Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline Solution (PBS 1X) is intended for use in assisted reproductive technology procedures that involve the manipulation of gametes or embryos. Specifically, PBS 1X is intended for use as a spermprocessing medium in washing procedures, as an oocyte retrieval medium, for transport of the embryo, and as a support medium for implantation of the embryo.
Device Story
PBS 1X is a physiologic salt-based buffer solution used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics. It serves as a medium for oocyte retrieval, short-term maintenance of oocytes, sperm washing, and transport/implantation of embryos. Clinicians use the solution to flush the reproductive system during oocyte retrieval and as a support medium during embryo transfer procedures. The device provides a stable environment for gametes and embryos outside the body during laboratory manipulation. It is a non-automated, chemical-based product; no software or algorithms are involved.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical trials were performed. Evidence consists of historical use in clinical settings and bench testing, specifically mouse embryo assays to confirm functionality and absence of toxic components, alongside endotoxin and sterility testing.
Technological Characteristics
Defined mixture of salts in a physiologic buffer. Formulated as a liquid solution. Sterility and endotoxin testing performed. Quality control via mouse embryo assay.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures involving gamete or embryo manipulation, including sperm washing, oocyte retrieval, embryo transport, and embryo implantation support.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Reproductive media and supplement are products that are used for assisted reproduction procedures. Media include liquid and powder versions of various substances that come in direct physical contact with human gametes or embryos (including water, acid solutions used to treat gametes or embryos, rinsing solutions, sperm separation media, supplements, or oil used to cover the media) for the purposes of preparation, maintenance, transfer or storage. Supplements are specific reagents added to media to enhance specific properties of the media (e.g., proteins, sera, antibiotics, etc.).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls) (mouse embryo assay information, endotoxin testing, sterilization validation, design specifications, labeling requirements, biocompatibility testing, and clinical testing). The device, when it is phosphate-buffered saline used for washing, and short-term handling and manipulation of gametes and embryos; culture oil used as an overlay for culture media containing gametes and embryos; and water for assisted reproduction applications, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 884.9.
Predicate Devices
Notice of Final Rule, 63 FR 48428, Docket number 97N-0335
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Irvine Scientific
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K991342
# IRVINE SCIENTIFIC 510(k) SUMMARY AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 807.92(c)
Submitted by:
Irvine Scientific Sales Co., Inc. 2511 Daimler Street Santa Ana, CA 92705-5588
Telephone: (800) 437-5706 Facsimile: (949) 261-6522
Contact: Roberta L. Johnson
Date Submitted: October 9, 1998
#### Device Identification:
| Trade Name: | PBS 1X |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline Solution |
| Classification Name: | Reproductive Media (21 CFR, 886.6180) |
#### Predicate Device:
Notice of Final Rule, 63 FR 48428, Docket number 97N-0335
#### Description:
PBS 1X is a defined mixture of salts in a physiologic buffer designed to be used as an oocyte retrieval medium, for the short term "bench-top" maintenance of oocytes prior to manipulation, and for the transport of fertilized embryos during implantation procedures.
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April 16, 1999
# Intended Use:
PBS 1X is intended for use in assisted reproductive procedures that involve the manipulation, retrieval and transfer of gametes and embryos. These procedures include oocyte retrieval, short term oocyte maintenance and transfer of fertilized embryos during implantation.
# Technological Characteristics:
Mature oocytes may be retrieved from the patient by flushing the patient's reproductive system with PBS 1X. The occytes may then be maintained for short periods of time in PBS 1X prior to assisted reproductive technology procedures, such as in vitro fertilization and ICSI. After fertilization, the embryo is then transferred to an appropriate culture and support medium for development in vitro. Once the desired stage of development has been achieved, usually three days post fertilization, the embryo is placed into fresh PBS 1X and transferred to the patient's uterus for implantation and development.
# Performance Data:
PBS 1X is assayed by mouse embryo assay prior to its release to market. This assay assures that the product is both functional for its intended use, the support of embryonic growth, and that no toxic components are present in the formulation. PBS 1X has been used in a variety of clinical settings, for its intended use, for a number of years. In that time, the product has become one of the standard media used for the retrieval, maintenance and transport of human gametes and embryos.
# Additional Information:
Mouse embryo testing will be performed as a condition of release for this product, as well as endotoxin and sterility testing. Results of all release assays
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performed will be reported on a lot-specific certificate of analysis, and will be indicated on the labeling.
# Conclusion:
The conclusion from performance testing, as well as a review of the historical information contained in professional literature shows that PBS 1X is suitable for its intended use, and meets the criteria outlined in the Notice of Final Rule, 63 FR 48428, Docket number 97N-0335.
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized image of an eagle or bird with three curved lines representing its wings or body. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the bird image.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Cornorate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JUL - 8 1999
Ms. Roberta Johnson Manager, Regulatory Affairs Irvine Scientific. Inc. 2511 Daimler Street Santa Ana, CA 92705
Re: K991342 PBS 1X. Dulbecco's Buffered Saline Solution Dated: April 16, 1999 Received: April 19, 1999 Requlatory Class: II 21 CFR §884.6180/Procode: 85 MQL
Dear Ms. Johnson:
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 legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act). 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 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 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.
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 requlation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compiiance at (301) 594-4613. 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/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
CAPT Daniel G. Schultz, M.D. Acting Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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#### INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT (page 1 of 1)
| 510(K) Number: | K991342 |
|----------------|---------|
| Device Name: | PBX IX |
Indications for Use:
Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline Solution (PBS 1X) is intended for use in assisted reproductive technology procedures that involve the manipulation of gametes or embryos. Specifically, PBS 1X is intended for use as a spermprocessing medium in washing procedures, as an oocyte retrieval medium, for transport of the embryo, and as a support medium for implantation of the embryo.
(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 Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices | |
| 510(k) Number | K991342 |
| Prescription Use | / |
|----------------------|---|
| (Per 21 CFR 801.109) | |
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.