The EasyStat 300 is designed for clinical laboratory use, making quantitative measurements of pO2 (partial pressure of oxygen), pCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide), and pH (hydrogen ion activity) in whole blood (arterial/venous) samples from Li-Heparinized Syringes or Capillary Tubes. This Analyzer should only be used by trained technicians in clinical laboratories to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with blood gas and/or acid-base disturbances. Blood gases (pO2, pCO2) and pH measurements in blood are used in the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening acid-base disturbances.
Device Story
EasyStat 300 is a microprocessor-controlled blood gas analyzer for clinical laboratories. It accepts Li-heparinized whole blood samples (175μL syringe or 100μL capillary). The device uses potentiometric sensors for pH and pCO2, and an amperometric sensor for pO2. It incorporates a reagent module with calibrating and conditioning solutions. The system features a touch-sensitive screen for operator guidance, a thermal printer for results, and a USB port for data download and software updates. It provides quantitative measurements of pH, pCO2, and pO2, plus calculated parameters (e.g., HCO3-, base excess, oxygen saturation). Operators (trained technicians) use the device to diagnose and treat life-threatening acid-base disturbances. The system requires daily quality control using EasyQC materials and periodic sensor replacement/cleaning. The device benefits patients by providing rapid, accurate blood gas analysis to guide clinical decision-making.
Clinical Evidence
Method comparison study performed in a clinical laboratory using >200 donor whole blood samples and modified (spiked/diluted) samples. Compared EasyStat 300 against predicate EasyStat. Results showed favorable correlation for pH, pCO2, and pO2. Linear regression slopes, coefficients of variation, and predicted bias at decision levels were within specifications. Additional non-clinical bench testing included 20-day precision studies (aqueous controls), 5-day reproducibility studies (whole blood), linearity studies (CLSI EP06-A), and selectivity/interference studies (CLSI EP07-A).
Technological Characteristics
Potentiometric (pH, pCO2) and amperometric (pO2) sensor technology. Reagent module with aqueous calibrants. Dimensions: 14.5"W x 13"H x 7"D. Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, RS232, SD card. Power: 110/115VAC or 220VAC. Compliance: EN61010, EN55011, UL3101, C22.2. Microprocessor-controlled with TFT LCD touch screen and thermal printer.
Indications for Use
Indicated for trained technicians in clinical laboratories to perform quantitative measurements of pH, pCO2, and pO2 in arterial/venous whole blood samples to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with blood gas and/or acid-base disturbances.
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 AND INSTRUMENT
## I Background Information:
A 510(k) Number
K211559
B Applicant
Medica Corporation
C Proprietary and Established Names
EasyStat 300
D Regulatory Information
| Product Code(s) | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CHL | Class II | 21 CFR 862.1120 - Blood Gases (pCO2, pO2) And Blood pH Test System | CH - Clinical Chemistry |
## II Submission/Device Overview:
A Purpose for Submission:
New Device
B Measurand:
pCO2, pO2 and pH
C Type of Test:
pH and pCO2 – quantitative, potentiometry
pO2 – quantitative, amperometric technology
## III Intended Use/Indications for Use:
A Intended Use(s):
See indications for use below.
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
www.fda.gov
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B Indication(s) for Use:
The EasyStat 300 is designed for clinical laboratory use, making quantitative measurements of pO2 (partial pressure of oxygen), pCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide), and pH (hydrogen ion activity) in whole blood (arterial/venous) samples from Li-Heparinized Syringes or Capillary Tubes. This Analyzer should only be used by trained technicians in clinical laboratories to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with blood gas and/or acid-base disturbances.
Blood gases (pO2, pCO2) and pH measurements in blood are used in the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening acid-base disturbances.
C Special Conditions for Use Statement(s):
Rx - For Prescription Use Only
For in vitro diagnostic use only
D Special Instrument Requirements:
EasyStat 300 Analyzer
IV Device/System Characteristics:
A Device Description:
The candidate device is comprised of the EasyStat 300 Analyzer, the EasyStat reagent pack, reference electrode, pO2 sensor, ion selective electrode cartridges (for pH and pCO2), barcode scanner, and calibrators. The system is designed for use by trained medical professionals in the clinical laboratory and is for prescription use only.
The EasyStat 300 consists of a reagent module containing calibrating solutions A2, B2, and C2. The analyzer runs in two modes: the syringe mode (175μL of lithium heparinized venous whole blood and arterial blood) and the capillary mode (100μL of lithium heparinized venous whole blood and arterial blood) to analyze patient samples. To operate the analyzer in the capillary mode, a separate capillary tube kit is required. Medica's EasyQC materials are required to be run every day to validate the performance of the analyzer.
B Principle of Operation:
pH: pH is measured using a potentiometric method based on the use of an ion-selective electrode. One side of the membrane is in contact with a solution of constant pH. The other side is in contact with a solution of unknown pH. A change in potential develops which is proportional to the pH difference of these solutions. This change in potential is measured against a reference electrode of constant potential. The magnitude of the potential difference is a measure of the pH of the unknown sample.
pCO2: pCO2 is measured using a potentiometric method based modified pH sensor. Carbon dioxide in the sample makes contact with a polymeric membrane mounted on a combination measuring/ reference electrode. CO2 diffuses across the membrane into a thin layer of electrolyte solution in response to partial pressure difference. This solution then becomes equilibrated with the external gas pressure. CO2 in the solution becomes hydrated, which results in a change in hydrogen ion activity, according to the equation:
$$
\mathrm{CO}_{2} + \mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{H}^{+} + [\mathrm{HCO}_{3}-]
$$
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The change in hydrogen ion activity in the electrolyte solution produces a potential which is measured against the internal filling solution. This change in potential is measured against the constant potential of the reference electrode half cell and is logarithmically related to the pCO2 of the unknown sample.
pO2: pO2 is measured amperometrically by the generation of a current at the sensor surface. As oxygen diffuses through a gas permeable membrane, the oxygen molecules are reduced at the cathode, consuming four electrons for every molecule of oxygen reduced. This flow of electrons is then measured by the sensor and is directly proportional to the partial pressure of oxygen in the sample.
## C Instrument Description Information:
1. Instrument Name: EasyStat 300
2. Specimen Identification: The specimen identification may be manually entered or automatically scanned by the device.
3. Specimen Sampling and Handling: The EasyStat 300 accepts lithium heparinized venous whole blood and arterial blood from syringes or capillary tubes.
The sample type is selected using the device touchscreen. Samples may be introduced via a collection glass/plastic syringe or a capillary tube. After the sample type (i.e. whole blood arterial/venous samples) is selected and loaded, the probe is placed in the sample, which will aspirate the appropriate sample volume (i.e. syringe mode - 175 µL, capillary mode - 100 µL). Once the sample is loaded, the analyzer moves the sample to the sensor module for analysis.
4. Calibration: The EasyStat 300 undergoes pump calibration, air calibration, and 2-point calibration. Once the first calibration is completed, the analyzer will continue to perform calibrations automatically on a fixed schedule. The time between calibrations is determined based on the age (in hours) since the sensors/cartridges were first installed.
5. Quality Control: The EasyStat 300 requires the use of three levels of Medica's EasyQC materials for use on the analyzer. Results that exceed the entered ranges are flagged for identification. Quality control recommendations are provided in the labeling. It is recommended that each laboratory follow their local, state, and federal regulations as it applies to quality control materials.
6. Reagents: The EasyStat 300 utilizes a reagent module which contains all the reagents, concentration of calibration reagents, current reagent module serial number and installation date, and reagent volume % remaining with the number of days remaining before calibrators expire.
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V Substantial Equivalence Information:
A Predicate Device Name(s):
EasyStat pH, PCO2, PO2, Hct, Na+, K+, Ca++ Analyzer
B Predicate 510(k) Number(s):
K021515
C Comparison with Predicate(s):
| Device & Predicate Device(s): | K211559 | K021515 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Device Trade Name | EasyStat 300 | EasyStat PH, PCO2, PO2, HCT, NA+, K+, CA++ Analyzer |
| General Device Characteristic Similarities | | |
| Intended Use/Indications For Use | Analyzer for clinical laboratory use intended to measure pH, pCO2, and pO2. pCO2, pO2, and pH measurements in blood are used in the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening acid-base disturbances. | Same |
| Sample type | Venous whole blood and arterial blood | Same |
| Measuring Range – pCO2 | 5.0-150.0 mmHg | Same |
| Measuring Range – pO2 | 5-700 mmHg | Same |
| Measurement principle | pH: Potentiometric pCO2: Potentiometric pO2: Amperometric | Same |
| General Device Characteristic Differences | | |
| Analytes measured | pH, pCO2, pO2 | pH, pCO2, pO2, HCT, NA+, K+, CA++ |
| Measuring Range – pH | 6.800-8.000 units | 6.500-8.000 units |
| Sample volume | 175μL Syringe 100 μL Capillary | 120μL Syringe 95 μL Capillary |
| Analysis Time | 120 seconds 110 seconds | 120 seconds |
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| Communication ports | USB for barcode scanner | None |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | Ethernet port | None |
| | SanDisk (SD) card port | None |
VI Standards/Guidance Documents Referenced:
IEC 60601-1-2:2014 Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-2: General Requirements For Basic Safety And Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Disturbances - Requirements And Tests.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP05-A3: Evaluation of Precision of Quantitative Measurement Procedures; Approved Guideline—Third Edition.
CLSI EP25-A: Evaluation of Stability of In Vitro Diagnostic Reagents.
CLSI EP07- 3rd Edition: Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry.
CLSI EP37-1st Edition: Supplemental Tables for Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry.
CLSI EP 17-A2, 2nd Edition: Evaluation of Detection Capability for Clinical Laboratory Measurement Procedures.
VII Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
A Analytical Performance:
1. Precision/Reproducibility:
Two precision studies (i.e. Within-Run and Run-to-Run) were performed following the recommendations in CLSI EP05-A3.
Within Run Precision Evaluation:
Within run precision testing was performed using lithium heparinized venous whole blood in both the "Syringe" and the "Capillary" modes. Testing was performed on three EasyStat 300 analyzers over five days. Venous whole blood samples were collected in the following manner: the first set of samples was analyzed immediately after collection, and the other two were tonometered with a gas mixture to change the levels of pH, pCO2, and pO2. Five venous whole blood samples were tested in five replicates at each concentration level in the syringe mode, and then subsequently in the capillary mode. The results from one representative analyzer for both modes are summarized below.
Precision Performance of the EasyStat 300 operating in Syringe mode:
| Analyzer | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Analyte | Level | N | Mean | Within-Run | |
| | | | | SD | %CV |
| pCO | 1 | 25 | 37.2 mmHg | 0.56 | 1.5 |
| | 2 | 25 | 66.8 mmHg | 1.49 | 2.2 |
| | 3 | 25 | 131.1 mmHg | 3.52 | 2.7 |
| pO2 | 1 | 25 | 39 mmHg | 0.60 | 1.5 |
| | 2 | 25 | 78 mmHg | 1.50 | 1.9 |
| | 3 | 25 | 224 mmHg | 3.40 | 1.5 |
| pH | 1 | 25 | 7.41 pH units | 0.01 | 0.10 |
| | 2 | 25 | 7.25 pH units | 0.01 | 0.10 |
| | 3 | 25 | 7.59 pH units | 0.01 | 0.10 |
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Precision Performance of the EasyStat 300 operating in Capillary mode:
| Analyzer | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Analyte | Level | N | Mean | Within-Run | |
| | | | | SD | %CV |
| pCO2 | 1 | 25 | 35.2 mmHg | 1.31 | 3.7 |
| | 2 | 25 | 67.4 mmHg | 3.09 | 4.6 |
| | 3 | 25 | 135.5 mmHg | 5.61 | 4.1 |
| pO2 | 1 | 25 | 39 mmHg | 0.70 | 1.8 |
| | 2 | 25 | 79 mmHg | 1.80 | 2.3 |
| | 3 | 25 | 222 mmHg | 2.80 | 1.3 |
| pH | 1 | 25 | 7.41 pH units | 0.01 | 0.10 |
| | 2 | 25 | 7.22 pH units | 0.01 | 0.10 |
| | 3 | 25 | 7.58 pH units | 0.01 | 0.10 |
# Multi-Day Precision Testing:
Two 20-Day precision studies were performed using three levels of aqueous quality control solutions and three different concentrations of pH, pCO2, and pO2 on three EasyStat 300 analyzers. Analyzers were calibrated twice daily, prior to testing of the QC materials. After each calibration, two samples of each QC level (i.e. level 1, 2, 3) were tested in syringe and capillary modes. The results from one representative analyzer for both modes are summarized below.
Precision Performance of the EasyStat 300 operating in "Syringe" mode:
| Analyzer | | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Analyte | Level | N | Mean | Within-Run | | Total | |
| | | | | SD | %CV | SD | %CV |
| pCO2 | 1 | 80 | 68.1 mmHg | 0.50 | 0.7 | 0.59 | 0.9 |
| | 2 | 80 | 45.2 mmHg | 0.43 | 0.9 | 0.46 | 1.0 |
| | 3 | 80 | 21.4 mmHg | 1.09 | 5.1 | 1.13 | 5.3 |
| pO2 | 1 | 80 | 35 mmHg | 0.84 | 2.4 | 1.33 | 3.8 |
| | 2 | 80 | 98 mmHg | 1.89 | 1.9 | 2.23 | 2.3 |
| | 3 | 80 | 137 mmHg | 1.56 | 1.1 | 1.97 | 1.4 |
| pH | 1 | 80 | 7.182 pH units | 0.002 | 0.02 | 0.002 | 0.03 |
| | 2 | 80 | 7.410 pH units | 0.003 | 0.04 | 0.003 | 0.04 |
| | 3 | 80 | 7.623 pH units | 0.001 | 0.01 | 0.002 | 0.03 |
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Precision Performance of the EasyStat 300 operating in "Capillary" mode:
| Analyzer | | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Analyte | Level | N | Mean | Within-Run | | Total | |
| | | | | SD | %CV | SD | %CV |
| pCO2 | 1 | 80 | 63.2 mmHg | 0.68 | 1.1 | 1.00 | 1.6 |
| | 2 | 80 | 41.2 mmHg | 0.42 | 1.0 | 0.46 | 1.1 |
| | 3 | 80 | 21.2 mmHg | 0.23 | 1.1 | 0.25 | 1.2 |
| pO2 | 1 | 80 | 52 mmHg | 2.41 | 4.6 | 4.00 | 7.7 |
| | 2 | 80 | 108 mmHg | 1.99 | 1.8 | 2.25 | 2.1 |
| | 3 | 80 | 141 mmHg | 2.50 | 1.8 | 2.72 | 1.9 |
| pH | 1 | 80 | 7.20 pH units | 0.01 | 0.09 | 0.01 | 0.16 |
| | 2 | 80 | 7.42 pH units | 0.00 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.06 |
| | 3 | 80 | 7.61 pH units | 0.00 | 0.04 | 0.00 | 0.06 |
# 2. Linearity:
To support the measuring range, pH and pO2 were tested for linearity at 11 levels, and pCO2 was tested at nine levels. The samples were venous whole blood from healthy subjects that were adjusted to different levels by addition of HCL or NaOH for pH samples, and tonometrization for pO2 and pCO2 samples. Samples at the different levels were tested in triplicate on the EasyStat 300 analyzers. For pH, pO2 and pCO2, regression analysis demonstrated first order linearity.
The linear regression results are given in the table below:
| Analyte | Tested Range | Claimed Measuring Range | Slope | Intercept | r |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| pH | 6.75-7.99 | 6.80 - 8.00 pH units | 1.01 | -0.07 | 0.99 |
| pCO2 | 5.0-184.6 | 5.0 - 150.0 mmHg | 1.08 | -2.42 | 0.99 |
| pO2 | 5.0 - 718 | 5.0 -700.0 mmHg | 1.01 | 1.19 | 0.99 |
Based on these results, the linearity data support the claimed measuring interval for pH, pCO2, and pO2.
# 3. Analytical Specificity/Interference:
An interference testing study for endogenous and exogenous substances was performed on lithium heparin venous whole blood samples in accordance with CLSI EP37-Edition 1. With these samples, an interference screening test was conducted at 2 levels of pH (7.19 pH units and 7.48 pH units), pCO2 (37 mmHg and 90 mmHg), and pO2 (23 mmHg and 143 mmHg), tested in triplicate, on three EasyStat 300 analyzers. Interference was calculated as the bias between the average test result with interfering substance and average control measurement on one EasyStat 300 analyzer.
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The following substances did not cause interference at the concentrations listed below:
Endogenous substances:
| Substance | Highest conc. tested without significant interference |
| --- | --- |
| Albumin | 60 g/L |
| Conjugated Bilirubin | 20 mg/dL |
| Hemoglobin | 2500 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | 2000mg/dL |
| Hematocrit | 65% |
Exogenous substances:
| Substance | Highest conc. tested without significant interference |
| --- | --- |
| Acetaminophen | 15.6 mg/dL |
| Amoxicillin | 0.206 mM |
| Aprotinin | 50 mg/L |
| Atracurium | 50 mg/L |
| Benzalkonium (Chloride) | 5 mg/L |
| Ceftriaxone | 1.46 mM |
| Ciprofloxin | 30.2 μM |
| Epinephrine | 0.5 μM |
| Ethanol | 600 mg/dL |
| Gentamycin | 21 μmol/L |
| Halothane | 759 μmol/L |
| Hematocrit | 25% |
| Heparin | 100 kU/L |
| Lithium (Chloride) | 3.2 mmol/L |
| Omeprazole | 0.9 mg/dL |
| Propofol | 270 μM |
| Suxamethonium | 68 μM |
| Thyroxine | 1.29 μM |
4. Assay Reportable Range:
See section VII A.2 Linearity.
5. Traceability, Stability, Expected Values (Controls, Calibrators, or Methods):
Traceability:
Blood gases analytes (i.e. pCO2 and pO2) and pH run on the Easystat300 analyzer are traceable to NIST standards and SRM2181/2182/2183/2184 reference materials, respectively.
Stability:
Shelf life stability studies demonstrated that the ISE cartridge as it pertains to measuring pH has an on-board stability of 30 days when stored in the claimed range of 4-25°C. The sensors for pCO2 and pO2 have an on-board stability of 90 days. The protocols for stability and acceptance criteria were reviewed and found to be adequate.
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6. Detection Limit:
The Limit of Blank (LoB), Limit of Detection (LoD) and Limit of Quantification (LoQ) were evaluated in accordance with CLSI EP17-A2.
For pCO2 and pO2, the LoB and LoD of the EasyStat300 analyzer were evaluated using tonometered lithium heparin venous whole blood samples. LoQ was defined as the lowest concentration at which measured total error was less than the pre-defined total allowable error of ± 5 mmHg.
For pH, a saline aqueous solution buffered at low pH were used to estimate LoB, LoD, and LoQ. Linearity studies were used to support the lower end of the measuring range for pH (see section VII.A.2. above).
The results are summarized in the table below:
| Analyte | LoB | LoD | LoQ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| pCO2 | 2.8 mmHg | 4.6 mmHg | 4.6 mmHg |
| pO2 | 3 mmHg | 4 mmHg | 4.6 mmHg |
| pH | 6.14 pH units | 6.50 pH units | 6.50 pH units |
These results support the claimed measuring ranges for pH, pCO2, and pO2.
7. Assay Cut-Off:
Not applicable.
8. Accuracy (Instrument):
See Section B1. Method Comparison with Predicate Device.
9. Carry-Over:
Not applicable.
B Comparison Studies:
1. Method Comparison with Predicate Device:
Whole blood and arterial samples were collected in lithium heparin anticoagulated syringes and capillary tubes and tested, of which ~3% samples were contrived, on the predicate device (i.e. the EasyStat analyzer) and on the EasyStat 300 analyzer. Testing was performed in capillary and syringe modes on the EasyStat and EasyStat 300 analyzers. The results for pO2 were analyzed using Passing-Bablok regression. The results for pCO2 and pH were analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. The results are summarized below:
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Method comparison in Syringe mode:
| Analyte | Sample size | Sample range | Slope | Intercept | R² |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| pCO2 | 263 | 7.6-142.3 mmHg | 1.04 | -1.16 | 0.99 |
| pO2 | 270 | 5-691 mmHg | 1.03 | -0.89 | 0.99 |
| pH | 272 | 6.75-8.00 pH units | 1.04 | -0.30 | 0.96 |
Method comparison in Capillary mode:
| Analyte | Sample size | Sample range | Slope | Intercept | R² |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| pCO2 | 216 | 22.6-85.6 mmHg | 0.94 | 2.67 | 0.91 |
| pO2 | 222 | 29-375 mmHg | 1.01 | -1.86 | 0.97 |
| pH | 221 | 7.07-7.52 pH units | 0.98 | 0.16 | 0.92 |
2. **Matrix Comparison:**
Not applicable. The acceptable sample types for this device are lithium heparin venous whole blood and arterial blood.
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.
D Clinical Cut-Off:
Not applicable.
E Expected Values/Reference Range:
Reference ranges for pH, pCO2 and pO2 are cited from the literature $^{1,2}$ :
Arterial blood:
pH: 7.350-7.450 (pH units)
pCO2: 35-45 mmHg
pO2: 83-108 mmHg
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Venous whole blood:
pH: 7.340-7.360 (pH units)
pCO2: 44.0-46.0 mmHg
pO2: 38-42 mmHg
¹ Tietz NW, Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry, 5th ed. 2001, pg. 509.
² Burnett RW, Noonan DC. “Calculations and Correction Factors Used in Determination of Blood pH and Blood Gases”, Clin. Chem., Vol 20, No. 12, pp. 1499-1506 (1974).
## F Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data:
**Operating conditions (temperature, humidity):**
A study was conducted to test the performance of pH, pCO2 and pO2 at different temperature and humidity conditions. Temperatures ranging from 15 - 30°C and 5 – 85% relative humidity (RH) were tested. Three levels of aqueous QC materials were tested in 15 replicates for each level. The study results support the labeled operating conditions claim of 15-30°C (59 – 86°F) and 5-85% RH.
## VIII Proposed Labeling:
The labeling des 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.
K211559 - Page 11 of 11
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.