K180681 · Hologic, Inc. · LSL · Jun 13, 2018 · Microbiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K180681
Device Name
Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System)
Applicant
Hologic, Inc.
Product Code
LSL · Microbiology
Decision Date
Jun 13, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 866.3390
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K180681 · Jun 13, 2018
Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System)
Hologic, Inc.
Remnant urine samples from a previous clinical study; Retrospective analysis of clinical study results
A retrospective study was conducted using remnant urine samples and previously collected clinical data to evaluate the performance of the Aptima Combo 2 assay for the detection of CT and GC in female urine specimens.
Clinical Study 3: Female urine Specimen Clinical Study; Retrospective study
Symptomatic and asymptomatic women (n=2640); Sample Size: 2580 evaluable subjects; Number of Sites: 17
Composite comparator algorithm (CCA) using up to 3 FDA-cleared CT/GC NAATs
Positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) for CT and GC detection
Indications for Use
The Aptima Combo 2® Assay is a target amplification nucleic acid probe test that utilizes target capture for the in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) to aid in the diagnosis of chlamydial and/or gonococcal urogenital disease using the Panther® System as specified. On the Panther System, the assay may be used to test the following specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals: clinician-collected endocervical, vaginal and male urethral swab specimens, clinician-collected gynecological specimens collected in the PreservCyt® Solution, patient-collected vaginal swab specimens, 1 and female and male urine specimens. 1 Patient-collected vaginal swab specimens are an option for screening women when a pelvic exam is not otherwise indicated. The vaginal and multitest swab specimen collection kits are not for home use.
Device Story
Aptima Combo 2 Assay is an in vitro diagnostic test performed on the automated Panther System. It processes clinical specimens (swabs, urine, PreservCyt) to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The process involves target capture using magnetic microparticles to isolate rRNA, followed by Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA) of specific 23S and 16S rRNA regions. Detection uses chemiluminescent DNA probes (Dual Kinetic Assay) that emit light measured as Relative Light Units (RLU). The system automates sample preparation, amplification, detection, and data reduction. Healthcare providers use the resulting qualitative output to diagnose urogenital infections. The device benefits patients by providing accurate, automated molecular diagnostic results to guide clinical treatment decisions.
Clinical Evidence
Retrospective study of 2,580 evaluable female subjects (symptomatic and asymptomatic) across 17 US sites. Performance of Aptima Combo 2 in female urine was compared to a composite comparator algorithm (CCA) based on up to 3 FDA-cleared NAATs. For CT detection, PPA was 99.1% (symptomatic) and 98.5% (asymptomatic); NPA was 99.8% (symptomatic) and 99.7% (asymptomatic). For GC detection, PPA was 95.0% (symptomatic) and 100% (asymptomatic); NPA was 100% for both groups. Results support clinical utility for the added specimen type.
Technological Characteristics
Uses Target Capture, Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA), and Hybridization Protection Assay (HPA). Reagents include amplification, enzyme, probe, and target capture components. Detection via chemiluminescent acridinium ester-labeled DNA probes measured by luminometer. Automated on the Panther System. Software-controlled processing and data reduction. No specific material standards or connectivity protocols (e.g., DICOM) detailed beyond system integration.
Indications for Use
Indicated for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, including women and men, for the qualitative detection and differentiation of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae rRNA in clinician-collected endocervical, vaginal, and male urethral swabs, clinician-collected gynecological specimens in PreservCyt, patient-collected vaginal swabs, and female and male urine specimens to aid in the diagnosis of urogenital disease.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Neisseria spp. direct serological test reagents are devices that consist of antigens and antisera used in serological tests to identify Neisseria spp. from cultured isolates. Additionally, some of these reagents consist of Neisseria spp. antisera conjugated with a fluorescent dye (immunofluorescent reagents) which may be used to detect the presence of Neisseria spp. directly from clinical specimens. The identification aids in the diagnosis of disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Neisseria, such as epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, meningococcal disease, and gonorrhea, and also provides epidemiological information on diseases caused by these microorganisms. The device does not include products for the detection of gonorrhea in humans by indirect methods, such as detection of antibodies or of oxidase produced by gonococcal organisms.
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION MEMORANDUM
A. 510(k) Number:
K180681
B. Purpose for Submission:
To obtain clearance for an additional specimen type, female urine on Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System)
C. Measurand:
*Chlamydia trachomatis* (CT) and/or *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* (GC) ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
D. Type of Test:
Nucleic acid amplification assay
E. Applicant:
Hologic, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System)
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CRF 866.3390, *Neisseria* spp. direct serological test reagents
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
LSL: DNA-Reagents, Neisseria
MKZ: DNA Probe, Nucleic Acid Amplification, Chlamydia
4. Panel:
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Microbiology (83)
## H. Intended Use:
### 1. Intended use(s):
The Aptima Combo 2 Assay is a target amplification nucleic acid probe test that utilizes target capture for the *in vitro* qualitative detection and differentiation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from *Chlamydia trachomatis* (CT) and/or *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* (GC) to aid in the diagnosis of chlamydial and/or gonococcal urogenital disease using the Panther System as specified.
On the Panther System, the assay may be used to test the following specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals: clinician-collected endocervical, vaginal and male urethral swab specimens, clinician-collected gynecological specimens collected in the PreservCyt Solution, patient-collected vaginal swab specimens,¹ and female and male urine specimens.
¹ Patient-collected vaginal swab specimens are an option for screening women when a pelvic exam is not otherwise indicated. The vaginal and multitest swab specimen collection kits are not for home use.
### 2. Indication(s) for use:
Same as Intended Use.
### 3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For Prescription Use
### 4. Special instrument requirements:
Panther System
## I. Device Description:
The Aptima Combo 2 Assay is a target amplification nucleic acid probe test that utilizes target capture, transcription mediated amplification, and dual kinetic assay technologies for the *in vitro* qualitative detection and differentiation of rRNA from CT and/or GC to aid in the diagnosis of chlamydial and/or gonococcal urogenital disease using the Panther System.
The current Aptima Combo 2 Assay is similar to the APTIMA Combo 2 Assay originally cleared (K111409) for use on the Panther System. There are no changes to the APTIMA Combo 2 Assay (Panther System) catalog numbers (303094 and 302923), accessories, or ancillary kits. The ‘Aptima Urine Specimen Collection Kit for Male and Female Urine Specimens’ (catalog number 301040) cleared for use with the cleared Aptima Combo 2 Assay on the DTS System (K003395), TIGRIS System (K032194), and Panther System (K132251) is required to collect the female urine specimens.
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# J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System)
2. Predicate $510(\mathbf{k})$ number(s):
K132251
3. Comparison with predicate:
Table 1: Similarities between Predicate Device and Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System)
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Predicate Device | Subject Device |
| | Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System) (K132251) | Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System) (K180681) |
| Regulation | 866.3390 | 866.3390 |
| Device Class | II | II |
| Technology/ Detection | Target Capture (TC), Transcription-mediated Amplification (TMA), Hybridization Protection Assay (HPA) | Same |
| Assay Targets | Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) rRNA | Same |
| Assay Results | Qualitative | Same |
| Instrument System | Panther System | Same |
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Table 2: Differences Between Predicate Device and Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System)
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | Predicate Device | Subject Device |
| Item | Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System) (K132251) | Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System) (K180681) |
| Intended Use | The Aptima Combo 2 Assay is a target amplification nucleic acid probe test that utilizes target capture for the in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) to aid in the diagnosis of chlamydial and/or gonococcal urogenital disease using the Panther System as specified. On the Panther System, the assay may be used to test the following specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals: clinician-collected endocervical, vaginal and male urethral swab specimens, clinician-collected gynecological specimens collected in the PreservCyt Solution, patient-collected vaginal swab specimens^{1} and male urine specimens.
^{1}Patient-collected vaginal swab specimens are an option for screening women when a pelvic exam is not otherwise indicated. The vaginal swab specimen collection kit is not for home use. | The Aptima Combo 2 Assay is a target amplification nucleic acid probe test that utilizes target capture for the in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) to aid in the diagnosis of chlamydial and/or gonococcal urogenital disease using the Panther System as specified. On the Panther System, the assay may be used to test the following specimens from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals: clinician-collected endocervical, vaginal and male urethral swab specimens, clinician-collected gynecological specimens collected in the PreservCyt Solution, patient-collected vaginal swab specimens^{1} and female and male urine specimens.
^{1}Patient-collected vaginal swab specimens are an option for screening women when a pelvic exam is not otherwise indicated. The vaginal and multitest swab specimen collection kit is not for home use. |
| Specimen Types | Female specimens:
• Vaginal swab
• Endocervical swab
• Gynecological specimens in PreservCyt solution
Male Specimens:
• Urethral Swab
• Urine | Female specimens:
• Vaginal swab
• Endocervical swab
• Gynecological specimens in PreservCyt solution
• Urine
Male Specimens:
• Urethral Swab
• Urine |
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K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
Not applicable
L. Test Principle:
The Aptima Combo 2 Assay utilizes target capture, transcription-mediated amplification, hybridization protection assay, and dual kinetic assay for specimen processing, amplify target rRNA, and detect aplicon respectively. Please refer to the decision summaries of K111409 and K132251 for detailed description.
M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Reproducibility and within laboratory precision studies were previously reviewed and described in K132251 and K111409.
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Not Applicable; this is a qualitative assay.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Specimen stability and controls were previously reviewed and described in K132251 and K111409.
d. Detection limit:
Limit of detection study was previously reviewed and described in K132251 and K111409.
e. Analytical specificity:
Please refer to the decision summary of K111409 for the cross-reactivity data.
f. Carryover study:
Carryover study was previously reviewed and described in K132251 and K111409.
g. Assay cut-off:
Assay cut-off was previously reviewed and described in K132251 and K111409.
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2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Not applicable.
b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable.
3. Clinical studies:
The clinical performance of the Aptima Combo 2 Assay with female urine specimens was evaluated against a composite comparator algorithm (CCA) comprised of three FDA-cleared nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). A subject was considered positive if two out of three comparator NAATs were positive. The subject was considered negative if two out of three NAATs were negative. CCA result was determined for CT and GC using urine test results from upto three FDA-cleared CT/GC NAATs. The clinical data from a previously completed prospective clinical study was renalayzed and the remnant female urine samples were tested by a third FDA-cleared NAAT (tie-breaker) if the first two comparator NAAT results for urine samples did not determine the CCA result.
A total of 2640 women (symptomatic and asymptomatic) were enrolled from 17 geographically and ethically diverse US clinical sites. Of the 2640 subjects enrolled, 42 subjects were withdrawn. Of the 2598 non-withdrawn subjects, 2581 subjects were tested with the Aptima Combo 2 assay (Panther System) while 17 subjects had urine samples withdrawn or not collected, i.e., missing both CT and GC results from Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System). Samples with initially invalid, equivocal, or error results were retested. All 2581 samples had final valid results after required retesting. One out of 2581 samples had a repeat CT equivocal result (negative GC result) and one sample had a repeat GC equivocal result (negative CT result). Of the 2581 subjects that had valid Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System) results, 2580 subjects had a conclusive CT and/or GC CCA result and were evaluable for performance analyses; one subject had unknown CCA result for both CT and GC. Demographics of the 2580 evaluable subjects are presented in Table 3.
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Table 3: Summary of Evaluable Subjects Stratified by Subject Symptom Status and Age
| | N (%) |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 2580 (100) |
| Symptom Status | |
| Asymptomatic | 1196 (46.4) |
| Symptomatic | 1384 (53.6) |
| Age Group | |
| 16 to 17 years | 47 (1.8) |
| 18 to 20 years | 346 (13.4) |
| 21 to 30 years | 1350 (52.3) |
| 31 to 40 years | 550 (21.3) |
| >40 years | 287 (11.1) |
Of the 2580 evaluable subjects, 2572 subjects had a conclusive CT CCA result and were evaluable for performance analyses for CT detection (including one with equivocal result with Aptima Combo 2 Assay). The remaining eight subjects had an unknown composite comparator status. Of the 2580 evaluable subjects, 2579 subjects had a conclusive GC CCA result and were evaluable for performance analyses for GC detection (including one with equivocal result with Aptima Combo 2 Assay). The remaining one subject had an unknown composite comparator status.
Results from female urine samples with the Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther system) were compared to the CCA results to establish the positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA). Samples with final equivocal results were included in the performance analyses and categorized as false negative relative to the CCA result. Additionally, results in urine samples by Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System) were also compared with the vaginal and endocervical swab specimens using the patient infected status (PIS) algorithm. In the Clinical Study, the Aptima Combo 2 Assay detected $8.3\%$ fewer CT infections in female urine than in vaginal and endocervical swab specimens and $12.9\%$ fewer GC infections than in vaginal swab specimens and $15.2\%$ fewer GC infections than in endocervical swab specimens when compared to PIS algorithm.
Tables 4 and 5 show the PPA and NPA of the Aptima Combo 2 Assay for CT and GC detection based on the CCA in female urine samples.
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Table 4: Performance Characteristics of the Aptima Combo 2 Assay for CT detection in Female Urine Samples
| Specimen Type1 | Symptom Status | n | CCA+ AC2+ | CCA- AC2+ | CCA- AC2- | CCA+ AC2- | PPA % (95% CI)3 | NPA % (95% CI)3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| FU | Sym | 1379 | 109 | 24 | 12675 | 1 | 99.1 (95.0-99.8) | 99.8 (99.4-100) |
| | Asym | 1193 | 65 | 36 | 11247 | 12 | 98.5 (91.9-99.7) | 99.7 (99.2-99.9) |
| | Overall | 2572 | 174 | 5 | 2391 | 22 | 98.9 (96.0-99.7) | 99.8 (99.5-99.9) |
AC2 = Aptima Combo 2 Assay, Asym = asymptomatic, CCA = composite comparator algorithm, CI = confidence interval, FU = female urine, NPA = negative percent agreement, PPA = positive percent agreement, Sym = symptomatic.
1 Symptomatic and asymptomatic female urine sample results are from Clinical Study 3.
2 Includes equivocal results from Panther AC2 testing. Equivocal results from AC2 testing are considered indeterminate; a new specimen should be collected.
3 Score CI.
4 2/2 subjects had positive CT vaginal swab sample results in both reference NAATs.
5 38/1267 subjects had at least one positive CT vaginal swab sample result by a reference NAAT; one or more vaginal swab sample reference results were not available 11/1267 subjects; 1218/1267 subjects had negative vaginal swab sample reference results.
6 1/3 subject had positive CT vaginal swab sample results in both reference NAATs; 2/3 subjects had negative vaginal swab sample reference results.
7 20/1124 subjects had at least one positive CT vaginal swab sample result by a reference NAAT; one or more vaginal swab sample reference results were not available for 11/1124 subjects; 1093/1124 subjects had negative vaginal swab sample reference results.
Table 5: Performance Characteristics of the Aptima Combo 2 Assay for GC detection in Female Urine Samples
| Specimen Type1 | Symptom Status | n | CCA+ AC2+ | CCA- AC2+ | CCA- AC2- | CCA+ AC2-2 | PPA % (95% CI)3 | NPA % (95% CI)3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| FU | Sym | 1383 | 19 | 0 | 13634 | 1 | 95.0 (76.4-99.1) | 100 (99.7-100) |
| | Asym | 1196 | 9 | 0 | 11875 | 0 | 100 (70.1-100) | 100 (99.7-100) |
| | Overall | 2579 | 28 | 0 | 2550 | 1 | 96.6 (82.8-99.4) | 100 (99.8-100) |
AC2 = Aptima Combo 2 Assay, Asym = asymptomatic, CCA = composite comparator algorithm, CI = confidence interval, FU = female urine, NPA = negative percent agreement, PPA = positive percent agreement, Sym = symptomatic.
1 Symptomatic and asymptomatic female urine sample results are from Clinical Study 3.
2 Includes equivocal results from Panther AC2 testing. Equivocal results from AC2 testing are considered indeterminate; a new specimen should be collected.
3 Score CI.
4 5/1363 subjects had at least one positive GC vaginal swab sample result by a reference NAAT; one or more vaginal swab sample reference results were not available for 11/1363 subjects; 1347/1363 subjects had negative vaginal swab sample reference results.
5 6/1187 subjects had at least one positive GC vaginal swab sample result by a reference NAAT; one or more vaginal swab sample reference results were not available for 11/1187 subjects; 1170/1187 asymptomatic subjects had negative vaginal swab sample reference results.
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Although the 95% confidence interval (CI) for GC PPA was wide, point estimates were 95% for symptomatic subjects and >95% for asymptomatic subjects, with an overall agreement >95%. Furthermore, very high agreement was observed between Aptima Combo 2 assay (Panther System) and CCA result for the detection of CT in female urine samples. Therefore, the performance of Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System) based on the CCA in female urine specimens was acceptable.
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable
5. Expected values/Reference range:
The positivity rate of CT observed with Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System) during this multi-site Clinical Study 3 was 7.1% overall. The overall positivity rate of GC observed with Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Panther System) was 1.1%.
N. Instrument Name:
Panther System
O. System Descriptions:
1. Modes of Operation:
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
2. Software:
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and software development processes for this line of product types:
☐ Yes ☑ X or No
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3. Specimen Identification:
By handheld barcode reader and positional checks.
4. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
Fully automated.
5. Calibration:
Hologic, Inc Field Service Engineers perform a luminometer calibration on the Panther System every 12 months as part of the Preventive Maintenance. Additionally, there are process controls and calibration checks on all of the dispensers, thermal devices, and the vacuum system.
6. Quality Control:
In addition to the assay controls that are specific to each assay, the Panther System contains process controls that employ both hardware and software components. The process controls include, but are not limited to:
- Verification that the sequence of assay processing steps is correct for each reaction.
- Verification that the reaction incubation times and temperatures are correct.
- Verification that reagents and fluids are appropriately dispensed.
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
Not applicable
Q. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling supports the finding of substantial equivalence for this device.
R. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
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.