The Pasteur Pipettes are intended for handling and transferring of liquids, media and gametes during assisted reproductive technology procedures.
Device Story
Pasteur Pipettes are single-use, radiation-sterilized, low-density polyethylene pipettes used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) labs. Available in 1 mL and 3 mL sizes, each device features an integrated bulb for manual aspiration and expulsion of liquids, media, and gametes. The device body includes a molded volume scale for estimation. Operated by laboratory personnel, the pipettes facilitate fluid transfer during ART procedures. The device does not contact the human body. Benefits include sterile, single-use handling of sensitive reproductive materials.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Performance validated via Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA) (≥80% 1-cell expanded blastocyst within 96 hours), endotoxin testing (USP <85>, ≤0.25 EU/device), and packaging integrity (ASTM F88, F3039, F1886). Shelf-life and stability confirmed via accelerated aging (ASTM F1980) and simulated transport testing (ASTM D4169).
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Low-density polyethylene. Design: Single-piece molded pipette with integrated bulb and volume scale. Sterilization: Gamma irradiation (ISO 11137-1, ISO 11137-2) to SAL 10^-6. Packaging: Peel-open pouch (PE/PA-film and BOPET). Shelf-life: 2 years. No electronic or software components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for handling and transferring liquids, media, and gametes during assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Assisted reproduction labware consists of laboratory equipment or supplies intended to prepare, store, manipulate, or transfer human gametes or embryos for in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), or other assisted reproduction procedures. These include syringes, IVF tissue culture dishes, IVF tissue culture plates, pipette tips, dishes, plates, and other vessels that come into physical contact with gametes, embryos or tissue culture media.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls) (mouse embryo assay information, endotoxin testing, sterilization validation, design specifications, labeling requirements, and clinical testing). The device, when it is a dish or plate intended for general assisted reproduction technology procedures, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 884.9.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, with the letters "FDA" in a blue square. Next to that is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
December 16, 2020
HertART ApS Ann-Catherine Ericson RA Manager Gustaf Werners gata 2 Västra Frölunda, SE-421 32 Sweden
K201213 Re:
> Trade/Device Name: Pasteur Pipette 3mL, Pasteur Pipette 1mL Regulation Number: 21 CFR§ 884.6160 Regulation Name: Assisted Reproduction Labware Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MQK Dated: November 2, 2020 Received: November 18, 2020
Dear Ann-Catherine Ericson:
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.
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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-regulatoryinformation/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-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 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,
for Monica D. Garcia, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT3B: Division of Reproductive. Gynecology and Urology Devices OHT3: Office of GastroRenal, ObGyn, General Hospital and Urology 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) K201213
Device Name Pasteur Pipette 3mL, Pasteur Pipette 1 mL
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Pasteur Pipettes are intended for handling and transferring of liquids, media and gametes during assisted reproductive technology procedures.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
_ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "HertART" in blue and red font. The word "Hert" is in blue, and the word "ART" is in red. To the right of the word "HertART" is the phrase "at the beginning of life" in blue font. The text is on a white background.
# 510(k) Summary - K201213
Date prepared: December 7, 2020
| Applicant: | HertART ApS<br>Gustaf Werners gata 2<br>SE-421 32 Västra Frölunda<br>Sweden<br>Phone: +46 (0) 708 22 80 28<br>Email: psvensson@vitrolife.com<br>Fax: +46 (0) 31 721 80 90 |
|------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Contact Person: Ann-Catherine Ericson RA Manager Phone: +46 (0) 701 64 88 36 Email: aericson@vitrolife.com
### Device Information 1
Trade Name: Pasteur Pipette 3mL, Pasteur Pipette 1mL Common name: Pasteur Pipettes Regulation number: 21 CFR 884.6160 Regulation name: Assisted Reproduction Labware Product code: MQK (Labware, Assisted Reproduction) Class: II
#### 1.1 Predicate Device:
K000915 - Pasteur Pipet - Sterile 9, Pasteur Pipet - Sterile 5 3/4, Models 16-PP-9, 16-PP-5.75, Humagen Fertility Diagnostics, Inc.
The predicate has not been subject to a pipette design-related recall.
### 2 Device description
The Pasteur Pipettes are radiation-sterilized, single use, transparent low-density polyethylene pipettes intended for handling and transferring of liquids, media and gametes during assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. The pipettes are provided in two sizes, 1 mL (Model 16201) and 3 mL (Model 16202). Each pipette includes an integrated bulb end that is used to aspirate and expel liquid, media and gamete to and from the device. The pipettes also include a molded volume scale along the body of the pipette. The volume scale only provides an estimate of the aspirated volume. The pipettes will not come in contact with the human body during use.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for HertART. The word "Hert" is in blue, and the word "ART" is in red. The words "at the beginning of life" are in blue and are located to the right of the word "ART". The logo has a reflection underneath it.
### 2.1 Indications for Use
The Pasteur Pipettes are intended for handling and transferring of liquids, media and gametes during assisted reproductive technology procedures.
### Comparison of Subject and Predicate Device Intended Use and 3 Technological Characteristics
| Attribute | Subject Device<br>Pasteur Pipette<br>K201213 | Predicate Device<br>Pasteur Pipet<br>K000915 | Differences |
|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications<br>for Use | The Pasteur Pipettes<br>are intended for<br>handling and<br>transferring of liquids,<br>media and gametes<br>during assisted<br>reproductive<br>technology procedures. | Pasteur pipets are a<br>general laboratory<br>pipette to be used<br>anytime there is a need<br>to move fluid or cells.<br>They may also be used<br>to "denuda" ova prior to<br>an ivf procedure. | The indications for the subject and<br>predicate devices are not identical. Both<br>the predicate and subject devices are<br>indicated for handling of gametes, media,<br>and other fluids; however, the predicate is<br>also indicated for use in denuding oocytes.<br>This difference only represents a more<br>limited use of the subject devices as<br>compared to the predicate and does not<br>impact the overall intended use of the<br>devices (handling and transferring fluids,<br>media, and gametes used in assisted<br>reproduction procedures), which are the<br>same. |
| Design | Single piece molded<br>Pasteur pipette | Glass Pasteur pipette to<br>be used with separate<br>bulb | Different: There are differences in the<br>designs of the subject and predicate<br>devices; however, they do not raise<br>different questions of safety and<br>effectiveness (S&E). |
| Material | Low density<br>polyethylene | Borosilicate glass | Different: The subject and predicate device<br>materials are not the same. Differences in<br>materials do not raise different questions of<br>S&E. |
| Size | 15.2 cm | 5.75" (14.6cm) and 9"<br>(22.9cm) | Different: Both the 1 mL and 3 mL subject<br>devices have the same length, which is<br>different than the predicate that is provided<br>in two lengths. Differences in length do not<br>raise different questions of S&E. |
| Volume<br>capacity | 1 mL and 3 mL | Unknown | Different: The volume capacity of the<br>predicate is not known; however,<br>differences in volume capacity do not raise<br>different questions of S&E. |
| Packaging | Peel open pouch<br>consisting of PE/PA-<br>film and a BOPET /<br>Adhesive / EZ Peel®<br>Sealant<br>500 pouches of one<br>pipette each packed in<br>a cardboard box | Material of pouches not<br>known.<br>30 pouches of three<br>pipettes each packed in<br>boxes of 90 (30<br>pouches) | Different: Packaging is different for the<br>subject device as compared to the predicate<br>device. Differences in packaging do not<br>raise different questions of S&E. |
| Sterile | Yes - Gamma<br>irradiation | Yes -Dry heat | Different: Different sterilization methods<br>are used for the subject and predicate<br>devices. Differences in sterilization<br>methods do not raise different questions of<br>S&E. |
| Shelf-life | 2 years | Unknown | Different: The shelf-life of the predicate is<br>not known; however, differences in shelf-<br>life do not raise different questions of S&E. |
| Endotoxin<br>testing<br>(LAL) | ≤ 0.25 EU/device | LAL tested, limits not<br>specified | Different: Endotoxin testing was<br>conducted on the predicate device;<br>however, the acceptance specification is not<br>known. Differences in endotoxin testing do<br>not raise different questions of S&E. |
| Mouse<br>Embryo<br>Assay<br>(MEA) | ≥ 80% 1-cell expanded<br>blastocyst within 96<br>hours | MEA tested, limits not<br>specified | Different: MEA testing was conducted on<br>the predicate device; however, the<br>acceptance specification is not known.<br>Differences in MEA testing do not raise<br>different questions of S&E. |
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Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "HertART" in blue and red font, followed by the phrase "at the beginning of life" in blue font. The word "Hert" is in blue, while "ART" is in red. The phrase "at the beginning of life" is smaller in size compared to the word "HertART". The text is horizontally aligned and appears to be a logo or title.
As stated in the table, the subject and predicate devices have similar indications for use statements and have the same intended use (i.e., handling and transferring fluids, media, and gametes used in assisted reproduction procedures).
The subject and predicate devices have differences in technological characteristics, including their design, materials, packaging, etc. As stated in the table, the differences in technological characteristics between the subject and predicate devices do not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness.
### Non-clinical Performance Data 4
### 4.1 Sterile validation
The subject devices are gamma irradiation sterilized. The sterilization process and validation methods were done in accordance with ISO 11137-1:2006 and ISO 11137-2:2013. The sterilization assurance level of the subject devices is 10-6.
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Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for HertART. The word "Hert" is in blue, and the letters "ART" are in red. The tagline "at the beginning of life" is in blue and is located to the right of the red "ART".
### 4.2 Package Validation
Verification of the ability of device packaging to maintain a sterile barrier over the two-year shelf-life of the device was assessed using the following methods:
- Seal strength testing according to ASTM F88/F88M-15 "Standard Test Method for Seal ● Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials"
- . Dye penetration test according to ASTM F3039-15 "Standard Test Method for Detecting Leaks in Nonporous Packaging or Flexible Barrier Materials by Dye Penetration"
- . Visual inspection according to ASTM F1886/F1886M-16 "Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging by Visual Inspection"
Testing demonstrated that the sterile barrier was maintained over the two-year shelf-life.
### 4.3 Transport Testing
Simulated transport testing was conducted to demonstrate the ability of device packaging to withstand the rigors of shipping. Testing was performed in accordance with ASTM D4169-16.
#### 4.4 Stability and Shelf life
The proposed shelf-life of the subject device is two years. The following tests were conducted on newly manufactured devices and devices after accelerated aging in accordance with ASTM F1980-16:
- Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA (1-cell, expanded blastocyst within 96 hours) ≤80%)
- Endotoxin testing per USP<85> (<0.25 EU/device) ●
- Visual inspection (no scratches or discolorization)
- Testing to ensure liquid can be aspirated and maintained within the device ●
- . Volume marker validation testing
### 5 Conclusions
The results of the testing described above demonstrate that the Pasteur Pipette 1mL and Pasteur Pipette 3mL are as safe and effective as the predicate and supports a determination of substantial equivalence.
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.