K200986 · Opti Medical Systems, Inc. · CHL · Aug 2, 2021 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K200986
Device Name
OPTI® B-Lac Cassette
Applicant
Opti Medical Systems, Inc.
Product Code
CHL · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Aug 2, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1120
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The OPTI® B-Lac cassette is intended to be used for the in vitro measurement of pH, pO₂, pCO₂, total hemoglobin (tHb), and % Saturated O₂ in sodium heparinized venous blood samples on the OPTI CCA-TS and OPTI CCA-TS2 platform in a clinical laboratory location. Measurements of blood gases (pCO₂, pO₂) and blood pH are used in the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening acid-base disturbances. Total hemoglobin (tHb) measurement is used to determine the hemoglobin content of human blood. Oxygen saturation (SO₂) measurement is used to determine the oxygen capacity of the hemoglobin.
Device Story
OPTI B-Lac cassette is a single-use, disposable consumable for OPTI CCA-TS/TS2 analyzers; measures pH, PO2, PCO2, tHb, and SO2 in sodium heparinized venous blood. Device uses fluorescence optodes for pH, PO2, and PCO2; laser-based optical reflectance for tHb and SO2. Analyzer warms cassette to 37°C, performs automated calibration verification, and aspirates sample. System performs automated diagnostic checks (packaging integrity, temperature, bubble detection, dirty optics). Results displayed on graphical touch screen for clinician use in diagnosis/treatment of acid-base disturbances. Cassette discarded after single use. No hardware changes to analyzer; software updated to implement new PCO2 sensor algorithms.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Studies included 20-day precision (CLSI EP05-A3), within-run precision, method comparison against tonometry/ABL90 Flex (CLSI EP9-A2), interference testing (CLSI EP7-A2), altitude testing (up to 10,151 ft), and stability testing. Results confirmed performance meets claims for pH, PO2, PCO2, tHb, and SO2.
Technological Characteristics
Single-use cassette with optical fluorescence multi-sensor array for pH, PO2, PCO2; laser-based optical reflectance for tHb and SO2. Operates at 37°C. Dry-calibration for pH; gas mixture calibration for PO2/PCO2. Microprocessor-based analyzer with graphical touch screen. Software-driven; no reagents/waste in analyzer.
Indications for Use
Indicated for in vitro measurement of pH, pO₂, pCO₂, total hemoglobin (tHb), and % oxygen saturation (SO₂) in sodium heparinized venous whole blood samples for patients requiring assessment of acid-base status, hemoglobin content, and oxygen capacity in a clinical laboratory setting.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A blood gases (PCO2 , PO2 ) and blood pH test system is a device intended to measure certain gases in blood, serum, plasma or pH of blood, serum, and plasma. Measurements of blood gases (PCO2 , PO2 ) and blood pH are used in the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening acid-base disturbances.
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY ONLY
## I Background Information:
A 510(k) Number
k200986
B Applicant
OPTI Medical Systems, Inc.
C Proprietary and Established Names
OPTI® B-Lac Cassette
D Regulatory Information
| Product Code(s) | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CHL | Class II | 21 CFR 862.1120 - Blood Gases (pCO_{2}, pO_{2}) And Blood pH Test System | CH - Clinical Chemistry |
| GKR | Class II | 21 CFR 864.5620 - Automated hemoglobin system | HE - Hematology |
| GLY | Class II | 21 CFR 864.7500 - Whole blood hemoglobin assays | HE - Hematology |
## II Submission/Device Overview:
A Purpose for Submission:
Modification of the pCO<sub>2</sub> sensor in an existing device (k093280) following a field corrective action for pCO<sub>2</sub>.
B Measurand:
pH, pO<sub>2</sub>, pCO<sub>2</sub>, total hemoglobin (tHb) and oxygen saturation (SO<sub>2</sub>).
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
www.fda.gov
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C Type of Test:
Quantitative - using optical fluorescence and reflectance technology.
III Intended Use/Indications for Use:
A Intended Use(s):
See Indications for Use below.
B Indication(s) for Use:
The OPTI® B-Lac cassette is intended to be used for the in vitro measurement of pH, pO₂, pCO₂, total hemoglobin (tHb), and % Saturated O₂ in sodium heparinized venous blood samples on the OPTI CCA-TS and OPTI CCA-TS2 platform in a clinical laboratory location.
- Measurements of blood gases (pCO₂, pO₂) and blood pH are used in the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening acid-base disturbances.
- Total hemoglobin (tHb) measurement is used to determine the hemoglobin content of human blood.
- Oxygen saturation (SO₂) measurement is used to determine the oxygen capacity of the hemoglobin.
C Special Conditions for Use Statement(s):
Rx - For Prescription Use Only
D Special Instrument Requirements:
OPTI CCA-TS/TS2 Analyzers
IV Device/System Characteristics:
A Device Description:
The OPTI® B-Lac cassette is a disposable, single use cassette that contains four sensors for in vitro quantitative measurements of pO₂, pCO₂, pH and Lactate. The cassette includes additional laser-based measurements of total hemoglobin (tHb) and SO₂. The pO₂, pH, tHb, and SO₂ sensors were not modified from the previous clearance (k093280). The B-Lac cassette is sealed in a foil pouch along with a desiccant and is marked with a barcode label that includes a lot identification number, calibration information, and expiration date.
B Principle of Operation:
The OPTI® B-Lac cassette uses fluorescence optodes to measure the intensity of light emitted from fluorescent dyes exposed to specific analytes. The concentration of the analyte is determined by the calculation of the difference in fluorescence measured at a defined calibration point and that measured with the unknown concentration of analyte. The principles of
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measurement of $\mathrm{pO}_2$ , $\mathrm{pCO}_2$ and $\mathrm{pH}$ for the B-Lac cassette are similar to those used with existing cassette styles that are used on the OPTI CCA-TS/TS2 (k984299).
# V Substantial Equivalence Information:
# A Predicate Device Name(s):
ABL90 FLEX Series, OPTI CCA-TS2
# B Predicate 510(k) Number(s):
k092686, k131126
# C Comparison with Predicate(s):
Device Comparison Table: pH, pO2, pCO2 and tHb
| Device & Predicate Device(s): | k200986 | k092686 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Device Trade Name | OPTI® B-Lac Cassette | ABL90 FLEX |
| General Device Characteristic Similarities | | |
| Intended Use/Indications For Use | Intended to be used for in vitro measurements of pH, pO2, pCO2 and tHb (total hemoglobin) in heparinized venous whole blood samples. | Same |
| Measured Parameter | pH, pO2, pCO2 and tHb (total hemoglobin) | Same |
| Measurement Temperature | 37 °C | Same |
| General Device Characteristic Differences | | |
| Sample Type | Sodium heparin venous blood | Arterial and venous whole blood with heparin anticoagulant |
| Test Environment | Clinical laboratory setting | Laboratory environment, near patient or point-of-care (POC) setting |
| Measurement Principle | pH: fluorescence pO2: fluorescence pCO2: fluorescence tHb: Optical reflectance | pH: electrochemistry pO2: optical pCO2: electrochemistry ctHb: spectrophotometry |
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Device Comparison Table: SO₂
| Device & Predicate Device(s): | k200986 | k092686 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | measurement. | |
| Reportable Ranges | pH: 6.818 - 7.8
pO₂: 10 - 700 mmHg
pCO₂: 10 - 200 mmHg
mmol/L
tHb: 5.0 – 24 g/L | pH: 6.818 – 7.797
pO₂: 30.1 - 488 mmHg
pCO₂: 15.4 – 98.3 mmHg
tHb: 0.1 – 24 g/dL |
| Sample Volume | 125 μL | 65 – 150 μL |
| Measurement Time | 180 s from sample introduction | 35 s |
| Test Consumable Storage | Refrigerated storage (2 – 8°C) until expiry date including max 28 days at room temperature | Sensor Pack: 2 – 8°C storage until expiry date
Fluid Pack: 2 – 25°C storage until expiry date |
| Device & Predicate Device(s): | k200986 | k131126 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Device Trade Name | OPTI® B-Lac cassette | OPTI CCA TS2 E-Series Cassettes |
| General Device Characteristic Similarities | | |
| Intended Use/Indications For Use | Intended to be used for in vitro measurements of oxygen saturation (SO₂), in heparinized venous whole blood samples. | Same. |
| Reportable Ranges | SO₂: 60% - 100% | Same |
| Sample Volume | 125 μL | Same |
| Measurement Time | 180 s from sample introduction | Same |
| General Device Characteristic Differences | | |
| Sample type | Whole blood (sodium heparinized, venous) | Whole blood, serum, and plasma (heparinized, venous or arterial) |
| Test Environment | Clinical laboratory setting | Clinical laboratory setting or POC locations |
| Test Consumable Storage | Refrigerated storage (2 – 8°C) until expiry date | Room temperature storage (4 – 30°C) until |
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| Device & Predicate Device(s): | k200986 | k131126 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | including max 28 days at room temperature. | expiration date |
# VI Standards/Guidance Documents Referenced:
CLSI EP5-A3 - Evaluations of Precision Performance of Quantitative Measurement in Methods; Approved Guideline – Third Edition
CLSI EP6-A – Evaluation of the Linearity of Quantitative Measurement Procedures: A Statistical Approach; Approved Guideline
CLSI EP7-A2 – Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry; Approved Guideline – Second Edition
CLSI EP17-A2 – Evaluation of Detection Capability for Clinical Laboratory Measurement Procedures; Approved Guideline – Second Edition
# VII Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
## A Analytical Performance:
### 1. Precision/Reproducibility:
In-House Within Run Precision Evaluation:
Within run precision testing was performed using venous whole blood manipulated to three different levels (tonometered for gases, spiked or diluted for tHb) and three levels of aqueous quality control solutions (OPTI Check Level 1, 2 and 3) following the experimental protocol recommended in the CLSI guideline EP05-A3. The samples were run in multiple replicates on three separate lots of B-Lac cassettes. Each lot was run on one OPTI CCA-TS and one OPTI CCA-TS2 analyzer for pH, pCO₂, pO₂, tHb, and SO₂.
The data supported that the performance in venous whole blood in clinical laboratory settings as demonstrated in k093280 for pO₂, pH, tHb, and SO₂ has not changed. A summary of the within-run precision results for one representative lot for pCO₂ is presented in the tables below:
Venous whole blood:
pCO₂
| Sample Description | OPTI CCA TS | | | | OPTI CCA TS2 | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Mean (mm Hg) | N | SD | %CV | Mean (mm Hg) | N | SD | %CV |
| Level 1 | 14.9 | 9 | 0.5 | 3.69 | 16.0 | 9 | 0.9 | 5.74 |
| Level 2 | 38.3 | 10 | 0.7 | 1.77 | 39.5 | 10 | 1.0 | 2.42 |
| Level 3 | 75.6 | 10 | 2.3 | 3.11 | 78.4 | 10 | 2.4 | 3.11 |
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Aqueous controls:
$\mathbf{pCO_2}$
| Sample Description | OPTI CCA TS | | | | OPTI CCA TS2 | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Mean (mm Hg) | N | SD | %CV | Mean (mm Hg) | N | SD | %CV |
| Level 1 | 22.1 | 10 | 1.4 | 6.30 | 22.9 | 10 | 0.9 | 3.93 |
| Level 2 | 40.1 | 8 | 1.0 | 2.40 | 41.4 | 8 | 1.2 | 2.91 |
| Level 3 | 65.7 | 9 | 1.3 | 1.95 | 67.1 | 9 | 1.3 | 1.86 |
In-House Multi-Day Precision Testing:
A 20-Day precision study was performed using three levels of aqueous quality control solutions, following the experimental protocol recommended in the CLSI guideline EP05-A3. Typical within-run, between-day and total precision were determined from four runs per day over 20 days on three lots of B-Lac cassettes. Each lot of cassette was run on one OPTI CCA-TS and one OPTI-CCA-TS2 analyzer. The data supported that the performance in venous whole blood in clinical laboratory settings as demonstrated in k093280 for $\mathsf{pO}_2$ , pH, tHb, and $\mathrm{SO}_2$ has not changed. A summary of the multi-day precision results for one representative lot for $\mathsf{pCO}_2$ is presented in the tables below:
$\mathbf{pCO_2}$
| Sample Description | Mean (mm Hg) | N | Within-Run | | Between Day | | Between-Instrument | | Total | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | SD | %CV | SD | %CV | SD | %CV | SD | %CV |
| Level 1 | 25.9 | 160 | 1.55 | 6.0 | 0.00 | 0.0 | 0.19 | 0.7 | 1.56 | 6.0 |
| Level 2 | 41.3 | 160 | 0.54 | 1.3 | 0.00 | 0.0 | 0.28 | 0.7 | 0.63 | 1.5 |
| Level 3 | 68.5 | 160 | 2.04 | 3.0 | 0.00 | 0.0 | 0.50 | 0.7 | 2.14 | 3.1 |
2. Linearity:
To evaluate the linearity of the B-Lac $\mathrm{pCO_2}$ , $\mathrm{pO_2}$ , $\mathrm{pH}$ , $\mathrm{tHb}$ and $\mathrm{SO_2}$ , venous whole blood samples from different donors collected in sodium heparin tubes were tonometered with a range of $\% \mathrm{CO_2}$ and $\% \mathrm{O_2}$ gas mixtures to generate samples with $\mathrm{pCO_2}$ , $\mathrm{pO_2}$ , $\mathrm{pH}$ , and $\mathrm{SO_2}$ values spanning the claimed measuring ranges. Venous whole blood was manipulated (centrifuged and spiked with red blood cells or diluted with plasma, then tonometered with $6\%$ $\mathrm{CO_2} / 12\%$ $\mathrm{O_2}$ gas) to obtain tHb values spanning the claimed measuring range. Testing was performed using three different lots of B-Lac cassettes with three replicate measurements being taken for each lot for each sample, on one CCA-TS analyzer and one CCA-TS2 analyzer. The concentrations for $\mathrm{pH}$ and $\mathrm{tHb}$ were assigned using the ABL90 FLEX analyzer. For $\mathrm{pO_2}$ and $\mathrm{pCO_2}$ the concentrations were assigned by tonometry as well as using the ABL90 FLEX analyzer. The $\mathrm{SO_2}$ concentration was assigned using the OPTI CCA TS/TS2 E Series Cassette.
The data supported that the performance in venous whole blood in clinical laboratory settings as demonstrated in k093280 for $\mathrm{pO}_2$ , pH, tHb, and $\mathrm{SO}_2$ has not changed. For the $\mathrm{pCO}_2$ sensor, the results of the linear regression analysis per instrument type are presented in the table below:
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pCO2
| Instrument | Value Assignment | Slope | Intercept | R² |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| OPTI CCA-TS | Tonometry | 0.980 | -0.73 | 0.999 |
| | ABL90 FLEX | 1.035 | -3.75 | 0.996 |
| OPTI CCA-TS2 | Tonometry | 0.999 | -2.09 | 0.999 |
| | ABL90 FLEX | 1.030 | -2.70 | 0.999 |
The linearity study results support that the assays are linear across the following claimed reportable ranges:
| Parameter | Reportable Range |
| --- | --- |
| pCO₂ | 10-200 mm Hg |
| pO₂ | 10-700 mm Hg |
| pH | 6.818-7.8 |
| tHb | 5-24 g/dL |
| SO₂ | 60-100% |
## 3. Analytical Specificity/Interference:
The B-Lac cassette was evaluated to determine the potential interference of endogenous and exogenous substances. The study used human venous whole blood samples and was conducted for all the analytes at two concentration levels (see table below). For pH, pCO₂, pO₂, tHb and SO₂, two different analyte levels were generated by tonometering with different gas mixtures. For tHb, the low level sample was generated by dilution with plasma. All the samples were spiked with the potential interferents (test samples) and were measured against the samples that were not spiked (control samples). The sponsor states that interferences were considered to be non-significant if the bias between the test and control samples were as follows:
| Parameter | Maximum allowed difference (analyte level) |
| --- | --- |
| pCO₂ | 2.5 mmHg (83 mm Hg) or 4% (17 mm Hg) |
| pO₂ | 2.5 mmHg (48 mm Hg) or 4% (416 mmHg) |
| pH | 0.02 (7.17 or 7.52) |
| tHb | 0.6 g/dL (<10 g/dL or 12-18 g/dL) |
| SO₂ | 3% (70.9% or 99.9%) |
The table below summarizes the results of the interference testing performed:
| Substance | Highest concentration tested | Interference | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | pH | pCO₂ (mmHg) | pO₂ (mmHg) | tHb (g/dL) | SO₂ (%) |
| Acetaminophen | 1.66 mmol/L | No | No | No | No | No |
| Acetylsalicylic acid | 3.33 mmol/L | N/A | No | No | No | No |
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| Substance | Highest concentration tested | Interference | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | pH | pCO₂ (mmHg) | pO₂ (mmHg) | tHb (g/dL) | SO₂ (%) |
| Ascorbic acid | 0.23 mmol/L | No | No | No | No | No |
| β-hydroxybutyric acid | 16.03 mmol/L | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Bilirubin | 0.26 mmol/L | No | No | No | No | No |
| Cardiogreen | 0.0065 mmol/L | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cysteine (hydrochloride hydrate) | 6.41 mmol/L | N/A | No | No | No | No |
| Ethanol | 86.8 mmol/L | No | No | No | No | No |
| Evans Blue | 0.0104 mmol/L | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glycolic acid | 10 mmol/L | N/A | No | No | No | Yes |
| Halothane | 0.759 mmol/L | No | No | No | No | No |
| Ibuprofen | 2.43 mmol/L | N/A | No | No | No | No |
| Intralipid | 1% | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Methylene Blue | 0.125 mmol/L | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sodium Chloride | 20 mmol/L | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Glucose | 22.22 mM | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hydroxyurea | 0.5 mM | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pyruvic acid | 0.24 mM | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The substances that were found to have significant interference are listed in the Operator's manuals. In addition, for pH, the labeling includes the following limitation for fluorescein, which was tested in a separate study not reviewed in this submission:
"At the interferent concentration tested (1.064 mM), the pH will be suppressed. However, for lower concentrations, the pH may show a bias."
4. Assay Reportable Range:
Please see the linearity study above.
5. Traceability, Stability, Expected Values (Controls, Calibrators, or Methods):
Traceability for all analytes was previously described and reviewed in k093280.
Total hemoglobin (tHb) shelf-life stability studies were reviewed and considered acceptable to support the claims previously cleared in k093280.
6. Detection Limit:
Linearity studies were used to support the lower end of the measuring range for pH, pCO₂, pO₂, tHb and SO₂ (see section VII.A.2 above).
7. Assay Cut-Off:
Not applicable.
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# B Comparison Studies:
1. Method Comparison with Predicate Device:
A method comparison study was conducted using native venous whole blood samples collected in sodium heparin blood collection tubes. A small percentage (<10%) manipulated blood samples (tonometered, spiked or diluted) were added to cover the measurement ranges. This method comparison study was carried out using three different lots of B-Lac cassettes on both OPTI CCA-TS and OPTI CCA-TS2 instruments. Each blood sample was tested in singlicate across three CCA-TS and three CCA-TS2 analyzers with one cassette lot per analyzer. Each sample was also tested on predicate instruments with the ABL90 FLEX used for pH, pCO₂, pO₂ and tHb and OPTI CCA E-series cassettes for SO₂.
The results on the OPTI CCA-TS and OPTI CCA-TS2 instrument types were analyzed separately. The data supported that the performance in venous whole blood in clinical laboratory settings as demonstrated in k093280 for pO₂, pH, tHb and SO₂ has not changed. The linear regression analysis for the first sample measurement for pCO₂ is presented in the tables below:
B-Lac/OPTI CCA-TS Test System
| Parameter | Comparator method | Slope | Intercept | R² |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| pCO₂ | ABL90 Flex | 0.950 | 1.316 | 0.978 |
B-Lac/OPTI CCA-TS2 Test System
| Parameter | Comparator method | Slope | Intercept | R² |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| pCO₂ | ABL90 Flex | 1.003 | -0.122 | 0.999 |
2. Matrix Comparison:
Not applicable. For use with sodium heparinized venous whole blood samples only.
C Clinical Studies:
1. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not applicable.
2. Clinical Specificity:
Not applicable.
3. Other Clinical Supportive Data (When 1. and 2. Are Not Applicable):
Not applicable.
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D Clinical Cut-Off:
Not applicable.
E Expected Values/Reference Range:
The following reference ranges were included in the labeling. The sponsor also noted that each facility should establish its own reference ranges.
| Parameter | Units | Range | Reference Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| pCO_{2} | mmHg | 30.0-50.0 | Tietz^{1} |
| pO_{2} | mmHg | 70.0-700.0 | Tietz^{1} |
| pH | pH units | 7.35-7.45 | Tietz^{1} |
| tHb | g/dL | 12.0-17.0 | Tietz^{1} |
| SO_{2} | % | 95.0-98.0 | Henry^{2} |
1 Tietz; Burtis C, et al (Eds.), Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, 4th Ed., (Elsevier Saunders, 2006).
2 J. B. Henry, Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods, 19th Ed., 1996.
F Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data:
1. Method Comparison at Altitude:
A method comparison at altitude study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the B-Lac cassette pCO₂, pO₂ and pH sensors and measured tHb and SO₂ parameters against the ABL90 FLEX Analyzer at a range of altitudes. Both contrived venous whole blood samples and aqueous control materials were used in the study and testing was conducted at two clinical sites (1080 feet and 10151 feet altitude) for venous whole blood samples and at four clinical sites (ranging from 75 feet – 10551 altitude) for aqueous control samples. The results of the study supported the performance of the B-Lac cassette for all parameters up to 10151 feet altitude.
VIII Proposed Labeling:
The labeling supports the finding of substantial equivalence for this device.
IX 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.
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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.
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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.
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Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
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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?
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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.
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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.