The Elecsys CMV IgG assay is an in vitro qualitative test for the detection of IgG antibodies to CMV in human serum, lithium-heparin plasma, K2-EDTA plasma, and K3-EDTA plasma. The test is intended as an aid in the determination of the serological status to CMV in individuals in which a CMV IgG test was ordered, including pregnant women. Performance characteristics have not been evaluated in immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals. This test is not intended for use in neonatal screening or for use at point of care facilities. This test is not intended for use in screening blood and plasma donors. The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay “ECLIA” is intended for use on cobas e immunoassay analyzers.
Device Story
Elecsys CMV IgG is a two-step sandwich immunoassay; utilizes streptavidin microparticles, biotinylated recombinant CMV-specific antigen labeled with ruthenium complex; employs electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) detection. Used on cobas e immunoassay analyzers in clinical laboratory settings; operated by laboratory technicians. Input: human serum or plasma samples. Device transforms inputs via antigen-antibody binding; output: qualitative result (reactive if ≥ 1.0 U/mL) determined by instrument-specific calibration curve and master curve. Updated version includes streptavidin interference-reducing agent to improve biotin tolerance to ≤ 1200 ng/mL. Healthcare providers use results to assess CMV serological status; aids clinical decision-making regarding CMV infection history or status.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical trials were performed. Substantial equivalence was established via analytical performance testing and a method comparison study. Method comparison (n=280) between current and biotin-updated assays showed high agreement (Percent Positive Agreement 96.5-100%; Percent Negative Agreement 98.8-100%). Analytical testing confirmed biotin interference tolerance up to 1200 ng/mL and precision (CVs 0.9-4.6%).
Technological Characteristics
Two-step sandwich immunoassay; electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) detection. Materials: streptavidin microparticles, biotinylated recombinant CMV-specific antigen, ruthenium complex label. Includes streptavidin interference-reducing agent. Connectivity: cobas e immunoassay analyzers. Software: instrument-specific calibration curve and master curve via reagent bar code.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the detection of IgG antibodies to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in human serum and plasma (lithium-heparin, K2-EDTA, K3-EDTA) to aid in determining serological status in patients, including pregnant women. Not indicated for immunocompromised/immunosuppressed individuals, neonatal screening, point-of-care use, or blood/plasma donor screening.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Cytomegalovirus serological reagents are devices that consist of antigens and antisera used in serological tests to identify antibodies to cytomegalovirus in serum. The identification aids in the diagnosis of diseases caused by cytomegaloviruses (principally cytomegalic inclusion disease) and provides epidemiological information on these diseases. Cytomegalic inclusion disease is a generalized infection of infants and is caused by intrauterine or early postnatal infection with the virus. The disease may cause severe congenital abnormalities, such as microcephaly (abnormal smallness of the head), motor disability, and mental retardation. Cytomegalovirus infection has also been associated with acquired hemolytic anemia, acute and chronic hepatitis, and an infectious mononucleosis-like syndrome.
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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
K220911
B Applicant
Roche Diagnostics
C Proprietary and Established Names
Elecsys CMV IgG
D Regulatory Information
| Product Code(s) | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| LFZ | Class II | 21 CFR 866.3175 - Cytomegalovirus Serological Reagents | MI - Microbiology |
## II Submission/Device Overview:
A Purpose for Submission:
Clearance of modifications to the Elecsys CMV IgG assay that improve tolerance to biotin interference.
B Measurand:
IgG antibodies to Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
C Type of Test:
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
## III Intended Use/Indications for Use:
A Intended Use(s):
The Elecsys CMV IgG assay is an in vitro qualitative test for the detection of IgG antibodies to CMV in human serum, lithium-heparin plasma, K2-EDTA plasma, and K3-EDTA plasma. The
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
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test is intended as an aid in the determination of the serological status to CMV in individuals in which a CMV IgG test was ordered, including pregnant women.
Performance characteristics have not been evaluated in immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals. This test is not intended for use in neonatal screening or for use at point of care facilities. This test is not intended for use in screening blood and plasma donors.
The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay “ECLIA” is intended for use on cobas e immunoassay analyzers.
**B Indication(s) for Use:**
See intended use above.
**C Special Conditions for Use Statement(s):**
Rx - For Prescription Use Only
**D Special Instrument Requirements:**
The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay “ECLIA” is intended for use on cobas e immunoassay analyzers.
**IV Device/System Characteristics:**
**A Device Description:**
The Elecsys CMV IgG assay is a two-step sandwich immunoassay with streptavidin microparticles, biotinylated recombinant CMV-specific antigen labeled with a ruthenium complex and electrochemiluminescence detection. The results are determined using a calibration curve which is instrument-specifically generated by a 2-point calibration and a master curve provided via the reagent bar code. Results greater than or equal to 1.0 COI are considered reactive CMV IgG antibody. The test system contains the human serum-based calibrators intended for use with the system.
The Elecsys PreciControl CMV IgG contains liquid control serum based on human serum. The controls are used for monitoring the accuracy of the Elecsys CMV IgG immunoassay.
Reagents and calibrators are packaged together in the Elecsys CMV IgG assay kit, while the associated PreciControl is packaged separately.
**The following Reagents are provided in the Elecsys CMV IgG assay kit:**
1. The reagent rackpack consists of reagents: M, R1, and R2 and is labeled as CMVIGG:
- M: Streptavidin-coated microparticles (transparent cap), 1 bottle, 6.5 mL: Streptavidin-coated microparticles 0.72 mg/mL; preservatives: MIT (0.1%) and Oxypyrion (0.1%).
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- R1: CMV Ag~biotin (gray cap), 1 bottle, 9 mL: Biotinylated CMV-specific antigen (recombinant, E. coli) > 400 µg/L, MES buffer 50 mmol/L, pH 6.5; preservatives: MIT (1%) and Oxypyrion (1%).
- R2: CMV Ag~Ru(bpy) (black cap), 1 bottle, 9 mL: CMV specific antigen (recombinant, E. coli) labeled with ruthenium complex > 400 µg/L; MES buffer 50 mmol/L, pH 6.5; preservatives: MIT (1%) and Oxypyrion (1%).
2. CMVIGG Cal1: Negative calibrator 1 (white cap), 2 bottles of 1.0 mL each: Human serum, non-reactive for anti-CMV IgG; buffer; preservatives: MIT (0.1%) and Oxypyrion (0.1%).
3. CMVIGG Cal2: Positive calibrator 2 (black cap), 2 bottles of 1.0 mL each: Human serum, reactive for anti-CMV IgG, approx. 40 COI; buffer; preservatives: MIT (0.1%) and Oxypyrion (0.1%).
The following are the Materials that are required but not provided:
1. PreciControl CMV IgG, 5 x 1 mL each of PreciControl CMV IgG 0, 1 and 2
2. 11776576322, CalSet Vials, 2 x 56 empty snap-cap bottles
3. General laboratory equipment
4. Elecsys 2010, MODULAR ANALYTICS E170 or cobas e analyzer
5. Accessories for cobas e immunoassay analyzer
Calculation
The analyzer automatically calculates the analyte numerical value of each sample in COI.
Interpretation of Results
Interpretation of the results is tabulated below:
| Numerical Value COI | Result | Interpretation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| < 0.5 COI | Non-reactive | CMV IgG antibodies not detected |
| 0.5 - < 1.0 COI | Borderline | Re-test the sample, collect another sample within 2 weeks or test with an alternative method |
| ≥ 1.0 COI | Reactive | CMV IgG antibodies detected |
B Principle of Operation:
Sandwich principle. Total duration of assay: 18 minutes.
- 1st incubation: 12 µL of sample, biotinylated recombinant CMV-specific antigens, and CMV-specific recombinant antigens labeled with a ruthenium complex$^{a)}$ form a sandwich complex.
- 2nd incubation: After addition of streptavidin-coated microparticles, the complex becomes bound to the solid phase via interaction of biotin and streptavidin.
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- The reaction mixture is aspirated into the measuring cell where the microparticles are magnetically captured onto the surface of the electrode. Unbound substances are then removed with ProCell II M. Application of a voltage to the electrode then induces chemiluminescent emission which is measured by a photomultiplier.
- Results are determined via a calibration curve which is instrument specifically generated by 2-point calibration and a master curve provided via the cobas link.
a) - Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)-complex (Ru(bpy))
## C Instrument Description Information:
1. Instrument Name: cobas e 801 analyzer
2. Specimen Identification: See K131605.
3. Specimen Sampling and Handling: See K131605.
4. Calibration: See K131605.
5. Quality Control: See K131605.
## V Substantial Equivalence Information:
A Predicate Device Name(s): Elecsys Precicontrol CMV IgG, Elecsys CMV IgG Immunoassay
B Predicate 510(k) Number(s): K131605
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# C Comparison with Predicate(s):
Table 1: Comparison of the Biotin-Updated Elecsys CMV IgG (K220911) with the Predicate (K131605)
| Device & Predicate Device(s): | K220911 | K131605 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Device Trade Name | Elecsys CMV IgG | Elecsys CMV IgG |
| Catalog number | 09118551190 (300 test kit) | 07027117190 (300 test kit) |
| General Device Characteristic Similarities | | |
| Intended Use/Indications For Use | The Elecsys CMV IgG assay is an in vitro qualitative test for the detection of IgG antibodies to CMV in human serum, lithium-heparin plasma, K2- EDTA plasma, and K3-EDTA plasma. The test is intended as an aid in the determination of the serological status to CMV in individuals in which a CMV IgG test was ordered, including pregnant women. Performance characteristics have not been evaluated in immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals. This test is not intended for use in neonatal screening or for use at point of care facilities. This test is not intended for use in screening blood and plasma donors. The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay “ECLIA” is intended for use on cobas e immunoassay analyzers.1 | The Elecsys CMV IgG assay is an in vitro qualitative test for the detection of IgG antibodies to CMV in human serum, lithium-heparin plasma, K2- EDTA plasma, and K3-EDTA plasma. The test is intended as an aid in the determination of the serological status to CMV in individuals in which a CMV IgG test was ordered, including pregnant women. Performance characteristics have not been evaluated in immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals. This test is not intended for use in neonatal screening or for use at point of care facilities. This test is not intended for use in screening blood and plasma donors. The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay “ECLIA” is intended for use on Elecsys and cobas e immunoassay analyzers. |
| Technology | Same | ECLIA |
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| Test Format | Same | Sandwich |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Test Type | Same | Qualitative |
| Application Time | Same | 18 min |
| Assay Protocol | Same | 1st Incubation: R1+R2+sample 2nd incubation: Addition of streptavidin-coated microparticles (beads) |
| Pipetting Volume (sample) | Same | 12 μL |
| Pipetting Volume (beads) | Same | 24 μL |
| Pipetting volume (R1) | Same | 42 μL |
| Pipetting volume (R2) | Same | 42 μL |
| Buffer Composition R1 | Same | 2-morpholino-ethane sulfonic acid |
| | Same | Preservatives: N-Methylisothiazolone Oxy-PYRION |
| Antigens used in R1 | Same | Biotinylated CMV-specific antigen (recombinant, E. coli) |
| Buffer Composition R2 | Same | 2-morpholino-ethane sulfonic acid |
| | Same | Preservatives |
| Result Reporting | Same | COI and result message as defined below: (non- reactive, borderline, or reactive) < 0.5 COI = non-reactive 0.5 - <1.0 COI = borderline ≥ 1.0 COI = reactive |
| Calibrators | Same | CMV IgG Cal1/Cal2 |
| Control Material | Same | PreciControl CMV IgG |
| General Device Characteristic Differences | | |
| Antigens used in R2 | CMV-specific antigen (recombinant, E.coli) labelled with ruthenium complex
SA recombinant inactive poly + SA rec. Mutein poly which, increases the anti-streptavidin tolerance. | CMV-specific antigen (recombinant, E. coli) labeled with ruthenium complex |
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| Antibodies used in R2 | Anti-Biotin antibody (“scavenger antibody”) specific for free, unconjugated biotin | None |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Biotin Tolerance | ≤ 1200 ng/mL | ≤ 100 ng/mL |
| Anti-SA interference elimination | Yes | No |
¹ The Elecsys instruments were discontinued and are therefore no longer included in the Intended Use.
## VI Standards/Guidance Documents Referenced:
Standard/Guidance Documents referenced are below:
- Evaluation of Precision of Quantitative Measurement Procedures; Approved Guideline - Third Edition CLSI EP05-A3 7-251
- Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry CLSI EP07 3rd Edition 7-275
- Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry CLSI EP37 1st Edition 7-284
- User Protocol for Evaluation of Qualitative Test Performance; Approved Guideline - Second Edition. CLSI EP12-A2 7 – 152
## VII Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### A Analytical Performance:
#### 1. Precision/Reproducibility:
Within laboratory precision was determined using Elecsys CMV IgG Immunoassay reagents, and calibrators in a protocol based on CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) EP05-A3. The test panel consisted of 5 human serum samples of different CMV IgG concentrations (see Table 2) and the PreciControls. Samples and assay controls were measured in duplicates in each of 2 runs per day, for 21 days (n = 84). The following results were obtained:
Table 2: Precision of the Biotin-Updated Elecsys CMV IgG Assay
| Sample | Mean [COI] | Repeatability (within-run) | | Intermediate Precision (within-lab) | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | SD [COI] | CV (%) | SD [COI] | CV (%) |
| HS 1 | 0.283 | 0.00595 | 2.1 | 0.00788 | 2.8 |
| HS 2 | 0.963 | 0.0218 | 2.3 | 0.0289 | 3.0 |
| HS 3 | 1.08 | 0.0217 | 2.0 | 0.0258 | 2.4 |
| HS 4 | 12.5 | 0.216 | 1.7 | 0.299 | 2.4 |
| HS 5 | 405 | 3.87 | 1.0 | 7.66 | 1.9 |
| PreciControl CMV IgG 0 | 0.132 | 0.00514 | 3.9 | 0.00601 | 4.6 |
| PreciControl CMV IgG 1 | 1.32 | 0.0127 | 1.0 | 0.0227 | 1.7 |
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| PreciControl CMV IgG 2 | 24.1 | 0.207 | 0.9 | 0.412 | 1.7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
HS = human serum
UCL = Upper Confidence Limit
2. Linearity:
Not applicable since this is not a quantitative assay.
3. Analytical Specificity/Interference:
To evaluate the effect of elevated levels of hemoglobin, bilirubin, intralipid, total protein and rheumatoid factor on the CMV IgG assay, six CMV IgG samples (2 negative, 2 near cutoff and 2 positive) were spiked with the potential interferents. Each interferent was evaluated at 11 different concentrations. Samples containing hemoglobin, bilirubin, intralipid, total protein, and rheumatoid factor were tested in duplicate on the Elecsys 2010 analyzer with an acceptance criterion of ± 15 %. Please refer to the interfering substances testing in K131605.
Biotin interference testing was performed with multiple samples of increasing biotin concentrations using an acceptance criterion of ± 10 %.
The results of the biotin interference testing are presented in the following table with the maximum test concentration that does not interfere with the results of the Elecsys CMV IgG test:
Table 3: Endogenous Interfering Substances Testing
| Interferent tested | No interference up to |
| --- | --- |
| Hemoglobin | ≤ 0.623 mmol/L or ≤ 1.0 g/dL |
| Bilirubin | ≤ 1129 μmol/L or ≤ 66 mg/dL |
| Intralipid | ≤ 2000 mg/dL |
| Biotin | ≤ 4912 nmol/L or ≤ 1200 ng/mL |
| Total protein | ≤ 20 g/dL |
| Rheumatoid factor | ≤ 1600 IU/mL |
4. Assay Reportable Range:
See K131605.
5. Traceability, Stability, Expected Values (Controls, Calibrators, or Methods):
a. Traceability:
See K131605.
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b. Reagent Stability:
Roche conducted the following reagent stability studies to determine changes to the stability of the biotin updated Elecsys CMV IgG assay:
- On board Reagent Stability: The on-board stability of the reagents were assessed in this study with one lot on the cobas e 801 analyzer. The study was conducted with a panel that consisted of five human serum samples (negative, below cut-off, borderline, above cut-off, positive) and PreciControl PC0, PC1 and PC2. Each panel member was tested in duplicates. Samples were measured with reagent kits of one lot on day 0 (reference value with fresh reagents), and upon storage of the reagent kit at 10 °C +/- 2°C onboard of the instrument for 35, 63, 91, 112 and 119 days (5, 9, 13, 16 and 17 weeks). Re-calibration was performed at every measuring time point. The study results met the following criteria and thus supports a claim of 16 weeks at on-board temperature of 10 °C +/- 2°C:
| Concentration | Deviation/Recovery |
| --- | --- |
| 0.25 COI to ≤ 1.0 COI | ± 0.2 COI |
| > 1.0 COI | ≤ ± 20 % |
- Calibration Stability: The calibration stability of the reagents were assessed in this study with one lot of calibrators on the cobas e 801 analyzer. The study was conducted with a panel that consisted of five human serum samples (negative, below cut-off, borderline, above cut-off, positive) and PreciControl PC0, PC1 and PC2. Each panel member was tested in duplicates at each timepoint. Samples were tested at day 0 (reference value with new reagents, stored refrigerated at 2-8°C) and then assessed for their stability at day 35, 63, 84 and 91 of open reagents stored at 2-8°C during the entire test period. The median sample COI was calculated and evaluated on the basis of recovery (absolute or percentage) relative to the median of the test samples with fresh reagents (reference). The study results met the following criteria and thus supports a calibration stability claim for 12 weeks when stored at 2-8°C:
| Concentration | Deviation/Recovery |
| --- | --- |
| 0.25 COI to ≤ 1.0 COI | ± 0.15 COI |
| > 1.0 COI | ≤ ± 15 % |
c. Expected Values:
See K131605.
6. Detection Limit:
Not applicable.
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7. Assay Cut-Off: See K131605.
8. Accuracy (Instrument): See K131605.
9. Carry-Over: See K131605.
## B Comparison Studies:
### 1. Method Comparison with Predicate Device:
The equivalence of the current and biotin-updated Elecsys CMV IgG assay was evaluated by a method comparison study. A total of 280 samples were measured with one lot of the current Elecsys CMV IgG assay and 3 lots of the biotin-updated Elecsys CMV IgG assay. Testing was conducted with the cobas e 801 analyzer at one site.
Native clinical and contrived samples were tested in this study to adequately represent the measuring range of the Elecsys CMV IgG assay. Contrived samples were derived from diluting individual positive samples with individual negative clinical samples for concentrations that were not adequately represented by native clinical samples. Sample concentrations were as follows:
- 80 samples - < 0.5 COI,
- 31 samples were between 0.5 to < 1.0 COI
- 69 samples were between 1.0 – 3.0 COI
- 100 samples were > 3.0 COI
The results are presented below:
Table 4: Method Comparison Study: Current (Lot 522583) vs. Updated (Lots 546722, 546723, and 546724) Elecsys CMV IgG Assay
| Interpretation of Gray Zone Samples | Percent Positive Agreement | 95.0 % Confidence Limits | | Percent Negative Agreement | 95.0 % Confidence Limits | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | LCL | UCL | | LCL | UCL |
| Biotin Updated Elecsys CMV IgG (Lot 546722) | | | | | | |
| All gray + (Borderlines counted as pos) | 99.0 % | 96.4 % | 99.9 % | 100.0 % | 95.5 % | 100.0 % |
| All gray - (Borderlines counted as neg) | 99.4 % | 96.7 % | 100.0 % | 99.1 % | 95.1 % | 100.0 % |
| Conservative Approach¹ | 98.2 % | 95.0 % | 99.6 % | 98.8 % | 93.3 % | 100.0 % |
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| Biotin-Updated Elecsys CMV IgG (Lot 546723) | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| All gray + (Borderlines counted as pos) | 99.5 % | 97.2 % | 100.0 % | 100.0 % | 95.5 % | 100.0 % |
| All gray - (Borderlines counted as neg) | 97.0 % | 93.2 % | 99.0 % | 100.0 % | 96.7 % | 100.0 % |
| Conservative Approach¹ | 96.5 % | 92.5 % | 98.7 % | 100.0 % | 95.5 % | 100.0 % |
| Biotin-Updated Elecsys CMV IgG (Lot 546724) | | | | | | |
| All gray + (Borderlines counted as pos) | 100.0 % | 98.2 % | 100.0 % | 100.0 % | 95.5 % | 100.0 % |
| All gray - (Borderlines counted as neg) | 98.8 % | 95.8 % | 99.9 % | 100.0 % | 96.7 % | 100.0 % |
| Conservative Approach¹ | 98.8 % | 95.8 % | 99.9 % | 100.0 % | 95.5 % | 100.0 % |
¹ – the conservative approach counts the equivocals of the candidate and comparator assay against the candidate device
The results presented above support the equivalence of the current Elecsys CMV IgG and the biotin-updated Elecsys CMV IgG assays.
2. Matrix Comparison: See K131605.
C Clinical Studies:
1. Clinical Sensitivity: See K131605.
2. Clinical Specificity: See K131605.
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: See K131605.
F Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data: Not applicable.
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VIII Proposed Labeling:
The labeling supports the finding of substantial equivalence for this device.
IX Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
K220911 - Page 12 of 12
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.