K970919 · Beckman Instruments, Inc. · KNK · May 21, 1997 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K970919
Device Name
SYNCHRON CX SYSTEMS URIC ACID (URIC) REAGENT
Applicant
Beckman Instruments, Inc.
Product Code
KNK · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
May 21, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1775
Device Class
Class 1
Indications for Use
The SYNCHRON Systems Uric Acid (URIC) Reagent, in conjunction with SYNCHRON MULTI™ Calibrator, is intended for use in the quantitative determination of uric acid in serum, plasma, and urine samples. This assay is designed for use with clinical chemistry analyzers from Beckman Instruments, such as the SYNCHRON CX® and LX™ Clinical Systems.
Device Story
Reagent kit for quantitative uric acid measurement in serum, plasma, and urine; used with Beckman SYNCHRON CX and LX clinical chemistry analyzers. Operates via timed endpoint methodology at 37°C with absorbance reading at 520 nm. System performs automated calibration and, on LX systems, automated sample dilution for urine. Used in clinical laboratory settings by trained personnel. Output provides uric acid concentration values to assist clinicians in diagnosing and monitoring renal and metabolic conditions. Benefits include standardized, automated testing workflow and expanded measuring range capabilities on newer analyzer platforms.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Method comparison study (n=79 serum/plasma, n=78 urine) between SYNCHRON LX and CX systems showed high correlation (r=0.9985 for serum/plasma; r=0.9990 for urine). Linearity confirmed across default and ORDAC ranges. Imprecision studies (n=80) demonstrated low variability, with total imprecision %C.V. ranging from 0.8% to 1.9%.
Technological Characteristics
In vitro diagnostic reagent for clinical chemistry analyzers. Employs timed endpoint spectrophotometric measurement at 520 nm. Supports automated calibration and onboard dilution. Measuring range: 0.5–12.0 mg/dL (default), 5.0–120 mg/dL (urine/ORDAC), and 9.0–21.0 mg/dL (ORDAC serum/plasma).
Indications for Use
Indicated for the quantitative determination of uric acid in serum, plasma, and urine samples to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of renal and metabolic disorders, including renal failure, gout, leukemia, psoriasis, starvation, wasting conditions, and for patients receiving cytotoxic drugs.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A uric acid test system is a device intended to measure uric acid in serum, plasma, and urine. Measurements obtained by this device are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous renal and metabolic disorders, including renal failure, gout, leukemia, psoriasis, starvation or other wasting conditions, and of patients receiving cytotoxic drugs.
{0}
Beckman Instruments, Inc., Section 510(k) Notification
SYNCHRON® Systems Uric Acid Reagent
Summary of Safety & Effectiveness
K970919
MAY 21, 1997
Summary of Safety & Effectiveness
SYNCHRON ® Systems Uric Acid (URIC) Reagent
## 1.0 Submitted By:
Sheri Hall
Product Submissions Manager
Beckman Instruments, Inc.
200 S. Kraemer Blvd., W-337
Brea, California 92822-8000
Telephone: (714) 993-8961
FAX: (714) 961-4457
## 2.0 Date Submitted:
3 March 1997
## 3.0 Device Name(s):
### 3.1 Proprietary Names
SYNCHRON® Systems Uric Acid (URIC) Reagent
### 3.2 Classification Name
Uric Acid test system. (21 CFR § 862.1775)
## 4.0 Predicate Device(s):
| Product | Predicate | Predicate Company | Docket Number |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Beckman SYNCHRON Systems Uric Acid (URIC) Reagent as used on the SYNCHRON CX Systems | Beckman Dri-STAT® Uric Acid Trinder Reagent | Beckman Instruments, Inc | K881498 |
| SYNCHRON LX Clinical System | SYNCHRON CX Clinical Systems | Beckman Instruments, Inc. | **K965240 |
**K965240 for the LX SYNCHRON System is currently under review.
file: UA510KS.DOC
{1}
Beckman Instruments, Inc., Section 510(k) Notification
SYNCHRON® Systems Uric Acid Reagent
Summary of Safety & Effectiveness
# 5.0 Description:
The SYNCHRON Systems Uric Acid (URIC) reagent is designed for use with clinical chemistry analyzers from Beckman Instruments, such as the SYNCHRON CX® and LX™ Clinical Systems. When used in conjunction with SYNCHRON MULTI™ Calibrator, it is intended for use in the quantitative determination of uric acid concentration in serum, plasma, and urine samples. Measurements obtained by this device are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous renal and metabolic disorders, including renal failure, gout, leukemia, psoriasis, starvation or other wasting conditions, and of patients receiving cytotoxic drugs.
# 6.0 Intended Use:
The SYNCHRON Systems Uric Acid (URIC) reagent, in conjunction with SYNCHRON MULTI™ Calibrator, is intended for use in the quantitative determination of uric acid concentration in serum, plasma, and urine samples. This assay is designed for use with clinical chemistry analyzers from Beckman Instruments, such as the SYNCHRON CX® and LX™ Clinical Systems.
# 7.0 Comparison to Predicate(s):
The following tables show similarities and differences between the predicates identified in Section 4.0 of this summary.
## Similarities
| Reagent | Aspect/Characteristic | Comments |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SYNCHRON Systems (URIC) Reagent | intended use | same: quantitative determination of uric acid in human serum, plasma, and urine |
| | chemical reaction | same: a timed endpoint methodology |
| | reagent components and packaging | same: same reagent formulation and packaging materials |
| | measurement method | same: runs the reaction at 37°C and reads an endpoint at 520 nm |
| | measuring range
default range: serum/plasma
urine range (with on-line or off-line dilution) | same: (0.5 - 12.0 mg/dL)
(5 - 120 mg/dL) |
| | calibration | same: single point update |
file: UA510KS.DOC
{2}
Beckman Instruments, Inc., Section 510(k) Notification
SYNCHRON® Systems Uric Acid Reagent
Summary of Safety & Effectiveness
3
## Differences
| Reagent | Aspect/Characteristic | Comments |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SYNCHRON Systems (URIC) Reagents | Measuring range expansion | The LX System may utilize ORDAC serum and plasma samples to expand the measuring range to 9.0 mg/dL to 21.0 mg/dL |
| | Urine application | the LX System performs the 1:10 sample dilution onboard, where the CX System must have the dilution prepared off-line |
## 8.0 Summary of Performance Data:
The data in the Premarket Notification on safety and effectiveness supports a finding of substantial equivalence to chemistry test systems already in commercial distribution. Equivalence is demonstrated through method comparison, linearity, and imprecision experiments that relate results obtained from the SYNCHRON Systems Uric Acid Reagent run on the SYNCHRON CX Systems to the SYNCHRON Systems Uric Acid Reagent run on the SYNCHRON Systems LX.
### Method Comparison Study Results
| Reagent (Analyte) | Slope | Intercept (mg/dL) | r | n | Predicate Method |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serum/Plasma
SYNCHRON Uric Acid Reagent (URIC) on the SYNCHRON LX System | 0.977 | -0.020 | 0.9985 | 79 | Beckman SYNCHRON Uric Acid Reagent (URIC) on the SYNCHRON CX System |
| Urine
SYNCHRON Uric Acid Reagent (URIC) on the SYNCHRON LX System | 0.995 | 0.116 | 0.9990 | 78 | Beckman SYNCHRON Uric Acid Reagent (URIC) on the SYNCHRON CX System |
file: UA510KS.DOC
22
{3}
Beckman Instruments, Inc., Section 510(k) Notification
SYNCHRON® Systems Uric Acid Reagent
Summary of Safety & Effectiveness
## Linearity Study Results
| Analyte | Sample Type | Option | Measuring Range | Assessment |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SYNCHRON Systems | serum | default | 0.5 - 12.0 mg/dL | linear |
| URIC | | ORDAC | 5.0 - 120 mg/dL | linear |
| Reagent | urine | default | 5.0 - 120 mg/dL | linear |
## Estimated Imprecision
| SAMPLE | Mean (mg/dL) | SD (mg/dL) | %C.V. | N |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Within-Run Imprecision | | | | |
| Level 1 | 2.42 | 0.03 | 1.1% | 80 |
| Level 2 | 10.48 | 0.05 | 0.5% | 80 |
| Total Imprecision | | | | |
| Level 1 | 2.42 | 0.05 | 1.9% | 80 |
| Level 2 | 10.48 | 0.08 | 0.8% | 80 |
This summary of safety and effectiveness is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Device Act of 1990 and the implementing regulation 21 CFR 807.92.
file: UA510KS.DOC
21
{4}
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
MAY 21 1997
Food and Drug Administration
2098 Gaither Road
Rockville MD 20850
Sheri Hall
Manager, Premarket Regulatory
Beckman Instruments, Inc.
200 S. Kraemer Boulevard, M/S W-337
P.O. Box 8000
Brea, California 92822-8000
Re: K970919
SYNCHRON® Systems Uric Acid (URIC) Reagent
Regulatory Class: I
Product Code: KNK
Dated: March 5, 1997
Received: March 12, 1997
Dear Ms. Hall:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Good Manufacturing Practice for Medical Devices: General (GMP) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic GMP inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
{5}
Page 2
Under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA-88), this device may require a CLIA complexity categorization. To determine if it does, you should contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at (770) 488-7655.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for *in vitro* diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4588. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Steven I. Gutman, M.D., M.B.A.
Director
Division of Clinical Laboratory Devices
Office of Device Evaluation
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{6}
K970919
page 1 of 1
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: SYNCHRON® Systems Uric Acid (URIC) Reagent
Indications for Use:
The SYNCHRON Systems Uric Acid (URIC) Reagent, in conjunction with SYNCHRON MULTI™ Calibrator, is intended for use in the quantitative determination of uric acid in serum, plasma, and urine samples. This assay is designed for use with clinical chemistry analyzers from Beckman Instruments, such as the SYNCHRON CX® and LX™ Clinical Systems.
21 CFR § 862.1775 Uric acid Test System
(a) Identification. A uric acid test system is a device intended to measure uric acid in serum, plasma, and urine. Measurements obtained by this device are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous renal and metabolic disorders, including renal failure, gout, leukemia, psoriasis, starvation or other wasting conditions, and of patients receiving cytotoxic drugs.
(b) Classification. Class I.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)

Prescription Use ☑ (per 21 CFR 801.109) OR Over-the-Counter Use ☐ Optional Format 1-2-96
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.