The CONTOUR®NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system is an over the counter (OTC) device utilized for self-testing by persons with diabetes at home for the quantitative measurement of glucose in whole blood, is for single-patient use only, and should not be shared. The CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system is indicated for use with fresh fingertip capillary whole blood samples. The clinical utility of this device is to aid in monitoring the effectiveness of your diabetes control program. The CONTOUR® NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system is not intended for use for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus and is not intended for use on neonates. The CONTOUR® NEXT test strips are intended for self-testing by persons with diabetes for the quantitative measurement of glucose in whole blood samples from 20 to 600 mg/dL. The CONTOUR®NEXT control solutions are aqueous glucose solutions intended for use in self-testing by people with diabetes as a quality control check.
Device Story
System measures glucose in capillary whole blood via amperometric assay using FAD-glucose dehydrogenase. User applies 0.6 uL blood sample to test strip; capillary action draws sample into strip; reaction generates electrical current proportional to glucose concentration. Meter displays result; no manual calculation required. Device features underfilled detection and allows sample re-application within 20 seconds. Used at home by patients with diabetes for monitoring glycemic control. Meter is factory-calibrated; requires no user calibration. System includes meter, test strips, and control solutions. Output aids patients and clinicians in monitoring diabetes management effectiveness. Device supports data transmission to computer via wired connection.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical study with 115 subjects compared Contour NEXT EZ results to YSI lab analyzer using fresh fingertip capillary blood. 100% of results met accuracy criteria (within ±15 mg/dL for <75 mg/dL and ±20% for ≥75 mg/dL). 96.5% of results fell within ±10 mg/dL or ±10% of reference.
Technological Characteristics
Amperometric glucose monitoring system. Uses FAD-glucose dehydrogenase reagent. Factory-calibrated. Dimensions/form factor: Hand-held meter. Connectivity: Wired data transmission to computer. Power: Two CR2032 or DL2032 batteries. Sterilization: Not applicable (IVD). Software: Embedded firmware for signal processing and underfilled detection.
Indications for Use
Indicated for self-testing by persons with diabetes at home for quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh fingertip capillary whole blood (20-600 mg/dL). Not for diagnosis/screening of diabetes or use on neonates. Single-patient use only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A glucose test system is a device intended to measure glucose quantitatively in blood and other body fluids. Glucose measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of carbohydrate metabolism disorders including diabetes mellitus, neonatal hypoglycemia, and idiopathic hypoglycemia, and of pancreatic islet cell carcinoma.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is solely intended for use as a drink to test glucose tolerance, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 862.9.
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510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION
DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k111268
B. Purpose for Submission:
New device
C. Measurand:
Glucose in capillary whole blood
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative amperometric assay (FAD-glucose dehydrogenase)
E. Applicant:
Bayer Health Care LLC, Diabetes Care
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
CONTOUR NEXT EZ Blood Glucose Monitoring System
CONTOUR NEXT Glucose Test Strips
CONTOUR NEXT Control Solutions
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR 862.1345 Glucose Test System
21 CFR 862.1660 Quality Control Material
2. Classification:
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Class II
Class I, reserved
3. Product code:
LFR - Glucose dehydrogenase, glucose
NBW - Blood glucose test system, over the counter
JJX - Single (Specified) Analyte Controls
4. Panel:
Clinical Chemistry - 75
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
Refer to indications for use below.
2. Indication(s) for use:
The CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system is an over the counter (OTC) device utilized for self-testing by persons with diabetes at home for the quantitative measurement of glucose in whole blood, is for single-patient use only, and should not be shared. The CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system is indicated for use with fresh fingertip capillary whole blood samples. The clinical utility of this device is to aid in monitoring the effectiveness of your diabetes control program.
The CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system is not intended for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus and is not intended for use on neonates.
The CONTOUR NEXT test strips are intended for self-testing by persons with diabetes for the quantitative measurement of glucose in whole blood samples from 20 to 600 mg/dL.
The CONTOUR NEXT control solutions are aqueous glucose solutions intended for use in self-testing by people with diabetes as a quality control check.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For in vitro diagnostic use only. For prescription and over the counter use.
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Not for neonatal use
Not for screening or diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
Not for use on critically ill patients, patients in shock, dehydrated patients or hyper-osmolar patients
Single-patient use systems are for use on single patients only and should not be shared
4. Special instrument requirements:
CONTOUR NEXT EZ Blood Glucose Meter
I. Device Description:
The CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system is for single-patient use for the measurement of glucose in whole blood. The system consists of a hand-held CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose meter, CONTOUR NEXT blood glucose test strips, CONTOUR NEXT control solutions (Level 1 and Level 2), Bayer's MICROLET2 lancing device, and Bayer's MICROLET lancets.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name:
CONTOUR Blood Glucose Monitoring System
2. Predicate 510(k) number:
k062058
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Comparison Table | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | New Device (k111268) | Predicate (k062058) |
| Intended Use | Intended for quantitative determination of glucose. | Same |
| Detection method | Modified-quantitative amperometric assay (FAD-glucose dehydrogenase) | Quantitative amperometric assay (FAD-glucose dehydrogenase) |
| Sample type | Capillary whole blood | Capillary, venous, and arterial whole blood samples and neonatal blood samples |
| Sample sites | Fingertip | Fingertip, palm, forearm, and neonates' heels |
| Test Strip Underfilled Detection | Yes | No |
| Calibration | Autocoding | same |
| Measurement Range | 20-600 mg/dL | 10-600 mg/dL |
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| Comparison Table | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | New Device (k111268) | Predicate (k062058) |
| Hematocrit Range | 15-65% | 0-70% |
| Humidity | 10-93% RH | same |
| Altitude | Up to 20,674 feet | Up to 10,000 feet |
| Blood Sample Volume | 0.6 uL | same |
| Reaction Time | 7 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Operating Conditions | 5-45°C/10-93% RH | same |
| Storage Conditions | Test Strips: 5-30°C
Controls: 9-30°C | Test Strips: 15-30°C
Controls: 15-30°C |
| Battery Type | Two CR2032 (3-volts) or DL2032 | same |
| Controls | modified formulation- 2 levels | Low/Normal/High |
## K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
1. ISO 15197. In vitro diagnostic test systems. Requirements for blood-glucose monitoring systems for self-testing in managing diabetes mellitus.
2. ISO 14971. Medical devices-Application of risk management to medical devices.
3. EN 61010-1:2001. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use, Part 1. General requirements.
4. IEC/EN 61010-2-101. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use, Part 2-101. Particular requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical equipment.
5. EN 61326-1:2006. Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. EMC Requirements. General requirements.
## L. Test Principle:
The CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose test is based on measurement of electrical current caused by the reaction of the glucose with the reagents on the electrode of the strip. The blood sample is drawn into the tip of the test strip through capillary action. Glucose in the sample reacts with FAD glucose dehydrogenase (FAD-GDH) and the mediator. Electrons are generated, producing a current that is proportional to the glucose in the sample. After the reaction time, the glucose concentration in the sample is displayed. No calculation is required.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### 1. Analytical performance:
#### a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Precision studies were performed based on ISO 15197 guidelines. Repeatability studies were carried out by testing venous blood at five venous blood glucose concentrations (HCT 43%) ranging from 47-332 mg/dL. Three lots of CONTOUR
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NEXT glucose test strips were tested on ten CONTOUR NEXT EZ glucose meters with ten replicates per meter. To evaluate intermediate precision, the sponsor tested three levels of CONTOUR NEXT control solutions on ten CONTOUR NEXT EZ glucose meters and one lot of CONTOUR NEXT glucose test strips over the course of 10 days. The mean, standard deviation (SD), and coefficients of variation (CV) were determined for each level as summarized below:
| Repeatability Data Summary | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Venous Blood Samples | | | |
| Glucose Interval (mg/dL) | Grand Mean (mg/dL) | Pooled SD (mg/dL) | Pooled CV (%) |
| (30-50) | 47 | 0.8 | 1.7 |
| (51-110) | 84 | 1.1 | 1.3 |
| (111-150) | 139 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| (151-250) | 201 | 2.6 | 1.3 |
| (251-400) | 326 | 5.0 | 1.5 |
| Intermediate Precision Data Summary | | | |
| Control Samples | | | |
| Glucose Level (mg/dL) | Grand Mean (mg/dL) | Pooled SD (mg/dL) | Pooled CV (%) |
| 1 | 42 | 0.7 | 1.6 |
| 2 | 122 | 1.4 | 1.1 |
| 3 | 357 | 5.5 | 1.5 |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
A linearity study was carried out using seven different levels of venous whole blood samples which were either glycolyzed or supplemented with a glucose stock solution to reach glucose concentrations ranging from 15-600 mg/dL (42% HCT) as determined by the YSI reference method. Each glucose level was measured with three lots of CONTOUR NEXT glucose test strips on eight CONTOUR NEXT EZ glucose meters. Least-square regression analysis is summarized below.
| Linearity Data Summary | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Regression Data | Test Strip Lot 1 | Test Strip Lot 2 | Test Strip Lot 3 | Combined Data |
| Equation | y = 0.969(x) + 2.046 | y = 0.957(x) + 0.30 | y = 0.975(x) + 1.34 | y = 0.967(x) + 1.246 |
| Slope - 95% CI | 0.963 to 0.976 | 0.953 to 0.961 | 0.970 to 0.980 | 0.964 to 0.970 |
| Intercept - 95% CI | -0.338 to 4.429 | -1.068 to 1.668 | -0.527 to 3.206 | 0.084 to 2.408 |
| r² | 0.997 | 0.999 | 0.998 | 0.998 |
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The claimed reportable range of the CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system is 20 to 600 mg/dL. The sponsor evaluated that samples below or above the claimed measuring range are flagged by the meter as “LO” or “HI”, respectively, by testing extremely low (5 mg/dL) and extremely high (900, 1200, 1500, and 1800 mg/dL glucose samples on eight meters and three lots of test strips.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
## Traceability
The CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system is factory calibrated and further calibration by the user is not necessary for operation. The calibration is traceable to NIST (dry-D-glucose) SRM 917a.
## Test Strip Stability
Stability testing protocols and acceptance criteria for the Contour NEXT EZ test strips were reviewed and found to be acceptable. The manufacturer claims shelf life stability and open-vial stability of 18 months at the recommended storage temperatures of 5-30°C.
## Controls Value Assignment and Stability
Value assignment for the control solutions is based on replicate reading on each of thirty-six instruments and the range is assigned as ±11% relative to the calculated mean.
Stability testing protocols and acceptance criteria for the glucose control solutions were reviewed and found to be acceptable. The manufacturer claims a shelf life stability of 18 months and an open-vial stability of 3 months at the recommended storage temperatures of 9°C to 30°C.
d. Detection limit:
The measuring range of the CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system is 20 to 600 mg/dL. This range was verified by the linearity study (see section M.1.b of this decision summary).
e. Analytical specificity:
Interference studies were performed by adding common endogenous and exogenous substances to a pool of fresh whole blood at 80 and 300 mg/dL plasma glucose and calculating bias relative to a control of the same samples. A minimum of ten replicates per sample were collected for each substance on at least five CONTOUR NEXT EZ meters with each of three lots of CONTOUR NEXT glucose test strips. Significant interference was defined as >10% bias. No significant interference was
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observed up to the levels shown in the table below for the following interfering substances:
| Substance | No Interference at Listed Level |
| --- | --- |
| Endogenous Substance | |
| Bilirubin | 54 mg/dL |
| Cholesterol | 1168 mg/dL |
| Creatinine | 34 mg/dL |
| Hemoglobin | 2 g/dL |
| Triglycerides | 4709 mg/dL |
| Uric Acid | 59 mg/dL |
| Exogenous Substance | |
| Acetaminophen | 35 mg/dL |
| Ascorbic Acid | 10 mg/dL |
| Caffeine | 7 mg/dL |
| Dopamine | 4 mg/dL |
| Ephedrine | 11 mg/dL |
| Galactose | 336 mg/dL |
| Gentisate | 112 mg/dL |
| Glutathione | 17 mg/dL |
| Ibuprofen | 56 mg/dL |
| Icodextrin | 2 mg/dL |
| L-Dopa | 5 mg/dL |
| Maltose | 336 mg/dL |
| Methyl-Dopa | 3.4 mg/dL |
| Salicylate | 112 mg/dL |
| Tetracycline | 4 mg/dL |
| Tolazamide | 112 mg/dL |
| Tolbutamide | 112 mg/dL |
The study showed that xylose has a significant interference at 6 mg/dL. The sponsor has added the following limitations on the product labeling:
"Do not use during or soon after xylose absorption testing. Xylose in the blood will cause an interference."
"Certain substances occurring in the blood naturally (uric acid, bilirubin) or from therapeutic treatments (ascorbic acid, acetaminophen) will not significantly affect results." An interferences table is shown in the test strips package insert.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable
2. Comparison studies:
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a. Method comparison with predicate device:
User Performance Evaluation:
In a user performance evaluation, 115 untrained lay users tested their own capillary fingerstick blood samples on three randomized test strip lots on the CONTOUR NEXT EZ system using labeling material provided with the device. Subjects were people with diabetes who had not used the test system before and had no training prior to testing with the device. Data were compared to glucose values obtained with the YSI reference method covering the glucose range of $49 - 492\mathrm{mg / dL}$ . Study results are summarized below:
| Lay-user Study Regression Statistics vs. YSI | |
| --- | --- |
| Number of samples (n) | 115 |
| Range of YSI Glucose Values (mg/dL) | 49-492 |
| Slope | 0.97 |
| 95% CI | (0.95-0.99) |
| Intercept | 3.8 |
| 95% CI | (1.1-6.5) |
| R square | 0.98 |
| Lay-user Study Results | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Glucose < 75 mg/dL | | | | |
| Within ± 5 mg/dL | | Within ±10 mg/dL | | Within ± 15 mg/dL |
| 6/7 (85.7%) | | 7/7 (100%) | | 7/7 (100%) |
| Glucose ≥ 75 mg/dL | | | | |
| Within ± 5 % | Within ±10 % | | Within ± 15 % | Within ± 20% |
| 83/108 (76.9%) | 104/108 (96.3%) | | 107/108 (99.1%) | 108/108 (100%) |
b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable
3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not applicable
b. Clinical specificity:
Not applicable
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c. Other clinical supportive data (when a. and b. are not applicable):
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable
5. Expected values/Reference range:
The product labeling contains the following statement: "Non diabetic plasma glucose concentrations are normally maintained within a relatively narrow range, roughly 70-110 mg/dL in a fasting state.* You should consult with your healthcare professional for expected values specific to your needs."
*Reference: Longo DL, et al.: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18th edition. 2011: 3003.
N. Instrument Name:
CONTOUR NEXT EZ glucose meter
O. System Descriptions:
1. Modes of Operation:
Amperometric.
Does the applicant's device contain the ability to transmit data to a computer, webserver, or mobile device?:
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
Does the applicant's device transmit data to a computer, webserver, or mobile device using wireless transmission?:
Yes ☐ or No ☐ X
2. Software:
FDA has reviewed applicant's Hazard Analysis and software development processes for this line of product types:
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
3. Specimen Identification:
The device is capable of distinguishing control solutions from fingertip capillary whole blood samples. The device is also capable of detecting low sample and allowing the user
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to re-apply more blood onto the same strip within 20 seconds. Samples are applied directly to the test strip as they are collected.
4. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
This device is intended for use with fingertip capillary whole blood which is applied directly to the test strip.
5. Calibration:
The device is factory calibrated and requires no additional calibration by the user.
6. Quality Control:
The sponsor recommends the use of Level 1 and Level 2 CONTOUR NEXT control solutions with this system. These controls are available when requested by the customer using the contact information provided in the user manual. When the test strip is inserted into the glucose meter, control material can be measured by following the instructions for "Control Solution Testing" provided in the user guide for the meter. The CONTOUR NEXT EZ meter will automatically recognize and mark the control result. Control results will not be included in blood glucose averages.
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
1. Hematocrit Study:
A study was performed to evaluate the blood hematocrit (HCT) effect on the performance of the CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system across the measuring range of the assay (40, 90, 180, 275, 360, 450, and 550 mg/dL). Venous blood samples were tested in replicates of twelve using three lots of strip and six meters. Glucose concentrations at each HCT level (15%, 20%, 25%, 40%, 55%, 60%, and 65%) were compared with results obtained at 40% HCT and the YSI-2300 reference method. Data were found adequate. The sponsor included the following limitation in the label: CONTOUR NEXT test strip results are not significantly affected by hematocrit levels in the range of 15% to 65%.
2. Altitude Study:
The effect of altitude was evaluated inside and outside a glove box purged with ultra pure nitrogen to simulate a high altitude condition. Two lots of the CONTOUR NEXT test strips were tested on five meters in duplicate with 41 and 65% HCT whole blood supplemented with 50, 100, and 400 mg/dL plasma glucose. The mean assay results obtained were compared to YSI reference method values and data were found adequate. The sponsor included the following limitation in the label: “Altitude: Up to 20, 674 feet (6,301 meters) does not significantly affect results”.
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3. Temperature and Humidity Studies
Studies were performed to evaluate the effect of temperature and humidity on the performance of the CONTOUR NEXT EZ blood glucose monitoring system at 80 and 350 mg/dL glucose levels using whole blood samples. Testing was completed using fifteen replicates per sample, two lots of CONTOUR NEXT test strips, and five CONTOUR NEXT EZ meters. Meters were evaluated while exposed to different temperature and humidity combinations to support the claimed ranges of 5-45°C and 10-93% RH.
4. Sample Volume
Sample volume studies were performed at 100 and 300 mg/dL blood glucose (42% HCT) using three lots of CONTOUR NEXT glucose test strips in triplicate on each of eight CONTOUR NEXT EZ glucose meters at different sample volumes (0.4, 0.55, 0.6, and 0.7 uL). Test results support the claimed use of 0.6 uL of sample. The new system has a sample re-application feature in which the user can reload sample within a 20 seconds window prior to receiving the error code.
5. Usability Study
A usability study was performed to assess the readability of the labeling by recruiting lay users (aged 18-79 yrs old) who were provided with the test kit containing labeling for the US market. Participants varied in age, education, country of origin, and were about evenly divided between men and women. Data from a questionnaire provided to these lay users indicate that the users found the device easy to use and the instructions for use were written in a way that makes it easy to use. Data from this study were found adequate.
6. Readability Assessment
Flesch-Kincaid readability assessment was conducted and the results showed that the labeling (user guide, test strip package insert, quick reference guide, and control solution package insert) were written at the grade level no higher than 7.8.
7. Customer Service Telephone Number
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The toll free phone number is 1-800-348-8100 for customer support.
9. EMC Testing
EMC testing was evaluated and certified by Underwriters Laboratories and a certificate was issued to Bayer on February 14, 2011.
10. Cleaning and Disinfection
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The device system is intended for single-patient use only. Disinfection efficacy studies were performed on materials comprising the Contour NEXT EZ glucose meter and the Microlet 2 lancing device by outside commercial laboratory testing services demonstrating complete inactivation of live virus with Clorox Germicidal Wipes (EPA Reg. No: 67619-12). The sponsor also conducted robustness studies and demonstrated that there was no change in performance or in the external materials of the meter and lancing device after 260 cleaning and disinfection cycles to simulate 5 years of use by lay-users. Each robustness cycle tested consisted of one pre-clean wipe and one disinfecting wipe. Labeling was reviewed for adequate instructions for the validated cleaning and disinfection procedures.
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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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.