MOLDEX-METRIC HEALTH CARE N95 PARTICULATE RESPIRATOR AND SURGICAL MASK, MODEL 1712
K102173 · Moldex/Metric, Inc. · MSH · Sep 13, 2010 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K102173
Device Name
MOLDEX-METRIC HEALTH CARE N95 PARTICULATE RESPIRATOR AND SURGICAL MASK, MODEL 1712
Applicant
Moldex/Metric, Inc.
Product Code
MSH · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Sep 13, 2010
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Abbreviated
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4040
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
The model 1712 Moldex-Metric Type N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask meets CDC Guidelines for TB Exposure Control within healthcare facilities. This device is also intended to be worn by healthcare personnel during surgical procedures to protect both the patient and healthcare personnel from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids and particulate material.
Device Story
The Model 1712 is a flat-fold N95 particulate respirator and surgical mask; used in healthcare settings by personnel during surgical procedures or TB exposure control. It functions as a physical barrier; constructed with an extruded plastic mesh outer cover, nonwoven spunbond inner/outer layers, and a polypropylene melt-blown filter media. It features a non-latex rubber head strap and closed-cell polyethylene foam nosepiece. The device is NIOSH-certified (TC-84A-5227) to provide ≥95% filtration efficiency against 0.055–0.095 micron particles. It is resistant to synthetic blood penetration per ASTM F 1862. The mask protects both patient and wearer from cross-contamination of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulates. It is a single-use, disposable device.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing: NIOSH certification (42 CFR Part 84) for filtration efficiency (>95% average 98.95%) and breathing resistance; ASTM F 1862 for synthetic blood penetration (32/32 pass); 16 CFR 1610 for flammability (Class I); and biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation) based on predicate device data.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Spunbond polypropylene, meltblown polypropylene filter, polyethylene foam nosepiece, non-latex rubber head strap. Design: Flat-fold style. Filtration: NIOSH-certified N95 (42 CFR Part 84). Fluid resistance: ASTM F 1862. Biocompatibility: ISO 10993-1 compliant. Sterilization: Not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for healthcare personnel during surgical procedures and for TB exposure control in healthcare facilities to protect patients and staff from microorganisms, body fluids, and particulates.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Surgical apparel are devices that are intended to be worn by operating room personnel during surgical procedures to protect both the surgical patient and the operating room personnel from transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material. Examples include surgical caps, hoods, masks, gowns, operating room shoes and shoe covers, and isolation masks and gowns. Surgical suits and dresses, commonly known as scrub suits, are excluded.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls) for surgical gowns and surgical masks. A surgical N95 respirator or N95 filtering facepiece respirator is not exempt if it is intended to prevent specific diseases or infections, or it is labeled or otherwise represented as filtering surgical smoke or plumes, filtering specific amounts of viruses or bacteria, reducing the amount of and/or killing viruses, bacteria, or fungi, or affecting allergenicity, or it contains coating technologies unrelated to filtration (e.g., to reduce and or kill microorganisms). Surgical N95 respirators and N95 filtering facepiece respirators are exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 878.9, and the following conditions for exemption:(i) The user contacting components of the device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(ii) Analysis and nonclinical testing must:
(A) Characterize flammability and be demonstrated to be appropriate for the intended environment of use; and
(B) Demonstrate the ability of the device to resist penetration by fluids, such as blood and body fluids, at a velocity consistent with the intended use of the device.
(iii) NIOSH approved under its regulation.
(2) Class I (general controls) for surgical apparel other than surgical gowns and surgical masks. The class I device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 878.9.
Predicate Devices
Moldex-Metric Health Care N95 Particulate Respirators models 1511, 1512, 1513, 1517 (K061859)
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K102173
5-1
June 16, 2010
# Section 5. 510(k) Summary
## Submitter:
Moldex-Metric, Inc. 10111 W. Jefferson Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232-3509
## Contact:
SEP 1 3 2010
Mark Meinecke Director Quality Assurance Telephone: 310-837-6500 x705 Fax: 310-837-0468 E-mail: mmeinecke@moldex.com
## Trade Name:
Model 1712 Moldex-Metric Type N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask
## Common Name:
Health Care N95 Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask.
## Classification:
Name - Surgical Apparel, as described in 21 CFR 878.4040. Device Class - Class II Product Code - MSH CFR Section - 21 CFR 878.4040
## Substantial Equivalency:
The model 1712 Moldex-Metric Type N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask is found to be substantially equivalent to Moldex-Metric Health Care N95 Particulate Respirators models 1511, 1512, 1513, 1517 [(510(k) K061859] and models 3001N95-S, 3002N95-M, 3003N95-L, & 3004N95-LP [(510(k) K051182)] . These products have also been tested and approved by NIOSH as N95 Respirators.
## Guidance Documents
Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Surgical Masks - Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions; Guidance for Industry and FDA.
Device Description, Intended Use, Limitations, Comparisons of Predicate Devices, Risks to Health, Exclusions from Standards, & Performance Tests have all been included in this Summary Report as per the Guidance Document.
{1}------------------------------------------------
## 510(k) Summary (Continued)
Description:
The Moldex-Metric type N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirators and Surgical Masks are constructed from an extruded plastic mesh used in the outer cover and a nonwoven spunbond used in the inner and outer cover. The polypropylene melt blown filter media is layered between the inner and outer cover. The head strap is made of a non-latex rubber stapled to the mask. The inside nosepiece is a closed cell foam.
The model 1712 Moldex-Metric Type N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask is approved by NIOSH in accordance with 42 CFR Part 84. The certification numbers is TC-84A-5227.
The type N95 must meet the prescribed test criteria which specifies the use of 0.055 to 0.095 micron diameter challenge and requiring a 95% efficiency or better and was tested by NIOSH in accordance with 42 CFR Part 84. The masks are resistant to synthetic blood as per ASTM F 1862 Standard Test method for Resistance of Medical Face Mask to Penetration by Synthetic Blood. Breathing resistance was tested by NIOSH in accordance to 42 CFR Part 84. The device has a Bacterial Filtration Efficiency greater than 99.9%. Testing was conducted using the Modified Green and Vesley Method for evaluation of bacterial filtration efficiency of surgical masks for the predicate devices.
Intended Use:
The model 1712 Moldex-Metric Type N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask meets CDC Guidelines for TB Exposure Control within healthcare facilities. This device is also intended to be worn by healthcare personnel during surgical procedures to protect both the patient and healthcare personnel from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids and particulate material.
Limitations:
This product does not eliminate the wearer from any risk of contracting any type of disease or infection. The mask should be changed immediately if contaminated with blood or body fluids.
Comparison of Predicate Devices:
The outside cover of the previously cleared devices models 3001N95-S, 3002N95-M, 3003N95-L & 3004N95-LP incorporate a non-woven polypropylene material with a layer of an extruded plastic mesh and the Moldex-Metric models 1511, 1512, 1513, 1517 and new submitted model 1712 incorporate an extruded plastic mesh without the nonwoven material on the outer cover. The head strap color of the cleared device is the same as the Moldex-Metric device models for which clearance is being requested.
Moldex-Metrix model 1712 is only differs from the previously submitted models in that it has been designed as a flat fold type.
The Moldex-Metric type N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirators and Surgical Masks incorporate a highly efficient filter media and is 95% efficiency or better against aerosols that have a count median diameter of 0.055 - 0.095 microns which was scientifically established as the most penetrating particle size. The legally marketed devices previously cleared 510(k) are manufactured from similar materials.
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| Description | Moldex-Metric Health Care N95<br>Particulate Respirator and<br>Surgical Mask, model 1712 | Moldex-Metric Health Care N95<br>Particulate Respirators and<br>Surgical Masks, models 1511,<br>1512, 1513, 1517<br>(510k #K061859) | Moldex-Metrix Health Care N95<br>Particulate Respirators and Surgical<br>Masks, models 3001N95-S, 3002N95-<br>M, 3003N95-L, 3004N95-LP<br>(510k #K051182) |
|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Materials<br>Outer Cover Fabrics | Spunbond polypropylene,<br>Meltblown polypropylene | Spunbond polypropylene,<br>Meltblown polypropylene | Spunbond polypropylene, Meltblown<br>polypropylene |
| Nosepiece | Polyethylene foam | Polyethylene foam | Polyethylene foam |
| Headband | Various colors elastic, latex free | Various colors elastic, latex free | Various colors elastic, latex free |
| Specification &<br>Dimensions | Medium/Large size (5 1/2" x 5<br>1/16") | Various sizes (4.75" - 5.625"<br>circumference) | Various sizes (4.75" - 5.625"<br>circumference) |
| Mask Style | Molded Cup/Flat Fold | Molded Cup | Molded Cup |
| Design Features | Dual synthetic rubber | Dual synthetic rubber | Dual synthetic rubber |
| NIOSH Certification# | TC-84A-5227 | TC-84A-0013 | TC-84A-4102 |
| Intended Use | The model 1712 Moldex-Metric<br>Type N95 Healthcare<br>Particulate Respirator and<br>Surgical Mask meets CDC<br>Guidelines for TB Exposure<br>Control within healthcare<br>facilities. This device is also<br>intended to be worn by<br>healthcare personnel during<br>surgical procedures to protect<br>both the patient and healthcare<br>personnel from the transfer of<br>microorganisms, body fluids and<br>particulate material. | The various models of Moldex-<br>Metric Type N95 Healthcare<br>Particulate Respirators and<br>Surgical Masks meet CDC<br>Guidelines for TB Exposure<br>Control within healthcare<br>facilities. These devices are also<br>intended to be worn by<br>healthcare personnel during<br>surgical procedures to protect<br>both the patient and healthcare<br>personnel from the transfer of<br>microorganisms, body fluids and<br>particulate material. | The various models of Moldex-Metric<br>Type N95 Healthcare Particulate<br>Respirators and Surgical Masks meet<br>CDC Guidelines for TB Exposure<br>Control within healthcare facilities.<br>These devices are also intended to be<br>worn by healthcare personnel during<br>surgical procedures to protect both the<br>patient and healthcare personnel from<br>the transfer of microorganisms, body<br>fluids and particulate material. |
#### nd Predicate Devices Descriptions/ Comparisons Dovice
## Risks to Health
| Performance<br>Characteristics | Test Method | Acceptance criteria/ Results | Predicate Device Results | Predicate Device Results |
|---------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | Moldex-Metric Health Care<br>N95 Particulate Respirator and<br>Surgical Mask | Moldex-Metric Health Care<br>N95 Particulate Respirators<br>and Surgical Masks various<br>models (4) | Moldex-Metrix Health Care<br>N95 Particulate Respirators<br>and Surgical Masks various<br>models (4) |
| Fluid Resistance<br>Performance | ASTM 1862<br>- 00a | Model 1712<br>32 of 32 pass | Models 1511, 1512, 1513 and<br>1517<br>32 of 32 pass | Models 3001N95-S, 3002N95-<br>M, 3003N95-L, 3004N95-LP<br>32 of 32 pass |
| Flammability<br>Class * | 16 CFR 1610 | *Flame spread must be within<br>upper and lower limits/ No<br>flame spread on 10 of 10<br>samples, meets Class I | Flame spread must be within<br>upper and lower limits/ No<br>flame spread on 10 of 10<br>samples, meets Class I | Flame spread must be within<br>upper and lower limits/ No<br>flame spread on 10 of 10<br>samples, meets Class I |
| Filter Efficiency<br>(%) | NIOSH, 42<br>CFR<br>Part 84 | > 95% Efficient/ average<br>98.95% efficient of 20 samples | > 95% Efficient/ average<br>98.58% efficient of 17 samples | > 95% Efficient/ average<br>99.11% efficient of 20 samples |
| Inhalation<br>Breathing<br>Resistance<br>(mm H2O) | NIOSH, 42<br>CFR<br>Part 84 | < 35.0 mm H2O @ 85 lpm/<br>average 8.9 mm H2O @ 85<br>Ipm of 3 samples | < 35.0 mm H2O @ 85 lpm/<br>average 10.3 mm H2O @ 85<br>Ipm of 3 samples | < 35.0 mm H2O @ 85 lpm/<br>average 11.3 mm H2O @ 85<br>Ipm of 3 samples |
| Exhalation<br>Breathing<br>Resistance<br>(mm H2O) | NIOSH, 42<br>CFR Part 84 | < 25.0 mm H2O @ 85 lpm/<br>average 8.9 mm H2O @ 85<br>Ipm of 3 samples | < 25.0 mm H2O @ 85 lpm/<br>average 9.9 mm H2O @ 85<br>Ipm of 3 samples | < 25.0 mm H2O @ 85 Ipm/<br>average 16.9 mm H2O @ 85<br>Ipm of 5 samples |
| Biocompatibility * | ISO 10993-<br>1 | Cytotoxicity<br>Score of 2 or less/score of 0 | Cytotoxicity<br>Score of 2 or less/score of 0 | Cytotoxicity, score of 2 or less/<br>Score of 0 |
| | | Sensitization, Grade 1 (no<br>different than control)/Grade 1 | Sensitization, Grade 1 (no<br>different than control)/Grade 1 | Sensitization, Grade 1 (no<br>different than control)/ Grade 1 |
| | | Primary Skin Irritation<br>Negligible/Negligible | Primary Skin Irritation<br>Negligible/Negligible | Primary Skin Irritation,<br>Negligible/Negligible |
| Bacterial Filtration<br>Efficiency * | Modified<br>Greene and<br>Vesley<br>Method. J<br>Bacteriol<br>93:663.667 | Test results show a bacterial<br>filtration efficiency greater<br>than 99.9% | Test results show a bacterial<br>filtration efficiency greater<br>than 99.9% | Greater than 99.9% |
.
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Risk analysis is the same as the predicate devices. Approved under K061859 and K051182 the surgical mask device and the predicate device are made from the same material. The design of the mask with fold features was tested for Fluid Resistant in accordance with ASTM F 1862@ 160mmHg. All 32 of 32 pass and any risks would have been exposed at Fluid Resistant Testing.
## Exclusions from Standards*
In accordance with ISO 10993-1: Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing (Third Edition, 2003-08-01), Table 1 - Initial evaluation of tests for consideration, since contact duration is A-Limited (<24 h), only the Cytotoxicity, Sensitization, and Irritation or Intracttaneous Reactivity tests were performed.
#### Performance Tests:
This product was tested and certified by NIOSH as an approved N95 Respirator. It meets all the requirements prescribed in 42 CFR Part 84 and is assigned TC-84A-5227
## Tests Performed
- 1. Fluid Resistance Resistance of Liquid (Synthetic Blood Penetration Resistance) ASTM F 1862.
- 2. Filtration Efficiency (Particulate and Bacterial) 42 CFR Part 84
- 3. Differential Pressure (Delta P) Breathing Resistance 42 CFR Part 84
- 4. Flammability* 16 CFR 1610 (Class 1)
- Biocompatibility* (tested on predicate devices) న్.
- Cytotoxicity .
- Sensitization .
- Irritation .
- Bacterial Filtration Efficiency* Modified Greene and Vesley Method. J રું. Bacteriol 83:663-667.
* Tests were conducted on Predicate Devices which are made from the same material as models identified in this 510(k) submission.
### Safety/ Effectiveness:
The device has a fittration equivalent to the previously cleared Moldex-Metric N9S Particulate Respirator and The uevice has a mination opervation to the provised on the vare NOSH approved and meet the CDC guidelines for TB exposure control.
Conclusion:
The basic construction and material used in the cleared devices are the same as in the new device. The cleared devices and the new device are also approved by NTOSH, and meets all other required tosts. The Moldex-Metric type N95 Healthcare Paticulate Respirator and Surgical Mask is substantially equivalent to those listed on page 11 - 4.
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## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle-like symbol with three curved lines representing wings or feathers. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the symbol.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Moldex/Metric, Incorporated C/O Mr. Daniel W. Lehtonen Responsible Third Party Official Intertek Testing Services 2307 East Aurora Road, Unit B7 Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
SEP 1 3 2010
Re: K102173
Trade/Device Name: Model 1712 Moldex-Metric Type N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirator Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4040 Regulation Name: Surgical Apparel Regulatory Class: II
Product Code: MSH
Dated: August 26, 2010 Received: August 31, 2010
Dear Mr. Lehtonen:
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, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to 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. Lehtonen
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); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
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) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
h for
Anthony D. Watson, B.S., M.S., M.B.A. Director
Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Section 4. Indications for Use
# SEP 1 8 2010
K102173
4 - 1
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: Model 1712 Moldex-Metric Type N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask
Indications for Use: The model 1712 Moldex-Metric Type N95 Healthcare Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask meets CDC Guidelines for TB Exposure Control within healthcare facilities. This device is also intended to be worn by healthcare personnel during surgical procedures to protect both the patient and healthcare personnel from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids and particulate material.
Prescription Use _ AND/OR (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use .... X (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)
Edith F. Clavise-Wille
(Division Sign-Off) (Division Sign-Un)
Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital
Division of Anesthesiology, General Devices Division of Anton Control, Dental Devices
510(k) Number: K102173
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.