K210553 · Propper Manufacturing Co., Inc. · JOJ · May 19, 2021 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K210553
Device Name
Steam-Dot Process Indicator
Applicant
Propper Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Product Code
JOJ · General Hospital
Decision Date
May 19, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Abbreviated
Regulation
21 CFR 880.2800
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Steam-Dot Process Indicator for steam sterilization is designed for use by a health care provider to demonstrate that the unit or load has been exposed to a steam sterilization process, and to distinguish between processed units or loads. The indicator dots turn from white to dark brown/black when sterilization conditions, thus providing an indication of processed items. The Steam-Dot process indicator can be used in the following steam sterilization cycles: Gravity: 121 C/250 F - 30 minutes - Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 132 C/270 F 3 minutes - Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 132 C/270 F 4 minutes - Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 134 C/273 F 3 minutes - Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 134 C/273 F 4 minutes - Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 135 C/275 F 3 minutes
Device Story
Single-use chemical indicator; 3/4" diameter paper circle with adhesive backing; printed with reactive steam indicator ink (sulfur, lead carbonate hydroxide, magnesium oxide). Used by healthcare providers in steam sterilizers to monitor exposure to critical parameters: time, temperature, saturated steam. Ink changes color from white to dark brown/black upon successful exposure; light brown/crème if parameters not met. Provides visual confirmation of processed items; aids in distinguishing processed from unprocessed loads. Bench testing confirms performance per ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11140-1:2014.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Conformance to ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11140-1:2014 and FDA guidance for chemical indicators demonstrated. Testing included performance in hospital-type sterilizers across cleared cycles, biocompatibility, ink transfer, end-point stability, and real-time shelf-life (48 months) studies. All tests passed.
Technological Characteristics
Single-use chemical indicator; 3/4" diameter paper substrate with adhesive. Reactive ink contains sulfur, lead carbonate hydroxide, and magnesium oxide. Type 1 process indicator per ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11140-1:2014. Color change: white to dark brown/black. Shelf life: 4 years.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by healthcare providers to verify exposure of units or loads to steam sterilization and distinguish between processed and unprocessed items. Compatible with gravity (121°C/30 min) and pre-vacuum (132°C/3-4 min, 134°C/3-4 min, 135°C/3 min) steam sterilization cycles.
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.
Predicate Devices
Process indicator tape for steam sterilization (K140940)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is a blue square with the letters FDA in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
May 19, 2021
Propper Manufacturing Co., Inc. Andrew Sharavara Chief Technical Officer 36-04 Skillman Avenue Long Island City, New York 11101
Re: K210553
Trade/Device Name: Steam-Dot Process Indicator Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.2800 Regulation Name: Sterilization Process Indicator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JOJ Dated: February 19, 2021 Received: February 25, 2021
Dear Andrew Sharavara:
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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 Clarence W. Murray, III, PhD 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
{2}------------------------------------------------
# 4. Indications for Use Statement
{3}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K210553
Device Name Steam-Dot Process Indicator
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Steam-Dot Process Indicator for steam sterilization is designed for use by a health care provider to demonstrate that the unit or load has been exposed to a steam sterilization process, and to distinguish between processed units or loads. The indicator dots turn from white to dark brown/black when sterilization conditions, thus providing an indication of processed items.
The Steam-Dot process indicator can be used in the following steam sterilization cycles:
*Gravity: 121 C/250 F - 30 minutes
- * Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 132 C/270 F 3 minutes
- * Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 132 C/270 F 4 minutes
- * Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 134 C/273 F 3 minutes
- * Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 134 C/273 F 4 minutes
- * Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 135 C/275 F 3 minutes
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) |
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{4}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Summary K210533
{5}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary
| Submitted by: | Propper Manufacturing Company, Inc. |
|-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 36-04 Skillman Avenue,<br>Long Island City, New York 11101 |
| Contact Name: | Andrew Sharavara, Ph.D., Chief Technical Officer |
| Telephone: | (800) 832-4300 x149 |
| Fax: | (718) 482-8909 |
| E-mail: | as@proppermfg.com |
| Date Submitted: | February 19, 2021 |
## Device information:
| Device Trade Name: | Steam-Dot™ Process Indicator |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| Classification Name: | Physical/Chemical Sterilization Process Indicator |
| Common Name: | Steam Sterilization Indicator |
| Product Code: | JOJ |
| Classification: | Class II (21 C.F.R. 880.2800) |
## Description of the Device
The Steam-Dot Process Indicator is a single use chemical indicator designed for steam sterilization monitoring. Each indicator consists of reactive steam indicator ink printed on a substrate paper circle, 3/4" in diameter, with adhesive backing. Individual indicators are printed with reactive ink only.
The indicator responds to the critical parameters of a steam sterilization cycle: exposure time, temperature, and presence of saturated steam sterilization process indicator ink chemicals react forming a black compound. The degree of the reaction depends on the sterilization exposure. When the parameters achieve required level, the indicator ink chemistry changes color from white to black/dark brown. If the parameters do not achieve the required level, the indicator color will be light brown or crème.
#### Indications for Use
The Steam-Dot Process Indicator for steam sterilization is designed for use by a health care provider to demonstrate that the unit or load has been exposed to a steam sterilization process, and to distinguish between processed and unprocessed units or loads. The indicator dots turn from white to dark brown/black when exposed to steam sterilization conditions, thus providing an indication of processed items.
{6}------------------------------------------------
The Steam-Dot process indicators can be used in the following steam sterilization cycles:
*Gravity: 121°C/250°F - 30 minutes * Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 132°C/270°F - 3 minutes * Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 132°C/270°F - 4 minutes * Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 134°C/273°F - 3 minutes * Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 134°C/273°F - 4 minutes *Vacuum assisted (pre-vacuum): 135°C/275°F - 3 minutes
## Performance
The performance of the Steam-Dot process indicator meets the requirements of ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11140-1:2014 for Type 1 process indicators and the requirements of FDA guidance for industry and FDA Staff: Pre-market notification [510(k)] submissions for chemical indicators, 2003.
## Technological Characteristics Comparison Table
Comparison of the subject device (Steam-Dot process indicator, Propper Manufacturing Co., Inc) to Predicate device (Process indicator tape for steam sterilization, Canadian Technical Tape, Ltd).
| | Subject device (K210553) | Predicate device (K140940) | Comparison |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Product name | Steam-Dot TM Process Indicator | Process indicator tape for steam sterilization | Similar. Both use “Process indicator” according to Intended use |
| Product generic name | A physical/chemical sterilization process indicator | A physical/chemical sterilization process indicator | Identical |
| Product code | JOJ | JOJ | Identical |
| Sterilization method | Steam sterilization | Steam sterilization | Identical |
| Intended use | Sterilization process indicator | Sterilization process indicator | Identical |
| Sterilization method | The Steam-Dot indicator is intended for use as a steam sterilization cycle process indicator in gravity and pre- vacuum steam sterilizers. | The tape is intended for use as a steam sterilization cycle process indicator in gravity and pre- vacuum steam sterilizers. | Identical |
| Sterilization cycles | 121°C-30 min gravity<br>132°C-3 min pre-vacuum<br>132°C-4 min pre-vacuum<br>134°C-3 min pre-vacuum<br>134°C-4 min pre-vacuum<br>135°C-3 min pre-vacuum | 121°C-30 min gravity<br>132°C-4 min pre-vacuum<br>135°C-3 min pre-vacuum | Similar. Steam-Dot Process Indicator can be used in additional cycles: 132°C-3 min pre-vacuum, 134°C-3 min pre- vacuum 134°C-4 min pre-vacuum. |
| End-point<br>specification | 121°C-10 min<br>132°C-135°C-2 min | 121°C-10 min<br>132°C-135°C-2 min | Identical |
| Device<br>design | Paper dots printed with indicator ink | Crepe paper printed with<br>indicator ink lines | Similar |
| Back side of<br>indicators | Adhesive | Adhesive | Identical |
| Indicator<br>agent | Sulfur, lead carbonate hydroxide<br>and magnesium oxide | Sulfur, lead carbonate hydroxide<br>and magnesium oxide | Identical |
| Initial color | White | White | Identical |
| End point<br>color | Black, Dark brown | Black, Dark brown | Identical |
| Performance | ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11140-1:2014 | ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11140-1:2005<br>(R)2010 | Identical<br>requirements<br>for Process<br>indicator. |
| ISO Indicator<br>type | Type 1 | Type 1 | Identical |
| Single use | Yes | Yes | Identical |
| Shelf life | 4 years | 3 years | Similar |
| Indications<br>for use | The Steam-Dot process indicator<br>for steam sterilization is designed<br>for use by a health care provider<br>to demonstrate that the unit or<br>load has been exposed to a steam<br>sterilization process, and to<br>distinguish between processed and<br>unprocessed units or loads.<br>The indicator dots turn from<br>white to dark brown/black when<br>exposed to steam sterilization<br>conditions, thus providing an<br>indication of processed items.<br><br>The Steam-Dot process indicator<br>can be used in the following<br>steam sterilization cycles:<br>Gravity: 121°C/250°F - 30 min<br>Pre-vacuum: 132°C/270°F -3min<br>Pre-vacuum: 132°C/270°F -4min<br>Pre-vacuum: 134°C/273°F -3 min<br>Pre-vacuum: 134°C/273°F -4 min<br>Pre-vacuum: 135°C/275°F -3 min | The Process Indicator Tape for<br>Steam Sterilization is indicated<br>for use in holding sterilization<br>packs together and can be used in<br>gravity sterilizers operating at<br>121°C for 30 minutes or pre-<br>vacuum sterilizers operating at<br>132°C for 4 minutes and 135°C<br>for 3 minutes. The indicator<br>stripes turn dark brown/black<br>when exposed to steam<br>sterilization conditions, thus<br>providing an indication of<br>processed items. | Similar<br><br>Steam-Dot<br>Process Indicator<br>can be used in<br>additional cycles:<br>132°C-3 min pre-<br>vacuum, 134°C-3<br>min pre-vacuum<br>134°C-4 min pre-<br>vacuum.<br><br>The predicate<br>device is a<br>process indicator<br>tape that changes<br>color in the<br>presence of the<br>sterilant at<br>Gravity: 121°C<br>for 30 minutes<br>and Pre-Vacuum:<br>132°C for 4<br>minutes and<br>135°C for 3<br>minutes |
| Test | Purpose | Acceptance Criteria | Result |
| ANSI/AAMI/<br>ISO 11140-<br>1:2014 testing<br>for Type 1<br>indicator. | To demonstrate conformance<br>of Steam-Dot indicator to the<br>requirements specified in<br>ISO 11140-1:2014 for<br>process indicators. | 121°C-10 min: dark brown or black color<br>121°C-2 min: no color change or color<br>markedly different compared to dark brown or<br>black<br>134°C-2 min: dark brown or black color<br>134°C-0.3 min: no color change or color<br>markedly different compared to dark brown or<br>black<br>140°C-30 min Dry heat: no color change | Passed |
| FDA Guidance<br>for industry for<br>chemical<br>indicators.<br>Steam process<br>indicator<br>performance<br>test. | To demonstrate conformance<br>of Steam-Dot indicator to the<br>requirements specified in the<br>FDA Guidance for industry<br>for process indicators. | 121°C-10 min: dark brown or black color<br>121°C-2 min: no color change or color<br>markedly different compared to dark brown or<br>black<br>132-135°C-2 min: dark brown or black color<br>132-135°C-20sec: no color change or color<br>markedly different compared to dark brown or<br>black<br>140°C-30 min Dry heat: no color change | Passed |
| Testing in<br>hospital type<br>sterilizers in<br>gravity and pre-<br>vacuum 510k<br>cleared cycles. | To demonstrate that Steam-<br>Dot Process indicator<br>achieves specified end color<br>in typical cycles in hospital<br>sterilizers. | Color change from white to dark brown or<br>black | Passed |
| Biocompatibilit<br>y study and ink<br>transfer test | To demonstrate that the<br>indicator does not create<br>biocompatibility issues to<br>health care professionals and<br>patients. | Individual components should not create<br>biocompatibility issues.<br>Testing according to ISO 11140-1:2014.<br>Requirement: 6.2.2. No ink transfer should be<br>observed on unprocessed and steam processed<br>indicators. | Passed |
| End point<br>stability and<br>shelf- life study | To confirm that Steam-Dot<br>process indicator has<br>acceptable stability after<br>processing when achieved<br>and not achieved end point<br>color ("Pass" and "Fail"<br>conditions).<br>To demonstrate that Steam-<br>Dot indicator meets the<br>performance parameters<br>when tested using real-time<br>shelf-life exposure method | Steam-Dot indicators processed in Pass and<br>Fail cycles at various time points after<br>production and at the end of shelf life should<br>demonstrate stable color for 110 days.<br>Meet specifications after real-time 48 months<br>shelf-life exposure. | Passed |
{7}------------------------------------------------
{8}------------------------------------------------
# Summary of Non-Clinical Testing
{9}------------------------------------------------
## Conclusion
The conclusions drawn from the nonclinical tests demonstrate that the Steam-Dot process indicator is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as or better than the legally marketed device k140940.
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.