The SuperSonic Imagine AIXPLORER® ultrasound system and transducer are intended for general purpose pulse echo ultrasound imaging and Doppler fluid flow analysis of the human body.
Device Story
AIXPLORER® is a cart-based diagnostic ultrasound system. It uses linear array transducers to acquire pulse-echo ultrasound signals. The system processes these signals to generate B-Mode, Color Flow, Color Power, Pulsed Wave Doppler, and ShearWave™ Elastography images. It includes a scan converter, LCD monitor, and adjustable control panel with touch screen for clinician operation. The system performs measurements, calculations, image capture, and report generation. It is used in clinical settings for diagnostic imaging and biopsy guidance. By providing real-time visualization and quantitative elastography, it assists clinicians in evaluating tissue characteristics and anatomical structures, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on bench testing, including compliance with electrical safety standards (IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-37) and acoustic output limits (NEMA UD-3).
Technological Characteristics
Cart-based ultrasound system with linear array transducers. Modes: B-Mode, Color Flow, Color Power, Pulsed Wave Doppler, ShearWave™ Elastography. Features: harmonic imaging, spatial compounding, biopsy guidance. Complies with IEC 60601-1 (safety) and IEC 60601-2-37 (ultrasonic diagnostic equipment). Acoustic output meets NEMA UD-3 and FDA Track 3 limits.
Indications for Use
Indicated for abdominal, small organs (breast, thyroid, testicle, prostate), musculoskeletal, superficial musculoskeletal, and peripheral vascular applications. Provides measurement of anatomical structures in these areas.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ultrasonic pulsed doppler imaging system is a device that combines the features of continuous wave doppler-effect technology with pulsed-echo effect technology and is intended to determine stationary body tissue characteristics, such as depth or location of tissue interfaces or dynamic tissue characteristics such as velocity of blood or tissue motion. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
Predicate Devices
Siemens Acuson S2000 TM Ultrasound System (K072786)
Philips Ultrasound Boris Platform Diagnostic Ultrasound System (K030455)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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## 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
This summary of safety and effectiveness information is submitted in accordance with 21 CFR §807.92.
#### Submitter's name, address, telephone number, contact person 1)
Submitted by: SuperSonic Imagine, S.A. Les Jardins de la Duranne - Bât. E & F 510, rue René Descartes 13857 Aix-en-Provence Cedex France Telephone: 011 33 442 99 24 24
Distributed by: SuperSonic Imagine Inc. 8347 154" St NE Redmond, WA, 98052 USA Telephone: 425-284-6610
Corresponding Official:
Aurelie Gruener Regulatory Affairs Manager Telephone: 011 33 442 99 24 39
#### Name of the device, including the trade or proprietary name if applicable, the common or 2) usual name, and the classification name, if known:
Common/Usual Name: Diagnostic Ultrasound System with Accessories Proprietary Name: AIXPLORER®
Classification:
Requiatory Class: II Review Category: Tier II
| Classification Name: | 21 CFR Section | Product Code |
|------------------------------------------|----------------|--------------|
| Ultrasonic Pulsed Doppler Imaging System | 892.1550 | 90-IYN |
| Ultrasonic Pulsed Echo Imaging System | 892.1560 | 90-IYO |
| Diagnostic Ultrasound Transducer | 892.1570 | 90-ITX |
#### Substantially Equivalent/Predicate Devices 3)
Siemens Acuson S2000 TM Ultrasound System (K072786), 11/13/2007 Philips Ultrasound Boris Platform Diagnostic Ultrasound System (K030455), 3/13/2003
#### Description of Device ৰ ব
The SuperSonic Imagine AIXPLORER® system is a cart based ultrasound imaging system used to perform non-invasive diagnostic general purpose ultrasound imaging studies. The system contains a scan converter and can be coupled to a linear array transducer to produce images which are displayed on a LCD monitor. An adjustable control panel with integrated touch screen allows the user to perform an
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K091970
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ultrasound exam quickly and efficiently in accordance with ALARA principles. The system also allows the user to perform measurements and associated calculations, capture images to digital memory or to an external device (such as a printer), and review diagnostic studies in the form of a report. The system external domes (subm as the predicate devices (see section 4.5.2 for predicate devices) and transducers for the imaging modes: B-Mode imaging, Color Flow imaging, Color Power imaging, Pulsed Wave Doppler, and Elastography Imaging.
## 5) Intended Use
The SuperSonic Imagine AIXPLORER® ultrasound system and transducer are intended for general purpose pulse echo ultrasound imaging and Doppler fluid flow analysis of the human body.
### 6) Indication for Use
The SuperSonic Imagine AIXPLORER® ultrasound system is indicated for use in the following applications: Abdominal, Small Organs, Musculoskeletal, Superficial Musculoskeletal and Peripheral Vascular.
The system also provides the ability to measure anatomical structures (abdominal, small organs, musculoskeletal, superficial musculoskeletal and peripheral vascular).
## 7) Safety Considerations
As a Track 3 ultrasound device, the SuperSonic Imagine AIXPLORER® ultrasound system is designed to comply with the "Standard For Real Time Display Of Thermal And Mechanical Acoustic Output Indices On Diagnostic Ultrasound Equipment (1992)" published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association as UD -3. With respect to limits on acoustic outputs, the SuperSonic Imagine AIXPLORER® ultrasound system complies with the FDA guideline limits set in the September 30, 1997, 510(k) diagnostic ultrasound quidance.
With regard to general safety, the SuperSonic Imagine AIXPLORER® ultrasound system scanner is designed to comply with IEC 60101 -1 (2005) Medical Electrical Equipment, Part 1: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance, and IEC 60601 - 2-37 (2007): Particular Requirements For The Safety Of Ultrasonic Medical Diagnostic And Monitoring Equipment.
| Mechanical Index | 1.9 (Maximum) |
|------------------|-------------------|
| TIS/TIB | 0.1 - 4.0 (Range) |
| ISPTA (d) | 720 mW/cm2 |
| ISPPA (d) | 0 - 700 W/cm2 |
The device's acoustic output limits are:
The limits are the same as predicate Track 3 devices. These considerations apply to all modes the system offers.
### 8) Comparison to Predicate Devices
The SuperSonic Imagine AIXPLORER® system and transducer are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices with regard to intended use, imaging capabilities, safety and effectiveness.
- The systems are all intended for diagnostic ultrasound imaging and fluid flow analysis. .
- The systems have the same clinical indications for use. .
- The systems have the same B-Mode (grayscale imaging) and Doppler capabilities. .
- The systems have similar capability in terms of harmonic imaging, spatial compound imaging, . elastography imaging and other image post-processing features to improve the image quality and aid in clinical evaluation and diagnosis.
- . The transducers are similar in materials, manufacture and clinical capability.
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- The systems are manufactured with materials which have been evaluated and found to be safe . for the intended use of the device.
- The systems have acoustic power levels which are below the applicable FDA limits. .
- The systems have similar capability in terms of performing measurements, capturing digital . images, reviewing and reporting studies.
- The systems have been found to be manufactured in compliance with approved electrical and . physical safety standards.
## 9) Conclusion
The documentation provided demonstrates that:
- 1) The system and transducer are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
- There are no new questions of safety and effectiveness concerning the SuperSonic Imagine 2) AIXPLORER® ultrasound system and transducer.
- The ultrasound device has been scientifically evaluated and has been demonstrated to be at 3) least as safe and effective as the predicate devices cited in item 3.
The system's acoustic power levels are below the applicable FDA limits.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular, with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is a stylized symbol consisting of three upward-pointing chevrons above a ribbon-like design.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Mail Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Mr. Jacques Souquet, CEO SuperSonic Imagine, Inc. LES Jardin De La Duranne-Bat. E & F 510 Rue Rene Descartes 13857 Aix-en-Provence Cedex FRANCE
AUG 1 2 2009
Re: K091970
Trade/Device Name: AIXPLORER® Ultrasound System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1550 Regulation Name: Ultrasonic pulsed doppler imaging system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: IYN, IYO, and ITX Dated: June 30, 2009 Received: July 1, 2009
Dear Mr. Souquet:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we 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). 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, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
This determination of substantial equivalence applies to the following transducers intended for use with the AIXPLORER® Ultrasound System, as described in your premarket notification:
Transducer Model Number
## SL 15-4
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 the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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Page 2 - Mr. Jacques Souquet
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 Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 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 market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 796-5506. 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 (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrb/industry/support/index.html
If you have any questions regarding the content of this letter, please contact Joshua Nipper at (301) 796-6524.
Sincerely yours.
Joqui McWhany
Sanine M. Morris Acting Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure(s)
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# Diagnostic Ultrasound Indications for Use
## 510(k) Number (if known): K091970
## Device Name: AIXPLORER® Ultrasound System
Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows:
#### Indications for Use:
The SuperSonic Imagine AIXPLORER® ultrasound system is indicated for use in the following applicalions: Abdominal, Small Organs, Musculoskeletal, Superficial Musculoskeletal and Peripheral Vascular.
The system also provides the ability to measure anatomical structures (abdominal, small organs, musculoskeletal, superficial musculoskeletal and peripheral vascular).
Prescription Use XX
(Part 21 CFR 801 Subpari D) (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE: BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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(Division Sign (Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, and Radiological Devices 510(k) Number
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# Diagnostic Ultrasound Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K091970
## Device Name: AIXPLORER® Ultrasound System
Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of human body as follows:
| Clinical<br>Application | A | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color<br>Doppler | Amplitude<br>Doppler | Color<br>Velocity<br>Imaging | Combin<br>ed<br>(specify) | Notes |
|------------------------------------------------------------|---|---|---|-----|-----|------------------|----------------------|------------------------------|---------------------------|----------|
| Ophthalmic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fetal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Abdominal | | N | | N | | N | N | | 1, 2 | 3,4,5,6 |
| Intraoperative<br>(specify) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intraoperative<br>Neurological | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pediatric | | | | | | | | | | |
| Small Organ<br>(Breast, Thyroid,<br>Testicle,<br>Prostate) | | N | | N | | N | N | | 1, 2 | 3,4,5,6 |
| Neonatal<br>Cephalic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transesophageal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transrectal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transvaginal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transurethral | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intravascular | | | | | | | | | | |
| Peripheral<br>Vascular | | N | | N | | N | N | | 1, 2 | 3,4,5,6, |
| Laparoscopic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Musculo-skeletal<br>Conventional | | N | | N | | N | N | | 1, 2 | 3,4,5,6 |
| Musculo-skeletal<br>Superficial | | N | | N | | N | N | | 1, 2 | 3,4,5,6 |
| Other (specify) | | | | | | | | | | |
N= new indication; P= previously cleared by FDA; E= added under Appendix E Additional Comments:
Additorial ObRimonts.
1 : Combined modes include: B+Color,
2: Combined modes include: B+ ShearWave " Elastography
3: Harmonic Imaging
4: Spatial Compounding
4: Spalial Compounding
5: ShearWave™ Elastography
6: Imaging Guidance for Biopsies
Prescription Use XX OR Over The Counter Use
(Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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510(k) Number.
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# Diagnostic Ultrasound Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K091970
Device Name: SL 15-4 Transducer (1D Linear Array Transducer) Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of human body as follows: :
| Clinical<br>Application | Modes of Operation | | | | | | | | Notes | |
|------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------|---|---|-----|-----|------------------|----------------------|------------------------------|-------|-----------------------|
| | A | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color<br>Doppler | Amplitude<br>Doppler | Color<br>Velocity<br>Imaging | | Combined<br>(specify) |
| Ophthalmic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fetal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Abdominal | | N | | N | | N | N | | 1, 2 | 3,4,5,6 |
| Intraoperative<br>(specify) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intraoperative<br>Neurological | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pediatric | | | | | | | | | | |
| Small Organ<br>(Breast, Thyroid,<br>Testicle,<br>Prostate) | | N | | N | | N | N | | 1,2 | 3.4.5,6 |
| Neonatal<br>Cephalic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transesophageal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transrectal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transvaginal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Transurethral | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intravascular | | | | | | | | | | |
| Peripheral<br>Vascular | | N | | N | | N | N | | 1,2 | 3,4,5,6 |
| Laparoscopic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Musculo-skeletal<br>Conventional | | N | | N | | N | N | | 1,2 | 3.4,5.6 |
| Musculo-skeletal<br>Superficial | | N | | N | | N | N | | 1, 2 | 3.4.5.6 |
| Other (specify) | | | | | | | | | | |
N= new indicalion; P= previously cleared by FDA; E= added under Appendix E
Additional Comments:
1 : Combined modes include: B+Color,
2: Combined modes include: B+ ShearWave 14 Elastography
510(k) Number
3: Harmonic Imaging
4: Spalial Compounding
5: ShourWave™ Elastography
5: Shearwave Elastography
6: Imaging Guidance for Biopsies
Prescription Use _________ OR Over The Counter Use_
(Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Minister Sign-Off
sion Sign-Off)
Sign of Reproductive, Abdominal, and Rudiological Device
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.