K200996 · 3M Company · FRC · Dec 11, 2020 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K200996
Device Name
3M Attest Rapid Readout Biological Indicator
Applicant
3M Company
Product Code
FRC · General Hospital
Decision Date
Dec 11, 2020
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.2800
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Use the 3M™ Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295 in conjunction with the 3MTM Attest™ Auto-reader 490H or 490 Auto-reader having software version 4.0.0 or greater or 490M Auto-reader as a standard method of routine monitoring of vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes in the following systems: AMSCO® V-PRO® I Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen cycle), AMSCO® V-PRO® 1 Plus Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen and Non Lumen cycles), AMSCO® V-PRO® maX Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen, and Flexible cycles), AMSCO® V-PRO® 60 Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen and Flexible cycles), STERIS® V-PRO® maX 2 Low Temperature Sterilization System (Fast Non Lumen, Non Lumen, and Flexible cycles) and in STERRAD® NX (Standard and Advanced cycles), STERRAD® 100NX (Standard, Flex, Express and Duo cycles) systems, STERRAD® NX with AllClear™ Technology (Standard and Advanced cycles) and STERRAD® 100NX with AllClear™ Technology (Standard, Flex, Express and Duo cycles),
Device Story
3M Attest 1295 is a self-contained biological indicator (BI) for monitoring vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization. Device consists of plastic sleeve, spore carrier (Geobacillus stearothermophilus), and media ampoule. External cap features chemical process indicator ink (blue to pink). After sterilization, BI is incubated in 3M Attest Auto-reader (490H, 490, or 490M). Auto-reader detects fluorescence; positive fluorescence indicates sterilization failure. Used in clinical settings to verify sterilization efficacy; provides rapid readout to inform healthcare providers if instruments are safe for use. Benefits include rapid confirmation of sterilization process, ensuring patient safety by preventing use of non-sterile equipment.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance verified in AMSCO V-PRO maX 2 Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen, Non-Lumen, Flexible, and Fast Non-Lumen cycles). Testing included full cycle and fractional cycle performance, confirming negative fluorescent and growth responses, and chemical indicator color change verification.
Technological Characteristics
Self-contained biological indicator; polyethylene terephthalate carrier; Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores (≥1x10^6); H2O2-sensitive chemical indicator ink; incubation at 60 ± 2°C; fluorescence-based detection; compatible with 3M Attest Auto-readers (490H, 490, 490M).
Indications for Use
Indicated for routine monitoring of vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes in specified AMSCO and STERRAD systems. Used by healthcare personnel in clinical settings.
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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December 11, 2020
3M Company Mary Fretland Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate 3M Center. Building 275-5W-06 St.Paul, Minnesota 55144
Re: K200996
Trade/Device Name: 3M™ Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.2800 Regulation Name: Sterilization Process Indicator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FRC Dated: November 13, 2020 Received: November 16, 2020
Dear Mary Fretland:
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.
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
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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 (OS) 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 mediation-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,
Clarence W. Murray III, Ph.D. Acting Assistant Director 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) K200996
#### Device Name
3M™ Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Use the 3M™ Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295 in conjunction with the 3MTM Attest™ Auto-reader 490H or 490 Auto-reader having software version 4.0.0 or greater or 490M Auto-reader as a standard method of routine monitoring of vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes in the following systems: AMSCO® V-PRO® I Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen cycle), AMSCO® V-PRO® 1 Plus Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen and Non Lumen cycles), AMSCO® V-PRO® maX Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen, and Flexible cycles), AMSCO® V-PRO® 60 Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen and Flexible cycles), STERIS® V-PRO® maX 2 Low Temperature Sterilization System (Fast Non Lumen, Non Lumen, and Flexible cycles) and in STERRAD® NX (Standard and Advanced cycles), STERRAD® 100NX (Standard, Flex, Express and Duo cycles) systems, STERRAD® NX with AllClear™ Technology (Standard and Advanced cycles) and STERRAD® 100NX with AllClear™ Technology (Standard, Flex, Express and Duo cycles),
| 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 3MTM Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295 K200996
#### Sponsor Information:
3M Health Care 3M Center, Bldg. 275-5W-06 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
Contact: Mary Fretland Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate Phone Number: (651) 737-2296 Fax Number: (651) 737-5320
Date of Summary: December 09, 2020
510(k) Reference: K200996
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#### PREMARKET NOTIFICATION [510(k)] 3MTM Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295
#### 1. Device Name and Classification:
| Common or Usual Name: | Biological Indicator |
|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Proprietary Name: | 3M™ Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295 |
| Classification Name: | Indicator, biological sterilization process |
| Device Classification: | Class II, 21 CFR § 880.2800(a) |
| Product Code: | FRC |
### 2. Predicate Device:
K173435 3M™ Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295
#### 3. Description of Device:
The 3MTM AttestTM Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295 is a self-contained biological indicator specifically designed for rapid and reliable routine monitoring of vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes when used in conjunction with the 3MTM Attest™ Auto-reader 490H or the 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490 having software version 4.0.0 or greater or a 3M™ Attest™ Mini Auto-reader 490M. The 1295 BI is a single-use device composed of a plastic sleeve containing a spore carrier and media ampoule, enclosed with a color-coded cap. A chemical process indicator printed with stripes which change from blue toward pink upon exposure to vaporized hydrogen peroxide is located on the top of the cap. The detection of fluorescence upon incubation of the 1295 BI in one of the designated Attest™ Auto-readers indicates a sterilization failure.
### 4. Indications for Use
Use the 3M™ Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295 in conjunction with the 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490H or 490 Auto-reader having software version 4.0.0 or greater or 490M Auto-reader as a standard method of routine monitoring of vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes in the following systems: AMSCO® V-PRO® 1 Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen cycle), AMSCO® V-PRO® 1 Plus Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen and Non Lumen cycles), AMSCO® V-PRO® maX Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen, Non Lumen, and Flexible cycles), AMSCO® V-PRO® 60 Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen, Non Lumen and Flexible cycles), STERIS® V-PRO® maX 2 Low Temperature Sterilization System (Fast Non Lumen, Lumen, Non Lumen, and Flexible cycles) and in STERRAD® 100S, STERRAD® NX (Standard and Advanced cycles), STERRAD® 100NX (Standard, Flex, Express and Duo cycles) systems, STERRAD® NX with AllClear™ Technology (Standard and Advanced cycles) and STERRAD® 100NX with AllClear™ Technology (Standard, Flex, Express and Duo cycles).
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#### PREMARKET NOTIFICATION [510(k)] 3MTM Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295
| | Submission Device:<br>3MTM AttestTM Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator 1295 | Predicate Device (K173435):<br>3MTM AttestTM Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator 1295 | Comparison |
|-------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Feature | Use the 3MTM Attest™ Rapid<br>Readout Biological Indicator 1295<br>in conjunction with the 3MTM<br>Attest™ Auto-reader 490H or 490<br>Auto-reader having software<br>version 4.0.0 or greater or 490M<br>Auto-reader as a standard method of<br>routine monitoring of vaporized<br>hydrogen peroxide sterilization<br>processes in the following systems:<br>AMSCO® V-PRO® 1 Low<br>Temperature Sterilization System<br>(Lumen cycle), AMSCO® V-<br>PRO® 1 Plus Low Temperature<br>Sterilization System (Lumen and<br>Non Lumen cycles), AMSCO® V-<br>PRO® maX Low Temperature<br>Sterilization System (Lumen, Non<br>Lumen, and Flexible cycles),<br>AMSCO® V-PRO® 60 Low<br>Temperature Sterilization System<br>(Lumen, Non Lumen and Flexible<br>cycles), STERIS® V-PRO® maX 2<br>Low Temperature Sterilization<br>System (Fast Non Lumen, Lumen,<br>Non Lumen, and Flexible cycles)<br>and in STERRAD® 100S,<br>STERRAD® NX (Standard and<br>Advanced cycles), STERRAD®<br>100NX (Standard, Flex, Express<br>and Duo cycles) systems,<br>STERRAD® NX with AllClearTM<br>Technology (Standard and<br>Advanced cycles) and STERRAD®<br>100NX with AllClearTM<br>Technology (Standard, Flex,<br>Express and Duo cycles). | Use the 3MTM Attest™ Rapid<br>Readout Biological Indicator 1295<br>in conjunction with the 3MTM<br>Attest™ Auto reader 490H as a<br>standard method of routine<br>monitoring of vaporized hydrogen<br>peroxide sterilization processes in<br>the following systems: AMSCO®<br>V-PROTM 1 Low Temperature<br>Sterilization System (Lumen cycle),<br>AMSCO® V-PROTM 1 Plus Low<br>Temperature Sterilization System<br>(Lumen and Non Lumen cycles),<br>AMSCO® V-PROTM maX Low<br>Temperature Sterilization System<br>(Lumen, Non Lumen, and Flexible<br>cycles), AMSCO® V-PROTм 60<br>Low Temperature Sterilization<br>System (Lumen, Non Lumen and<br>Flexible cycles) and in STERRAD®<br>100S, STERRAD® NX (Standard<br>and Advanced cycles), STERRAD®<br>100NX (Standard, Flex, Express<br>and Duo cycles) systems,<br>STERRAD® NX with ALLClearTM<br>Technology (Standard and<br>Advanced cycles) and STERRAD®<br>100NX with ALLClear™<br>Technology (Standard, Flex,<br>Express and Duo cycles). | Addition of<br>the 490 and<br>490M Auto-<br>readers<br>and<br>Addition of<br>the<br>STERIS®<br>V-PRO®<br>max 2 Low<br>Temperature<br>Sterilization<br>System<br>(Fast Non<br>Lumen,<br>Lumen, Non<br>Lumen, and<br>Flexible<br>cycles)<br>sterilizer |
| Indications for use | | | |
| Organism | Geobacillus stearothermophilus<br>traceable to ATCCTM 7953 | Geobacillus stearothermophilus<br>traceable to ATCCTM 7953 | Identical |
| Viable spore<br>population | $≥1x10^6$ | $≥1x10^6$ | Identical |
| Resistance<br>characteristics | (Tested at 10 mg/L vaporized<br>hydrogen peroxide) | (Tested at 10 mg/L vaporized<br>hydrogen peroxide) | |
| • D-value | $D_{10 mg/L} ≥ 1 second$ | $D_{10 mg/L} ≥ 1 second$ | Identical |
| • Survival/Kill<br>Window | Survival Time ≥ 5 seconds<br>Kill Time = 7 minutes | Survival Time ≥ 5 seconds<br>Kill Time = 7 minutes | |
| Carrier material | Polyethylene terephthalate | Polyethylene terephthalate | Identical |
| Incubation<br>temperature | 60 ± 2°C | 60 ± 2°C | Identical |
| Feature | Submission Device:<br>3MTM AttestTM Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator 1295 | Predicate Device (K173435):<br>3MTM AttestTM Rapid Readout<br>Biological Indicator 1295 | Comparison |
| Chemical<br>indicator | H2O2 sensitive ink; changes from<br>blue towards pink | H2O2 sensitive ink; changes from<br>blue towards pink | Identical |
| Shelf life | Two (2) years | Two (2) years | Identical |
#### 5. Technological Characteristic Comparison Table
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#### PREMARKET NOTIFICATION [510(k)] 3M™ Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295
#### 6. Nonclinical Comparison to the Predicate Device
The 3MTM Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295 is identical to the previously cleared device of the same model number (the predicate) which is sold under the same tradename and cleared via K173435.
To demonstrate performance in the newly claimed sterilizer and cycles, nonclinical testing was performed in accordance with the FDA Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Biological Indicator (BI) Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions, and ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11138-1:2017 Sterilization of health care products- Biological Indicators- Part 1: General requirements (FDA Recognition Number 14-502).
Reference Table 6.1 for testing completed in AMSCO® V-PRO™ maX 2 Low Temperature Sterilization System (Lumen, Non-Lumen, Flexible, and Fast Non-Lumen cycles).
| Test Name | Purpose | Acceptance Criteria | Result |
|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|
| Full Cycle<br>Performance | Verify performance in each of the<br>full cycles in the AMSCO® V-<br>PRO™ maX 2 Low Temperature<br>Sterilization System (Lumen, Non-<br>Lumen, Flexible, and Fast Non-<br>Lumen cycles) sterilizer. | All biological indicators display a<br>negative fluorescent and negative<br>growth response. | Pass |
| Fractional Cycle<br>Performance | Verify performance in fractional<br>cycles for each of the cycles<br>within the AMSCO® V-PRO™<br>maX 2 Low Temperature<br>Sterilization System (Lumen, Non-<br>Lumen, Flexible, and Fast Non-<br>Lumen cycles). | All biological indicators display a<br>negative fluorescent and negative<br>growth response. | Pass |
| Chemical<br>Indicator (CI)<br>Color Change | Demonstrate the color change of<br>the CI when exposed to the<br>AMSCO® V-PRO™ maX 2 Low<br>Temperature Sterilization System<br>(Lumen, Non-Lumen, Flexible,<br>and Fast Non-Lumen cycles). | Color change from blue toward<br>pink. | Pass |
Table 6.1 Summary of Nonclinical Testing
- Addition of 3M™ Attest™ Auto-reader 490 having software version 4.0.0 or ● greater per K173437 and K173584.
- Addition of 3MTM Attest™ Mini Auto-reader 490M per K200092. ●
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## 7. Conclusion
Based on the non-clinical performance data, the 3M™ Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295 is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as or better than the legally marketed predicate, the 3M™ Attest™ Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295 cleared under K173435, Class II (21 CFR 880.2800), product code FRC.
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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.