N | Sensitivity | 95% C.I. | Specificity | 95% C.I. | |
| MS | N | 500 | 100% (4/4) | (39.8% - 100.0%) | 99.2% (492/496) | (97.9% - 99.8%) | |
| | Y | 8 | 100% (8/8) | (63.1% - 100.0%) | NA | | |
| MNU | N | 509 | 100% (4/4) | (39.8% - 100.0%) | 99.2% (501/505) | (98.0% - 99.8%) | |
| | Y | 8 | 100% (8/8) | (63.1% - 100.0%) | NA | | |
| MUPT | N | 509 | 100% (4/4) | (39.8% - 100.0%) | 99.2% (501/505) | (98.0% - 99.8%) | |
| | Y | 8 | 100% (8/8) | (63.1% - 100.0%) | NA | | |
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4. Clinical cut-off: Clinical cut-off was validated during the swab and urine clinical trial (K081825). The cutoff was 125 MaxRFU (> 125 MaxRFU = positive; < 125 MaxRFU = negative). The same cutoff was utilized for the clinical trial to validate the performance of the asymptomatic male specimens when tested with the GCQ assay on the BD Viper System in extracted mode.
# 5. Expected values/Reference range:
A. Prevalence: The prevalence of positive $N$ . gonorrhoeae specimens in patient populations depends upon: clinic type, age, risk factors, gender, and test method. The prevalence observed with the GC Q $^{\text{X}}$ Amplified DNA Assay during a multi-center clinical trial ranged from 1.4% to 19.1% for female specimens and 4.8% to 40.5% for male specimens (including both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects).
B. Positive and Negative Predictive Value: Hypothetical positive and negative predictive values (PPV & NPV) for the GC Q $^{\text{X}}$ Assay are shown in the following table. These calculations are based on hypothetical prevalence and overall sensitivity and specificity (compared to the patient infected status) of $99.3\%$ and $99.3\%$ , respectively. In addition, PPV and NPV based on actual prevalence, sensitivity and specificity are shown in the tables under performance characteristics section (See "GC Q $^{\text{X}}$ Assay Performance Compared to Patient Infected Status (by specimen type and symptomatic status)" and "GC Q $^{\text{X}}$ Assay Performance Compared to Patient Infected Status (by clinical site)." PPV was calculated using: (Sensitivity * Prevalence) / (Sensitivity*Prevalence + (1 - Specificity) * (1 - Prevalence)). NPV was calculated using: (Specificity * (1 - Prevalence)/ (1-Sensitivity) * Prevalence + Specificity * (1-Prevalence)).
# GC Hypothetical Positive and Negative Predictive Values Compared to Patient Infected Status
| Prevalence (%) | Sensitivity (%) | Specificity (%) | PPV (%) | NPV (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2 | 99.3 | 99.3 | 74.3 | 100.0 |
| 5 | 99.3 | 99.3 | 88.2 | 100.0 |
| 10 | 99.3 | 99.3 | 94.0 | 99.9 |
| 20 | 99.3 | 99.3 | 97.3 | 99.8 |
| 30 | 99.3 | 99.3 | 98.4 | 99.7 |
| 40 | 99.3 | 99.3 | 99.0 | 99.5 |
| 50 | 99.3 | 99.3 | 99.3 | 99.3 |
N. Instrument: Same as described in K081825.
O. System Descriptions: Same as described in K081825.
P. Other Supportive Device and Instrument Information: NA
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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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Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
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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.
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Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.