XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer for CLIA Waived Use
K172604 · Sysmex America, Inc. · GKZ · Nov 6, 2017 · Hematology
Device Facts
Record ID
K172604
Device Name
XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer for CLIA Waived Use
Applicant
Sysmex America, Inc.
Product Code
GKZ · Hematology
Decision Date
Nov 6, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Dual Track
Regulation
21 CFR 864.5220
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Real-World Evidence, Pediatric
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K172604 · Nov 6, 2017
XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer for CLIA Waived Use
Sysmex America, Inc.
Clinical field study at six CLIA-waived testing sites (family practice, internal medicine, diabetes practice, and pediatrics)
The clinical field study was used to demonstrate that the XW-100 is simple to use, does not generate erroneous results in the hands of untrained operators, and maintains accuracy in a CLIA-waived setting.
CLIA-waived setting; Clinical field study; Untrained operators; Routine clinical practice
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
XW-100 CLIA Waived Clinical Field Study; Clinical field study in routine clinical settings
Patients at six CLIA-waived testing sites (family practice, internal medicine, diabetes practice, and pediatrics); Sample Size: 229 samples (for sample challenge study); Number of Sites: 6
Not applicable for this study
Accuracy, ease of use, and performance of flagging/suppression of erroneous results by untrained operators
Indications for Use
The XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer (XW-100) is a quantitative automated hematology analyzer intended for in vitro diagnostic use to classify and enumerate the following parameters for venous whole blood anticoagulated with K2/K3 EDTA: WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, PLT, LYM%, Other WBC%, NEUT%, LYM#, Other WBC#, and NEUT#. It is not for use in diagnosing or monitoring patients with primary or secondary chronic hematologic diseases/ disorders, oncology patients, critically ill patients, or children under the age of 2.
Device Story
XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer; electrical resistance (impedance) blood cell counter; uses DC with hydrodynamic focusing for cell counting; photometric measurement for hemoglobin (noncyanide). Input: 15 μL venous whole blood sample. Process: sample aspiration, dilution, lysis (for WBC), and passage through aperture; resistance changes proportional to cell size captured as electric pulses; histograms generated for cell population identification. Output: 12 hematology parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, PLT, LYM%, Other WBC%, NEUT%, LYM#, Other WBC#, NEUT#). Used in clinical settings; operated by healthcare personnel. Results assist clinicians in basic CBC and 3-part WBC differential assessment. Benefits: rapid, automated hematology analysis with reduced hazardous waste.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical performance data referenced from k143577 and clinical field data/flex studies from CW170004. Performance data demonstrated substantial equivalence to the predicate device.
Technological Characteristics
Electrical resistance (impedance) technology with hydrodynamic focusing; photometric hemoglobin measurement (noncyanide). Dimensions: 7"W x 14"H x 18"D. Throughput: 20 cycles/hour. Sample volume: 15 μL. Reagents: XW Pack L (lyse), XW Pack D (diluent).
Indications for Use
Indicated for quantitative analysis of venous whole blood (K2/K3 EDTA) in patients aged 2 years and older. Excludes patients with primary/secondary chronic hematologic disorders, oncology patients, and critically ill patients.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An automated differential cell counter is a device used to identify one or more of the formed elements of the blood. The device may also have the capability to flag, count, or classify immature or abnormal hematopoietic cells of the blood, bone marrow, or other body fluids. These devices may combine an electronic particle counting method, optical method, or a flow cytometric method utilizing monoclonal CD (cluster designation) markers. The device includes accessory CD markers.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is the FDA document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Premarket Notifications for Automated Differential Cell Counters for Immature or Abnormal Blood Cells; Final Guidance for Industry and FDA.”
Predicate Devices
Sysmex XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer for Point of Care Use (k143577)
Reference Devices
XW QC CHECK (k143577)
SCS-1000 calibrator (k943268)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY
## A. 510(k) Number:
K172604
## B. Purpose for Submission:
This submission is a Dual 510(k) and CLIA Waiver by Application (Dual Submission) tracked as K172604 and CW170012. K172604 was submitted for clearance of a new device. The new device is a modification of the device previously cleared for point of care (POC) use under K143577 and CLIA categorized as moderately complex under CR140520.
## C. Manufacturer and Instrument Name:
Sysmex America Inc., XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer for CLIA Waived Use
## D. Type of Test or Tests Performed:
Complete blood count (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, PLT) and leukocyte 3-part differential (LYM%, Other WBC%, NEUT%, LYM#, Other WBC#, NEUT#).
## E. System Descriptions:
1. **Device Description:**
The XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer (XW-100) is an electrical resistance blood cell counter. This technology may also be referred to as Direct Current (DC) or impedance. The XW-100 analyzes human whole blood specimens anticoagulated with $\mathrm{K}_2\mathrm{EDTA}$ or $\mathrm{K}_3\mathrm{EDTA}$ and reports results for 12 hematology parameters, including the basic complete blood count (CBC), 3-part white blood cell (WBC) differential.
2. **Principles of Operation:**
The XW-100 uses direct current with hydrodynamic focusing for all parameters except hemoglobin, which is measured photometrically. The patient sample is aspirated, measured, diluted with diluent (and lysed for WBC measurement), then directed into a transducer chamber by a hydrodynamic focusing nozzle. The transducer chamber has a minute hole, or aperture. Electrodes are mounted on both sides of the aperture chamber, through which the direct current flows. Blood cells suspended in the diluted sample are injected through the aperture by the hydrodynamic focusing nozzle. The hydrodynamic focusing nozzle is positioned in front of the aperture and in line with the aperture's center. All blood cells are separated from each other and pass through the aperture in one direction, one cell at a time. When a cell passes through the aperture, it causes a change in the direct current resistance, which is proportional to the cell's size. These resistance
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changes are captured as electric pulses. The various blood cell counts are calculated by counting the pulses that occur in each cell size category. The analyzer then determines blood cell volume and identifies cells by creating and analyzing histograms of the various cell populations using their respective pulse heights. Hemoglobin is measured photometrically using a non-cyanide method.
3. Modes of Operation:
The XW-100 operates by automated whole blood analysis.
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 ☐ X ☐ or No ☐
4. Specimen Identification:
Specimen identification input is manual (by operator).
5. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
The XW-100 processes anticoagulated venous whole blood collected in K₂EDTA or K₃EDTA collection tubes. Samples are manually mixed by inversion and loaded into an onboard sample adapter one at a time.
6. Calibration:
The XW-100 is factory calibrated.
7. Quality Control:
The XW-100 system performance is evaluated using XW QC CHECK, a stabilized whole blood matrix quality control material designed for statistical process control of the analyzer. Assayed parameters include: WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PLT, LYM%, OTHER WBC%, NEUT%, LYM#, OTHER WBC#, NEUT#, RDW-SD, RDW-CV and MPV.
8. Software:
The XW-100 POC software was modified to serve a CLIA waived setting. These changes included consolidating flags and messages for simplicity. No new cybersecurity risks
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were identified with respect to these updated software changes. Refer to submission K143577 for additional software information.
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and Software Development processes for this line of product types:
Yes ☐ X ☐ or No ☐
## F. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR § 864.5220, Automated differential cell counter
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
GKZ, Counter, Differential Cell
4. Panel:
Hematology (81)
## G. Intended Use:
1. Indication(s) for Use:
The XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer (XW-100) is a quantitative automated hematology analyzer intended for in vitro diagnostic use to classify and enumerate the following parameters for venous whole blood anticoagulated with K₂/K₃ EDTA: WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, PLT, LYM%, Other WBC%, NEUT%, LYM#, Other WBC#, NEUT#. It is not for use in diagnosing or monitoring patients with primary or secondary chronic hematologic diseases/disorders, oncology patients, critically ill patients, or children under the age of 2.
2. Special Conditions for Use Statement(s):
The XW-100 is intended to be used by operators with a minimum of an earned high school diploma or equivalent.
## H. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate Device Name(s) and 510(k) numbers:
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Sysmex XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer (K143577)
2. Comparison with Predicate Device:
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate (K143577) |
| Intended Use | The XW-100 Automated Hematology Analyzer (XW-100) is a quantitative automated hematology analyzer intended for in vitro diagnostic CLIA waived use to classify and enumerate the following parameters for venous whole blood anticoagulated with K2/K3 EDTA: WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, PLT, LYM%, Other WBC%, NEUT%, LYM#, Other WBC#, and NEUT#. It is not for use in diagnosing or monitoring patients with primary or secondary chronic hematologic diseases/disorders, oncology patients, critically ill patients, or children under the age of 2. | The Sysmex XW-100™ is a quantitative automated hematology analyzer intended for in vitro diagnostic point-of-care use to classify and enumerate the following parameters for venous whole blood anticoagulated with K2/K3 EDTA: WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PLT, LYM%, Other WBC%, NEUT%, LYM#, Other WBC#, NEUT#, RDW-SD, RDW-CV, and MPV. It is not for use in diagnosing or monitoring oncology patients, children under the age of 2, or for chronically or critically ill patients. |
| Test Principle | Impedance technology (direct current detection) with hydrodynamic focusing for all parameters except hemoglobin, which is measured photometrically. | Same |
| Measuring Channel | Single hydrodynamic focused impedance chamber | Same |
| Sample Type | Anticoagulated (K2EDTA or K3EDTA) venous whole blood | Same |
| Sample aspiration volume | 15 μL | Same |
| Reagents | XW Pack L (lyse)
XW Pack D (diluent) | Same |
| System Throughput | 20 cycles per hour | Same |
| Test System Dimensions | Width: 7 inches
Height: 14 inches
Depth: 18 inches | Same |
| Mode of Operation | Whole blood mode | Same |
| Calibration and Quality Control | XW QC CHECK (K143577)
SCSTM-1000 calibrator (K943268) | Same |
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There is no difference between the XW-100 for CLIA waived use and the XW-100 cleared for POC settings (predicate), aside from the Intended Use population and the software modifications which produce a decreased number of reported parameters and simplified flagging.
I. Special Control/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
CLSI EP05-A3. Evaluation of Precision of Quantitative Measurement Procedures; Approved Guideline – Third Edition, 2014
CLSI EP09-A3. Measurement Procedure Comparison and Bias Estimation Using Patient Samples; Approved Guideline – Third Edition, 2013
CLSI EP21-A2. Evaluation of Total Analytical Error for Quantitative Medical Laboratory Measurement Procedures. 2nd ed., 2016
Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Recommendations for Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) Wavier Applications for Manufacturers of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices; Issued January 30, 2008
J. Performance Characteristics:
1. Analytical Performance:
a. Accuracy:
A clinical comparison study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the XW-100 in the hands of the intended users (untrained operators) when performed in a CLIA waived setting. Reference submission CW170012 for the details of this study.
b. Precision/Reproducibility:
For each hematology parameter, information about total error of the XW-100 in the hands of untrained operators for three sub-ranges (Low, Medium and High) were compared to the total imprecision in the reproducibility study of the XW-100 in the hands of trained operators using precision profiles. Reference submission CW170012 for details regarding total error. For details regarding the reproducibility study, refer to the Decision Summary for K143577. Analysis of the precision profiles described in the table below demonstrate that the XW-100 device in the hands of untrained and trained operators have similar imprecision. The imprecision estimates include repeatability, different runs, different days, and different sites.
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| Measurand | Precision profiles | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| WBC | WBC | |
| RBC | RBC | |
| HGB | HGB | |
| HCT | HCT | |
| PLT | PLT | |
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# c. Linearity:
Measuring ranges of the new device were narrower than those of the XW-100 in the hands of trained operators, therefore, linearity data of the XW-100 were applicable to the new device. Refer to submission K143577 for the details of the linearity study.
# d. Carryover:
Carryover of the XW-100 was evaluated during the clearance of the device for the POC setting. Refer to submission K143577 for the details of this study.
# e. Interfering Substances:
An interference study was conducted to determine the interference level with the
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hematology results generated by the XW-100 for the following interfering substances: Bilirubin F, Bilirubin C, hemolytic hemoglobin, chyle, and lipids (Intralipid). Refer to submission K143577 for the details of this study.
2. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Data Not Covered Above:
In 2008 and 2009, the Hematology and Pathology Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee met to provide advice and recommendations to the FDA regarding the CLIA waiver application for an automated WBC analyzer. The panel expressed several key concerns during the meeting leading to a recommendation that the WBC analyzer not be granted waived status. Below is a list of panel concerns and the solutions implemented by Sysmex to mitigate these concerns.
| Panel Questions/Concerns | Solution |
| --- | --- |
| Do clinically important but undetected interferences, such as NRBC or abnormal WBC, affect the system’s status as a simple test? | A sample challenge study was conducted to verify that the XW-100 will appropriately flag and/or suppress results for samples with abnormal findings, such as Nucleated Red Blood Cells (NRBC’s), that could lead to the reporting of erroneous results in the CLIA waived setting.
For all 229 samples tested, with a variety of potential sources of error, the XW-100 results were appropriately suppressed and the presence of potentially interfering substances did not result in the reporting of erroneous results. |
| Reflex testing in moderately complex laboratories, triggered by abnormal WBC results, can enable diagnosis of clinically serious diseases. Does the absence of such reflex testing increase the potential for an erroneous clinical impression in a waived setting? | For results that are outside the reference range, the XW-100 prompts the user to repeat testing before results are printed by the device. Once the printout is received, the clinician will then make the decision of how to proceed based on the results and within the context of the patient’s clinical presentation. |
| Is this ATE zone consistent with what is needed for adequate clinical performance across all WBC levels and clinical contexts? | The Allowable Total Error (ATE) utilizing the CLIA’88 42 CFR 493.941 ranges was defined. The CLIA ’88 regulations were not appropriate for performance validation requirements and more stringent ATE limits for reportable parameters on the XW-100 in the CLIA waived setting were developed. Reference submission CW170012 for ATE values for all reported parameters. |
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| Panel Questions/Concerns | Solution |
| --- | --- |
| The intent of Congress when CLIA '88 was passed was that all tests should be the same and patients should expect the same level of accuracy from a lab test performed by their personal physician as they do from a lab test conducted in a large hospital or a commercial lab. | The accuracy of the XW-100 was previously demonstrated in the point-of-care setting (K143577). In addition, the data generated from the clinical field study for the XW-100 in the CLIA waived setting in conjunction with the flex studies demonstrates the XW-100 is simple to use and does not generate erroneous results. |
| Quality control should be required. | The XW-100 requires quality control be run every 8 hours and have acceptable results. The acceptability of QC results is interpreted by the instrument software and not the operator in the waived setting. If QC does not pass, the operator is locked out and patient testing is prevented. |
| What do the error codes signify and how many error codes are there? | All error resolution is performed by the system automatically. The exceptions are simple power cycling and insertion of XW CELLCLEAN which is done by the operator when prompted by an on-screen message. There are no error codes an operator has to interpret. |
| If operator training is necessary, is the device really simple? Can any of the setup features be locked so that an operator cannot skip the correct setup? | The XW-100 does not require operator training. On-screen prompts and Quick Guides are available to direct the operator through instrument setup and testing. The device software does not allow the operator to skip steps in the device setup or in running patient samples. |
| What would happen if an EDTA sample is inadequately mixed? | A flex study was conducted to assess the use of a sample that is inadequately mixed by the phlebotomist post venipuncture as well as inadequate mixing prior to testing the sample. Results from this study demonstrate that inadequate mixing of blood samples by the phlebotomist immediately post collection is unlikely to impact results. Results also revealed that testing samples that have been allowed to settle for more than 10 minutes without proper mixing prior to testing will impact results. The on-screen prompt provides a reminder to mix the tube prior to testing. The flagging/suppression rules will lead to retesting the samples when results are outside of the normal range. |
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| Panel Questions/Concerns | Solution |
| --- | --- |
| Current cell counters are complicated. They require substantial maintenance and regular calibration. | The only maintenance required for the XW-100 is weekly cleaning of the transducer and waste chamber which is automatically prompted and performed by the system. The operator is prompted to insert a tube of ready-to-use XW CELLCLEAN. Once the XW CELLCLEAN is inserted, the device performs weekly cleaning. After completion of weekly cleaning, the device prompts the operator to open the sample door and remove and dispose of the used tube. The weekly cleaning takes less than 10 minutes and is required every 7 days. Weekly cleaning is tracked automatically by the device.
The operator never performs calibration. The XW-100 is calibrated prior to shipping to customers. Quality control (QC) is required every 8 hours to ensure the system is functioning properly. If QC fails twice in a row, the user is instructed to call Sysmex Technical Assistance Center (TAC). A replacement instrument is sent to the customer and the current instrument will be returned for service and/or recalibration. |
| Since these systems report many components of the complete blood count, understanding of all the results often requires interpretation by a medical technologist or a physician. | The operator is not required to interpret results. Results are printed with the reference range comparatives for the indicated age of the patient by the system with no operator involvement. For any parameter results outside of the normal range, the operator will be prompted by the software to repeat testing. If the results from the second run confirm the results from the first run, the results will print. If the results from the second run do not confirm the results from the first run, the results are suppressed on the printout. The instrument instructs the operator to deliver the printout to the ordering clinician. Once the printout is received, the clinician will then make the decision of how to proceed based on the results and within the context of the patient’s clinical presentation. |
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| Panel Questions/Concerns | Solution |
| --- | --- |
| The CLIA waived study was not performed in the U.S. Is there sufficient data to show that the test can be performed with a reasonable degree of accuracy that would not invalidate its medical usefulness when used by CLIA waived operators in CLIA waived settings? | The XW-100 clinical study was conducted at six CLIA waived testing sites in the U.S. at locations with diverse patient and operator demographics. The sites covered a wide range of specialties, including family practice, internal medicine, diabetes practice, and pediatrics. |
| Has the performance of the device been adequately studied in the leukopenic population. For example, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or many African-Americans with benign leukopenia. | The XW-100 is contraindicated for use in diagnosing or monitoring patients with primary or secondary chronic hematologic diseases/disorders, oncology patients, or children under the age of 2. |
| Another criterion for a simple test is that instruction for confirmatory testing should be provided where advisable. Clear criteria for confirmatory testing of abnormal or inconsistent test results should be established. | When the XW-100 detects a specimen abnormality, the instrument printout contains a message for the clinician that reads “RECOMMEND FURTHER TESTING.” This message alerts clinicians that further testing is recommended. Sending these samples to the moderately/highly complex lab for further testing is in line with current standard of care and will not cause a delay in patient diagnosis. |
| The number one patient safety issue, is patient identification. Is there some ability to enter or store that information to ensure accurate results are matched with the right patient? | The instrument produces a printout with the patient ID, date of birth, results, and any flags. Results are not displayed on the screen of the device. This reduces the risk of an operator providing results of an incorrect patient to the clinician or making a transcription error when documenting results in a medical record. The instrument instructs the operator to deliver the printout to the clinician. The operator has no other responsibility in this process. |
| When you have normal versus abnormal, how much judgment is required? Can results be printed, saved, or retrieved so there is a record of the results. | Results are printed with the reference range comparatives for the indicated age of the patient by the system with no operator involvement. For results that are outside the reference range, the XW-100 will print one of the following:1) numeric result plus a “High” or “Low” flag2) “***” (suppressed result) plus an “ALERT L” or “ALERT H” flag.A results printout is always produced by the instrument when testing is fully completed. |
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K. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
L. 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.