Sterilucent self-Contained Biological Indicator, Sterilucent Lumen Cycle Process Challenge Device, Sterilucent Flexible Cycle Process Challenge Device
K192001 · Sterilucent, Inc. · FRC · Oct 22, 2019 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K192001
Device Name
Sterilucent self-Contained Biological Indicator, Sterilucent Lumen Cycle Process Challenge Device, Sterilucent Flexible Cycle Process Challenge Device
Applicant
Sterilucent, Inc.
Product Code
FRC · General Hospital
Decision Date
Oct 22, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.2800
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Sterilucent SCBI is intended to be used as a standard method for frequent monitoring of the Sterilucent HC 80TT Sterilizer Cycles, when incorporated into a test pack. The Sterilucent Process Challenge Device (PCD) test pack is used for routine monitoring of the Sterilucent HC 80TT Sterilizer Lumen and Flexible Cycles. The Sterilucent PCD may also be used for performance qualification of the Sterilucent HC 80TT sterilizer Lumen and Flexible Cycles during initial installation, after relocation, major repairs or malfunctions, or after sterilization process failures. Both the Sterilucent Lumen Cycle PCD and the Sterilucent Flexible Cycle PCD are intended to have greater resistance than the stand alone SCBI. Both devices are designed to have increased resistance beyond the sterilization half-cycle, but complete inactivation upon exposure to the full cycle.
Device Story
Sterilucent SCBI and PCD test packs monitor Sterilucent HC 80TT hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization cycles. SCBI contains Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores on quartz fiber disc in polypropylene vial. PCDs incorporate SCBI into test pack with diffusion restrictor (tube) to simulate worst-case sterilization load. Used in clinical settings to verify sterilization conditions; PCDs provide greater resistance than stand-alone SCBI. Healthcare staff place PCD in sterilizer; after cycle, SCBI is incubated to check for spore growth. Output indicates whether sterilization conditions were met. Benefits include ensuring effective sterilization of reusable medical devices, reducing risk of infection.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Testing performed per ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11138-1 and 11140-1. Validated SCBI resistance (D-value, survival/kill window), 24-hour holding time, 24-hour reduced incubation time, growth inhibition, population stability, and 12-month shelf life. PCD functionality confirmed via fractional kill at half-cycle and full kill at full-cycle.
Technological Characteristics
Biological indicator: G. stearothermophilus spores on quartz fiber carrier in polypropylene vial with Tyvek filter cap. PCD: Polymer vial with diffusion-restricting tube and external chemical indicator. Energy source: VHP. Sterilization monitoring via spore inactivation. Compliant with ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11138-1 and 11140-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for routine monitoring and performance qualification of Sterilucent HC 80TT sterilizer Lumen and Flexible cycles. Used by healthcare personnel for sterilization process verification.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Biological sterilization process indicator: A device intended for use by a health care provider to accompany products being sterilized through a sterilization procedure and to monitor adequacy of sterilization. The device consists of a known number of microorganisms, of known resistance to the mode of sterilization, in or on a carrier and enclosed in a protective package. Subsequent growth or failure of the microorganisms to grow under suitable conditions indicates the adequacy of sterilization. Physical/chemical sterilization process indicator: A device intended for use by a health care provider to accompany products being sterilized through a sterilization procedure and to monitor one or more parameters of the sterilization process. The adequacy of the sterilization conditions as measured by these parameters is indicated by a visible change in the device.
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October 22, 2019
Sterilucent, Inc. Peter Kalkbrenner Director of Engineering 1400 Marshall St. NE Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413
Re: K192001
Trade/Device Name: Sterilucent self-Contained Biological Indicator, Sterilucent Lumen Cycle Process Challenge Device, Sterilucent Flexible Cycle Process Challenge Device Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.2800 Regulation Name: Sterilization Process Indicator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FRC Dated: July 25, 2019 Received: July 26, 2019
Dear Peter Kalkbrenner:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
For Elizabeth Claverie, M.S. Assistant Director for THT4B2 Acting Assistant Director for THT4B1 DHT4B: Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
#### 510(k) Number (if known) K192001
#### Device Name
Sterilucent Self-Contained Biological Indicator Sterilucent Lumen Cycle Process Challenge Device Sterilucent Flexible Cycle Process Challenge Device
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Sterilucent SCBI is intended to be used as a standard method for frequent monitoring of the Sterilucent HC 80TT Sterilizer Cycles, when incorporated into a test pack.
The Sterilucent Process Challenge Device (PCD) test pack is used for routine monitoring of the Sterilucent HC 80TT Sterilizer Lumen and Flexible Cycles. The Sterilucent PCD may also be used for performance qualification of the Sterilucent HC 80TT sterilizer Lumen and Flexible Cycles during initial installation, after relocation, major repairs or mal functions, or after sterilization process failures.
Both the Sterilucent Lumen Cycle PCD and the Sterilucent Flexible Cycle PCD are intended to have greater resistance than the stand alone SCBI. Both devices are designed to have increased resistance beyond the sterilization half-cycle, but complete inactivation upon exposure to the full cycle.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
[X] Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary for the Sterilucent Self-Contained Biological Indicator and Test Pack (K192001)
| Submitted by: | Sterilucent, Inc.<br>1400 Marshall Street NE<br>Minneapolis, MN 55413<br>USA |
|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Peter R. Kalkbrenner<br>Director of Engineering<br>peter.kalkbrenner@sterilucent.com<br>Phone: 612-767-3253<br>Fax: 612-767-3261 |
| Date of Summary: | 22 October 2019 |
| Device Trade Name: | Sterilucent Self-Contained Biological Indicator<br>Sterilucent Lumen Cycle Process Challenge Device<br>Sterilucent Flexible Cycle Process Challenge Device |
| Common or Usual<br>Name: | Biological Indicator (Test Pack) |
| Classification Name:<br>Classification: | Biological Sterilization Process Indicator<br>21 CFR 880.2800(a) |
| Class: | II |
| Product Code: | FRC |
| Predicate Device(s): | STERRAD® CYCLESURE® 24 Plus BI (K140589)<br>Sterilucent Process Challenge Device (K141312) |
| Device Description: | The Sterilucent Self-Contained Biological Indicator (SCBI) is a sterilization<br>process indicator that conforms to ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11138-1, and is intended<br>for use only with the Sterilucent HC 80TT Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilizer. The<br>HC 80TT Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilizer has two pre-programmed sterilization<br>cycles ("Lumen" and “Flexible") which both utilize vaporized hydrogen<br>peroxide (VHP) to rapidly sterilize a variety of reusable medical devices.<br><br>The Sterilucent SCBI is to be used in a test pack configuration, with a<br>different test pack (Process Challenge Device) used for each sterilization<br>cycle. Each Process Challenge Device (PCD) is designed to have greater<br>resistance than the worst-case sterilization load, allowing for survival beyond<br>the sterilization half-cycle, but complete inactivation upon exposure to the full<br>cycle.<br><br>The Sterilucent SCBI provides information on whether necessary conditions<br>were met to kill a specified number of microorganisms upon exposure to<br>either cycle of the Sterilucent HC 80TT Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilizer. |
| Indication for Use: | The Sterilucent SCBI is intended to be used as a standard method for frequent<br>monitoring of the Sterilucent HC 80TT Sterilizer Cycles, when incorporated<br>into a test pack.<br><br>The Sterilucent Process Challenge Device (PCD) test pack is used for routine<br>monitoring of the Sterilucent HC 80TT Sterilizer Lumen and Flexible Cycles.<br>The Sterilucent PCD may also be used for performance qualification of the<br>Sterilucent HC 80TT sterilizer Lumen and Flexible Cycles during initial |
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installation, after relocation, major repairs or malfunctions, or after sterilization process failures.
Both the Sterilucent Lumen Cycle PCD and the Sterilucent Flexible Cycle PCD are intended to have greater resistance than the stand alone SCBI. Both devices are designed to have increased resistance beyond the sterilization half-cycle, but complete inactivation upon exposure to the full cycle.
| | Proposed<br>Sterilucent SCBI<br>(K192001) | Predicate<br>STERRAD CYCLESURE 24 Plus<br>BI (K140589) | Comparison |
|-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Intended Use | Single use sterilization process<br>indicator | Single use sterilization process<br>indicator | Same |
| Indications for Use | The STERRAD® CYCLESURE® 24<br>PLUS Biological Indicator is intended<br>to be used as a standard method for<br>frequent monitoring of STERRAD ®<br>Sterilizer Cycles. | The Sterilucent SCBI is intended to be<br>used as a standard method for frequent<br>monitoring of the Sterilucent HC<br>80TT Sterilizer Cycles, when<br>incorporated into a test pack. | Similar |
| Organism | Geobacillus stearothermophilus<br>ATCC 7953 | Geobacillus stearothermophilus<br>ATCC 7953 | Same |
| Viable Spore Population | Equal or greater than 1.0 x106 | Equal or greater than 1.0 x106 | Same |
| Sterilization Agent | Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor | Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor | Same |
| Culture Conditions | Crushable glass ampoule containing<br>modified Tryptic Soy Broth with a pH<br>indicator | Crushable glass ampoule containing<br>modified Tryptic Soy Broth with a pH<br>indicator | Same |
| Carrier Material | Quartz Fiber Disc | Quartz Fiber Disc | Same |
| Primary Packaging | Polypropylene vial with a white<br>polypropylene cap. The cap filter is<br>Tyvek non-woven polyethylene | Polypropylene vial with a white<br>polypropylene cap. The cap filter is<br>Tyvek non-woven polyethylene | Same |
| D-Value | 5.7 - 9.1 sec. | 1.93 - 2.28 sec. | Similar |
| Survival/Kill Window | 25.0 sec. (All survive)<br>140 sec. (All kill) | Not calculated or determined | Different |
| Shelf Life | 12 months from date of manufacture | 12 months from date of manufacture | Same |
| Storage Conditions | 2-25°C (35-77°F) under dry conditions | 2-25°C (35-77°F) under dry<br>conditions | Same |
| Manufacturer | MESA Laboratories, Inc. | MESA Laboratories, Inc. | Same |
## SCBI Technological Characteristics Table
## PCD Test Pack Technological Characteristics Table
| | Proposed<br>Sterilucent HC 80TT PCD<br>(K192001) | Predicate<br>Sterilucent PSD-85 PCD (K141312) | Comparison |
|---------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Intended Use | Single use sterilization process<br>indicator | Single use sterilization process<br>indicator | Same |
| Indications for use | The Sterilucent Process Challenge<br>Device is used for performance<br>qualification of the Sterilucent PSD-85<br>sterilizer Lumen and Non-Lumen<br>Cycles during initial installation, after<br>relocation, major repairs or<br>malfunctions, or after sterilization<br>process failures. The Sterilucent | The Sterilucent Process Challenge<br>Device (PCD) test pack is used for<br>routine monitoring of the Sterilucent<br>HC 80TT Sterilizer Lumen and<br>Flexible Cycles.<br>The Sterilucent PCD may also be used<br>for performance qualification of the<br>Sterilucent HC 80TT sterilizer Lumen | Similar |
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| | Proposed<br>Sterilucent HC 80TT PCD<br>(K192001) | Predicate<br>Sterilucent PSD-85 PCD (K141312) | Comparison |
|---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| | Process Challenge Device may also be<br>used for routine monitoring of the PSD-<br>85 sterilizer Lumen and Non-Lumen<br>Cycles. | and Flexible Cycles during initial<br>installation, after relocation, major<br>repairs or malfunctions, or after<br>sterilization process failures.<br>Both the Sterilucent Lumen Cycle<br>PCD and the Sterilucent Flexible<br>Cycle PCD are intended to have<br>greater resistance than the stand alone<br>SCBI. Both devices are designed to<br>have increased resistance beyond the<br>sterilization half-cycle, but complete<br>inactivation upon exposure to the full<br>cycle. | |
| SCBI | Sterilucent HC 80TT SCBI, quartz<br>fiber carrier inoculated with > 106<br>Geobacillus sterathermophilus spores<br>per disc, K192001 (current submission) | Sterilucent PSD-85 SCBI, stainless<br>steel carrier inoculated with > 106<br>Geobacillus sterathermophilus spores<br>per disc, K141238 | Similar |
| Packaging | Clear polymer vial with polymer caps<br>and a challenge tube on one end. | Clear polymer vial with polymer caps<br>and a challenge tube on one end. | Same |
| Diffusion Restrictor | Tube of various inner diameter and<br>lengths tailored to individual<br>sterilization cycle | Tube of various inner diameter and<br>lengths tailored to individual<br>sterilization cycle | Same |
| Integrated Process<br>Indicator | SPSmedical VH2O2 Chemical Indicator<br>placed on the outside of the vial | SPSmedical VH2O2 Chemical<br>Indicator placed on the outside of the<br>vial | Same |
| Relative Resistance | Greater than stand-alone SCBI; greater<br>than most difficult to sterilize device in<br>each respective cycle; all kill at full<br>cycle | Greater than stand-alone SCBI;<br>greater than most difficult to sterilize<br>device in each respective cycle; all kill<br>at half cycle | Similar |
| D-Value | 28.69 sec. (PCD-F) | 18.18 sec. (PCD-NL) | Different |
| Manufacturer | Sterilucent, Inc. | Sterilucent, Inc. | Same |
The Sterilucent SCBI is similar to the STERRAD CYCLESURE 24 Plus Biological Indicator (K140589), manufactured by MESA Laboratories (Bozeman. MT). The Sterilucent SCBI and predicate device are both single-use sterilization process indicators intended to monitor exposure to sterilization cycles utilizing VHP as a sterilant. Both devices have the same intended use, materials, specifications, and mode-of-action, and are manufactured using the exact same production methods.
The Sterilucent HC 80TT PCD (Lumen and Flexible) is similar to the Sterilucent PSD-85 PCD (Lumen and Non-Lumen), which is intended for use in routine monitoring of the Sterilycent PSD-85 sterilization cycles (K141312). Both devices are designed to increase resistance beyond that measured with a SCBI and to represent a challenge to the sterilization process that is equal to or greater than the routinely processed item that is most difficult to sterilize in each respective cycle (ref. AAMI TIR31:2008).
Performance testing was conducted to demonstrate the functionality of the Summary of Non-Clinical Testing (Bench): Sterilucent SCBI either alone or when incorporated into a PCD. Testing was completed in accordance with FDA Guidance ("Biological Indicator (BI) Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions" dated October 2007), ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11138-1, and/or ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11140-1. Resistance characterization of the SCBI was performed using a resistometer compliant with the requirements of ANSI/AAMI/ISO 18472. A summary of nonclinical
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tests performed to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of both the Sterilucent SCBI and PCD are as follows:
| Test | Purpose | Acceptance Criteria | Result |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|--------|
| SCBI Resistance Evaluation<br>(D-Value & Survival/Kill<br>Window) | Determination of resistance<br>characteristics under conditions<br>representative of the subject<br>intended sterilizer | Meaningful value | Passed |
| SCBI Holding Time<br>Assessment (24 hours) | Determination of time period<br>exposed SCBI can be held<br>before incubation. | Meaningful value | Passed |
| SCBI Reduced Incubation<br>Time (24 hours) | Determination of reduced<br>incubation time | Value less than seven (7)<br>days based on FDA RIT<br>protocol | Passed |
| SCBI Growth Inhibition<br>(none allowed) | Demonstrate sterilant absorption<br>does not inhibit spore growth | Spore growth | Passed |
| SCBI Population Stability &<br>12-month Shelf Life | Demonstrate spore population is<br>maintained throughout the<br>labeled shelf life | Spore population remains<br>between 1.0-4.0 x 106<br>throughout | Passed |
| SCBI Integrated Chemical<br>Indicator Verification | Demonstrate compliance to ISO<br>11140-1 pass/fail criteria | ISO 11140-1 Section 8.7,<br>Table 6 | Passed |
| PCD Resistance<br>Characterization | Demonstrate test packs are more<br>difficult to sterilize than the<br>SCBI | Greater resistance as<br>demonstrated by fractional<br>kill | Passed |
| PCD Functionality | Demonstrate challenge to the<br>sterilization process is equal to<br>or greater than the most difficult<br>item routinely processed | Fractional kill at half-cycle;<br>all kill at full cycle | Passed |
| Summary of Clinical<br>Testing: | Clinical evaluations were not required and therefore are not submitted with<br>this 510(k). | | |
| Conclusions: | The conclusions drawn from the non-clinical tests demonstrate that the<br>subject device is as safe, as effective and performs as well as or better than<br>the legally marketed predicate device. | | |
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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.