The cassette COBAS INTEGRA Alkaline Phosphatase IFCC liquid (ALPL2 and ALPL6) contain an in vitro diagnostic reagent system intended for use on COBAS INTEGRA for the quantitative determination of the catalytic activity of alkaline phosphatase in serum and plasma. Measurements of alkaline phosphatase or its isoenzymes are used in the diagnosis and treatment of liver, bone, parathyroid, and intestinal diseases. The cassette COBAS INTEGRA a-Amylase EPS Pancreatic (AMY-P / AMYUP) contains an in vitro diagnostic reagent system intended for use on COBAS INTEGRA for the quantitative determination of the catalytic activity of pancreatic or-amylase in serum, plasma, and urine. Amylase measurements are used primarily for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). The cassette COBAS INTEGRA C-reactive Protein (Latex), (CRPLX) contains an in vitro diagnostic reagent system intended for use on COBAS INTEGRA for the quantitative immunological determination of human C-reactive protein in serum and plasma..... Measurements of C-reactive protein aids in evaluation of the amount of injury to
Device Story
COBAS INTEGRA Reagent Cassettes are in vitro diagnostic consumables used with the COBAS INTEGRA Analyzer. The system accepts serum, plasma, or urine samples. The analyzer employs absorbance, fluorescence polarization, and ion-selective electrode measuring principles to perform clinical chemistry, immunology, and therapeutic drug monitoring. Barcode readers identify samples and reagent cassettes. The system automates sample processing, reagent handling, and measurement. Results are provided to clinicians to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of liver, bone, parathyroid, intestinal diseases, and pancreatitis, or to evaluate tissue injury. The device is intended for professional use in clinical laboratory settings.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance evaluated via precision (within-run and total CVs), assay range, sensitivity, and accuracy (correlation coefficients and linear regression) compared to predicate devices. Sample sizes ranged from 106 to 252. Correlation coefficients (r) were 0.993–0.999, indicating high equivalence to predicate methods.
Technological Characteristics
Reagent cassettes for automated clinical chemistry analyzer. Methodologies: enzymatic colorimetric (ALP, Amylase) and particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric (CRP). Reagents include enzymes, monoclonal antibodies (mouse), and latex particles. System uses absorbance, fluorescence polarization, and ion-selective electrodes. On-board storage at 2-8°C. Barcode-identified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for quantitative determination of alkaline phosphatase (serum/plasma) for liver, bone, parathyroid, and intestinal disease diagnosis; pancreatic alpha-amylase (serum, plasma, urine) for pancreatitis diagnosis; and C-reactive protein (serum/plasma) for evaluation of tissue injury.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An alkaline phosphatase or isoenzymes test system is a device intended to measure alkaline phosphatase or its isoenzymes (a group of enzymes with similar biological activity) in serum or plasma. Measurements of alkaline phosphatase or its isoenzymes are used in the diagnosis and treatment of liver, bone, parathyroid, and intestinal diseases.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the Roche logo. The logo consists of the word "Roche" in bold, sans-serif font, enclosed within a hexagon. The hexagon is outlined in black, and the word "Roche" is also in black.
# 510(k) Summary
# Roche COBAS® INTEGRA Reagent Cassettes
In accordance with the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, a 510(k) summary is provided as outlined in 21 CFR 807.92.
The assigned 510(k) number is: k981897
#### I. Identification of 510(k) Sponsor:
Roche Diagnostic Systems, Inc. a subsidiary of Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. Branchburg Township 1080 U.S. Highway 202 Somerville, New Jersey 08876-3771
510(k) Submission dated May 29, 1998
Contact: Rita Smith Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate Phone: (908) 253-7545 Fax: (908) 253-7547
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#### II. Device Name:
The device name, including both the trade/proprietary name and the classification name are provided in the table below.
| Product Name | Classification Name | Product Code | CFR Number and Regulatory Class |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|--------------|---------------------------------|
| COBAS INTEGRA<br>Alkaline Phosphatase IFCC liquid<br>(ALPL2) (ALPL6) | Nitrophenylphosphate, alkaline phosphatase or isoenzyme | CJE | 862.1050<br>Class II |
| COBAS INTEGRA αAmylase EPS<br>Pancreatic<br>(AMY-P / AMYUP) | Catalytic methods, Amylase | JFJ | 862.1070<br>Class II |
| COBAS INTEGRA C-Reactive<br>Protein (Latex) (CRPLX) | C-reactive protein Immunological test system | DCN | 862.5270<br>Class II |
### Table 1
#### III. Identification of the legally marketed device to which the 510(k) sponsor claims equivalence:
The following table identifies the legally marketed devices to which Roche Diagnostic Systems, Inc. claims equivalence.
| Product Name | Predicate Product<br>Name | Date<br>Predicate<br>Cleared | Predicate<br>510(k)<br>Number |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|-------------------------------|
| COBAS INTEGRA<br>Alkaline Phosphatase IFCC liquid<br>(ALPL2) (ALPL6) | COBAS INTEGRA Alkaline<br>Phosphatase IFCC (ALP) | 9/8/95 | K951595 |
| COBAS INTEGRA αAmylase EPS<br>Pancreatic<br>(AMY-P / AMYUP) | Boehringer Mannheim/ Hitachi<br>Pancreatic<br>α-Amylase liquid | 12/19/89 | K895880 |
| COBAS INTEGRA C-Reactive<br>Protein (Latex) (CRPLX) | COBAS INTEGRA C-Reactive<br>Protein (CRP) | 9/8/95 | K951595 |
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#### Description of the Device/Statement of Intended Use: IV.
The COBAS INTEGRA test applications contained in this submission are intended for use with the COBAS INTEGRA Analyzer, which is also known as the COBAS INTEGRA 700. The COBAS INTEGRA Analyzer and COBAS INTEGRA Reagent cassettes together provide an integrated system for in vitro diagnostic testing. The COBAS INTEGRA Analyzer along with 108 Roche COBAS INTEGRA Reagent Cassettes were previously cleared on September 8, 1995 (K951595); January 25, 1996 (K954992); July 23, 1996 (K961824); October 31, 1996 (K963292); January 21, 1997 (K964457); August 12, 1997 (K972250); and May 21, 1998 (K974695).
The COBAS INTEGRA Analyzer utilizes three measuring principles, i.e., absorbance, fluorescence polarization and ion-selective electrodes. The analyzer has a throughput of up to 600 tests per hour with STAT samples prioritized and tested immediately. Random sample access, robotics and a user interface optimize time management and streamline workflow. The COBAS INTEGRA can store up to 68 COBAS INTEGRA Reagent Cassettes on board, 24 hours a day at 2-8°C. The COBAS INTEGRA Reagent Cassettes are compact and preparation-free with the added convenience of long term on-board stability. Barcode readers are used to identify newly loaded reagent cassettes, samples for patient identification, and rack inserts and to read calibration and control data from the cassette label. COBAS INTEGRA tests include chemistry, drugs of abuse, immunology, ion selective electrodes, therapeutic drug monitoring, and hematology reagents. For additional information on the COBAS INTEGRA Analyzer and its constituent modules, please refer to the Operator's Manual in Volumes 1 through 2, pages 92-703, of the original 510(k) submission (K951595).
Through this submission, it is the intention of Roche to gain clearance for three additional COBAS Reagent Cassettes. These are the COBAS INTEGRA Alkaline Phosphatase IFCC liquid (ALPL2 and ALPL6), the COBAS INTEGRA a-Amylase EPS Pancreatic (AMY-P / AMYUP), and the COBAS INTEGRA C-Reactive Protein (Latex), (CRPLX).
Note: The Alkaline Phosphatase reagent cassette in two sizes: the 200 test cassette (ALPL2) and the 600 test cassette (ALPL6).
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#### Summary of the technological characteristics of the new device in comparison to V. those of the predicate.
Tables 3-5 outline the technological characteristics (methodologies) of the COBAS INTEGRA Reagents in comparison to those of legally marketed predicate products.
#### VI. Brief discussion of the clinical and nonclinical tests relied on for a determination of substantial equivalence:
Tables 3-5 demonstrate the results of clinical and nonclinical studies performed using the COBAS INTEGRA Reagent Cassettes. The significant performance characteristics relied upon for a determination of substantial equivalence are summarized in this chart. This information concludes that the performance of this device is essentially equivalent to other legally marketed devices of a similar kind.
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### COBAS INTEGRA Alkaline Phosphatase IFCC liquid (ALPL2 and ALPL6)
The cassettes COBAS INTEGRA Alkaline Phosphatase IFCC liquid (ALPL2 and ALPL6) contain an in vitro diagnostic reagent system intended for use on COBAS INTEGRA for the quantitative determination of the catalytic activity of alkaline phosphatase in serum and plasma.
| | COBAS INTEGRA Alkaline<br>Phosphatase IFCC liquid (ALPL2<br>and ALPL6)<br>(proposed) | | COBAS INTEGRA Alkaline<br>Phosphatase IFCC (ALP)<br>(cleared) K951595 | |
|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| Intended Use | quantitative determination of the catalytic<br>activity of alkaline phosphatase in serum<br>and plasma | | quantitative determination of the<br>catalytic activity of alkaline phosphatase<br>in serum and plasma | |
| Methodology | enzymatic colorimetric using<br>4-Nitrophenylphosphate (IFCC) | | enzymatic colorimetric using<br>4-Nitrophenylphosphate (IFCC) | |
| Sample type | Serum and Plasma | | Serum and Plasma | |
| Calibrator | Roche Calibrator (human)<br>(K942706) | | Roche Calibrator (human)<br>(K942706) | |
| Controls | Roche Control Serum N and P (human)<br>(K972214) | | Roche Control Serum N and P (human)<br>(K972214) | |
| Reagents | AMP in vial B (liquid)<br>4-Nitrophenylphosphate in vial C (liquid) | | AMP in vial A and B (liquid)<br>4-Nitrophenylphosphate in vial C<br>(granulate) | |
| Performance Characteristics: | | | | |
| Assay range | 0-1500 U/L | | 0 - 2300 U/L | |
| Sensitivity | 3.7 x 10-4 ΔA/min per U/L of ALP | | 4.0 x 10-4 ΔA/min per U/L of ALP | |
| Precision: | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Mean (U/L) | 45 | 236 | 85 | 451 |
| % CV (within-run) | 2.3 | 0.55 | 1.2 | 1.3 |
| % CV (total) | 2.7 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 2.0 |
| Accuracy: | | | | |
| Sample size (n) | 252 | | 234 | |
| Corr. Coefficient (r) | 0.999 | | 0.999 | |
| Linear regression | 1.00x + 0.15 U/L | | 1.06x - 6 U/L | |
## Table 3 - COBAS INTEGRA Alkaline Phosphatase IFCC liquid (ALPL2 and ALPL6)
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## COBAS INTEGRA α-Amylase EPS Pancreatic (AMY-P / AMYUP):
The cassette Roche COBAS INTEGRA α-Amylase EPS Pancreatic (AMY-P / AMYUP) contains an in vitro diagnostic reagent system intended for use on the COBAS INTEGRA for the quantitative determination of the catalytic activity of pancreatic cu-amylase in serum, plasma, and urine.
| | | COBAS INTEGRA α-Amylase<br>EPS Pancreatic<br>(AMY-P / AMYUP)<br>(proposed) | Boehringer Mannheim/Hitachi<br>Pancreatic A-Amylase<br>liquid reagent<br>(cleared) K895880 | |
|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| Methodology | Enzymatic colorimetric using substrate<br>4,6-ethylidene-p-nitrophenyl-α-D-<br>malto-heptaoside | | Enzymatic colorimetric using substrate<br>4,6-ethylidene-p-nitrophenyl-α-D-malto-<br>heptaoside | |
| Sample type | Serum, plasma and urine | | Serum, plasma, and urine | |
| Calibrator | Roche Calibrator (human)<br>(K942706) | | Calibrator for automated systems | |
| Controls | Roche Control Serum N and P (human)<br>(K972214) | | Precinorm® U, Precinorm® E,<br>Precipath® U, Precipath® E | |
| Reagents | -enzyme, two monoclonal antibodies<br>(mouse)<br>in vial A (liquid)<br>-substrate in vial C (liquid) | | R1 enzyme, two monoclonal antibodies<br>(mouse)<br>R2 substrate | |
| Performance Characteristics: | | | | |
| Assay range | Serum/Plasma and Urine:<br>0 - 1500 U/L | | Serum/Plasma and Urine:<br>0 - 1500 U/L | |
| Sensitivity | Serum/Plasma and Urine:<br>$2.8 x 10^{-4}$ ΔA/min per U/L of pancreatic<br>α-amylase | | Serum/Plasma and Urine:<br>3 U/L | |
| Precision (Serum): | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Mean (U/L) | 32 | 184 | 35.7 | 53.9 |
| % CV (within-run) | 1.2 | 0.91 | 0.9 | 0.5 |
| % CV (total) | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
| Precision (Urine): | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Mean (U/L) | 59 | 180 | 31.7 | 98.4 |
| % CV (within-run) | 1.094 | 0.8796 | 0.8 | 0.4 |
| % CV (total) | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.8 |
| Accuracy (Serum): | | | | |
| Sample size (n) | 246 | | 51 | |
| Corr. Coefficient (r) | 0.999 | | 1.000 | |
| Linear regression | 1.03x + 0.3 U/L | | 1.11x + 0.2 | |
| Accuracy (Urine): | | | | |
| Sample size (n) | 106 | | 51 | |
| Corr. Coefficient (r) | 0.999 | | 1.000 | |
| Linear regression | 1.00x + 1.4 U/L | | 1.18x + 0.4 | |
### Table 4 - COBAS INTEGRA α-Amylase EPS Pancreatic (AMY-P/AMYUP)
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### COBAS INTEGRA C-Reactive Protein (Latex) (CRPLX)
The cassette C-reactive Protein (Latex), (CRPLX) contains an in vitro diagnostic reagent system intended for use on COBAS INTEGRA for the quantitative immunological determination of human C-reactive protein in serum and plasma.
| | COBAS INTEGRA C-Reactive<br>Protein (Latex) (CRPLX)<br>(proposed) | COBAS INTEGRA C-Reactive<br>Protein (CRP)<br>(cleared) K951595 |
|------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | quantitative immunological determination<br>of human C-reactive protein in serum and plasma | quantitative immunological<br>determination of human C-reactive<br>protein in serum and plasma |
| Methodology | Particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric | Immunoturbidimetric |
| Sample type | Serum and Plasma | Serum and Plasma |
| Calibrator | CRP T Standard (K951595) | CRP T Standard (K951595) |
| Controls | CRP T Control (K954992)<br>CRP T N Control (Exempt) | CRP T Control (K954992) |
| Reagents | R1 BSA and immunoglobulins (mouse),<br>vials A & B<br>R2 Latex particles coated with anti-CRP<br>(mouse), vial C (liquid) | R1 Accelerator, vials A & B<br>R2 Anti-CRP T antiserum (sheep). vial<br>C |
| Performance Characteristics: | | |
| Assay range | 0 - 160 mg/L | 5 - 160 mg/L |
| Sensitivity | 0.25 mg/L | 5 mg/L |
| Precision: | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Mean (mg/L) | 6.2 | 142 |
| | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| | 53 | 114 |
| % CV (within-run) | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| | 2.0 | 2.4 |
| % CV (total) | 2.9 | 2.7 |
| | 2.5 | 2.4 |
| Accuracy: | | |
| Sample size (n) | 244 | 234 |
| Corr. Coefficient (r) | 0.993 | 0.999 |
| Linear regression | $1.07x - 6.2 mg/L$ | $1.10x + 5.5 mg/L$ |
## Table 5 - COBAS INTEGRA C-Reactive Protein (Latex) (CRPLX)
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Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol that resembles a stylized caduceus or a representation of the human form.
Food and Drug Administration 2098 Gaither Road Rockville MD 20850
AUG 26 1998
Rita Smith .Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate Roche Diagnostics Systems, Inc. 1080 U.S. Hiqhway 202 08876-3771 Somerville, New Jersey
Re : K981897 Roche COBAS® INTEGRA Reagent Cassettes Regulatory Class: II Product Code: CJE, JFJ, DCK Dated: August 13, 1998 Received: August 17, 1998
Dear Ms. Smith:
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, Druq, 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 requlations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Requlations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. ਸੇ substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP requlation may result in regulatory In addition, FDA may publish further announcements action. 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 requlations.
{8}------------------------------------------------
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 Gutman
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-----------
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Page 1 of 1 .
510(k) Number (if known): K981897
Roche COBAS INTEGRA Alkaline Phosphatase liguid Reagent Cassette Device Name: (ALPL2) (ALPL6) Art. No. 07 6673 9, 07 5996 1
> Roche COBAS INTEGRA Pancreatic a-Amylase EPS Reagent Cassette (AMY-P / AMYUP) Art. No. 07 6662 3
> Roche COBAS INTEGRA C-Reactive Protein (Latex) Reagent Cassette (CRPLX) Art. No. 07 6493 0
Indications for Use:
The cassette COBAS INTEGRA Alkaline Phosphatase IFCC liquid (ALPL2 and ALPL6) contain an in vitro diagnostic reagent system intended for use on COBAS INTEGRA for the quantitative determination of the catalytic activity of alkaline phosphatase in serum and plasma. Measurements of alkaline phosphatase or its isoenzymes are used in the diagnosis and treatment of liver, bone, parathyroid, and intestinal diseases.
The cassette COBAS INTEGRA a-Amylase EPS Pancreatic (AMY-P / AMYUP) contains an in vitro diagnostic reagent system intended for use on COBAS INTEGRA for the quantitative determination of the catalytic activity of pancreatic or-amylase in serum, plasma, and urine. Amylase measurements are used primarily for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
The cassette COBAS INTEGRA C-reactive Protein (Latex), (CRPLX) contains an in vitro diagnostic reagent system intended for use on COBAS INTEGRA for the quantitative immunological determination of human C-reactive protein in serum and plasma..... Measurements of C-reactive protein aids in evaluation of the amount of injury to குக்குடி (ff)
Division of Clinical Laboratory Devices
510(k) Number __
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
| Concurrence of CDRH Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) | |
|-------------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------------|--|
| (Division Sign-Off) | |
|-----------------------------------------|---------|
| Division of Clinical Laboratory Devices | |
| 510(k) Number | K981897 |
| Prescription Use<br>(Per 21 CFR 801.109) | OR | Over-The-Counter Use<br>(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.