K994438 · Spectrx, Inc. · MQM · Feb 4, 2000 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K994438
Device Name
BILICHEK NON-INVASIVE BILIRUBIN ANALYZER
Applicant
Spectrx, Inc.
Product Code
MQM · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Feb 4, 2000
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1113
Device Class
Class 1
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The BiliChek Non-Invasive Bilirubin Analyzer is a computer assisted non-invasive transcutaneous bilirubinometer which is intended as an index to predict serum bilirubin levels in neonates less than eight days old, without regard to gender, gestational age, race, or bodyweight. The BiliChek provides a numerical measurement of predicted bilirubin count in mg/dL within a clinically beneficial range that has been correlated with total serum bilirubin concentration measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The device is used in the hospital or institutional environment to assist clinicians in monitoring the status of neonates for the development of hyperbilirubinemia. Neonates whose BiliChek test results are indicative of hyperbilirubinemia are evaluated by their physician(s) for appropriate patient management.
Device Story
Hand-held, battery-powered transcutaneous bilirubinometer; uses light source, fiberoptic probe, and microspectrometer to measure absorbance characteristics of bilirubin in visible spectrum. Operator initiates measurement via trigger button; device performs baseline reference calibration using disposable BiliCal tip containing calibration material. Microprocessor calculates predicted bilirubin concentration (mg/dL) based on spectral data. Used in hospital/institutional settings by clinicians to monitor neonates for hyperbilirubinemia. Output displayed on LCD; assists physicians in clinical decision-making regarding patient management. Benefits include non-invasive assessment of bilirubin levels, reducing need for blood draws.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical testing compared BiliChek measurements to serum bilirubin levels measured by HPLC in infants < 8 days old. Results demonstrated statistically and clinically significant correlation. No performance differences noted regarding race, sex, gestational age, bodyweight, or NICU status. No adverse effects reported.
Technological Characteristics
Hand-held assembly (8.5 x 2 x 4 inches) with fiberoptic probe, microspectrometer, and microprocessor. Battery-powered (NiCd). Disposable BiliCal tips for calibration and hygiene. Complies with IEC 601-1 (electrical safety) and IEC 601-1-2/EN55011 (EMI/EMC).
Indications for Use
Indicated for neonates < 8 days old, regardless of gender, gestational age, race, or bodyweight, to predict serum bilirubin levels and monitor for hyperbilirubinemia.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A bilirubin (total and unbound) in the neonate test system is a device intended to measure the levels of bilirubin (total and unbound) in the blood (serum) of newborn infants to aid in indicating the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus).
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4 2000 FEB
# 510(k) Premarket Notification Summary for SpectRx BiliChek Non-Invasive Bilirubin Analyzer
#### 1. SPONSOR
SpectRx, Inc. 6025A Unity Drive Norcross GA 30071
Mr. Keith D. Ignotz Contact Person: 770-242-8723 Telephone:
Date Prepared: December 29, 1999
#### 2. DEVICE NAME
| Proprietary Name: | BiliChek Non-invasive Bilirubin Analyzer |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | Non-invasive bilirubin analyzer |
| Classification Name: | Bilirubin (total and unbound) in the neonate test system<br>(21 CFR 862.1113) |
#### 3. PREDICATE DEVICES
Respironics BiliChek Non-invasive Bilirubin Analyzer (K983071) Chromatics III (K964590) Leica Unistat Bilirubinometer (K922770).
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION 4.
The Bilichek consists of the BiliChek hand-held unit, the BiliCal Individual calibration tips, a charger base, and rechargeable battery packs. The BiliChek hand-held unit contains a light source, a fiberoptic probe, a microspectrometer, and a microprocessor control circuit within an 8.5 x 2x 4 inch assembly.
The hand-held unit is battery powered and is controlled by an internal microprocessor. Operator interface with the microprocessor is achieved through three buttons and a liquid crystal display (LCD). The buttons are used to select different set-up options. The measurement is initiated when the operator presses
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the Trigger button on the bottom of the unit. The LCD window on the device displays the calculated bilirubin value, date and time, battery status, and permits the unit set-up parameters to be programmed.
The BiliCal disposable tips protect the fiber-optic probe, ensure a hygienic contact with the patient, provide a means for calibration of the BiliChek, and serve as a positioning aid. The disposable tip includes a removable target with calibration material which is used in the initial calibration of the device prior to use on each patient. Before a measurement is taken, the BiliChek runs a baseline reference calibration scan which measures the removable target on the tip. After calibration, the target is removed from the tip to expose an optically clear window through which measurements are made. Sensors in the BiliChek detect when the tip is correctly installed and the depression of the tip under pressure when it is applied to the patient.
Two rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery packs are supplied with the system. The battery pack is inserted in the bottom of the BiliChek Hand-held Unit. The BiliChek Hand-Held Unit includes status indicators which indicate if the battery is low or dead. When fully charged, each battery pack provides sufficient power to conduct 100 measurements. The Bilichek battery charger includes two charging wells, one for the Bilichek and the other for the spare battery pack. The charger is provided power from a 110 volt power supply.
#### INTENDED USE ર્ડ.
The Bilichek Non-Invasive Bilirubin Analyzer is a computer assisted noninvasive transcutaneous bilirubinometer which is intended as an index to predict serum bilirubin levels in neonates less than eight days old, without regard to gender, gestational age, race, or bodyweight. The Bilichek provides a numerical measurement of predicted bilirubin count in mg/dL within a clinically beneficial range that has been correlated with total serum bilirubin concentration measured by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The device is used in the hospital or institutional environment to assist clinicians in monitoring the status of neonates for the development of hyperbilirubinemia. Neonates whose Bilichek test results are indicative of hyperbilirubinemia are evaluated by their physician(s) for appropriate patient management
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#### TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE 6.
The SpectRx BiliChek Noninvasive Bilirubin Analyzer is identical to the Respironics BiliChek Noninvasive Bilirubin Analyzer which was cleared by FDA under 510(k) K983071. There are no technological differences between the devices since they are identical.
The BiliChek is substantially equivalent to the Chromatics Color Sciences International Colormate III (K964590) and to the Unistat Bilirubinometer (K922770). All of these devices have similar intended uses and technological characteristics. Each device measures the presence of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates, and each device bases its measurements on the absorbance characteristics of bilirubin in the visible spectrum.
#### 7. PERFORMANCE TESTING
Testing of the SpectRx BiliChek included the following:
- Materials used in the BiliChek were tested for a. Biocompatibility: biocompatibility and shown to be safe for use on intact skin.
- b. Electrical safety testing. The BiliChek System was tested for compliance with IEC 601-1. The results show that the device complies with the requirements of IEC 601-1.
- c. Electronic hardware testing: Functional testing of the printed circuit boards for the main board and charger board was performed and demonstrated that these boards meet their respective performance specifications.
- d. BiliChek Battery and Temperature Testing: These tests verified that the BiliChek battery pack will operate the BiliChek for at least 100 measurements. In addition, the tests verified that the BiliChek meets specifications for operating over the specified temperature range of +5°C to +40°C.
- Calibration Material Stability: The calibration material was exposed to e. elevated temperature for an extended period of time to simulate exposure to extreme environmental conditions and to accelerate aging. The material was found to be stable over the tested temperature range.
- ್ EMI/EMC Testing: Immunity and emissions testing was performed and demonstrates that the BiliChek System complies with the requirements of IEC 601-1-2 for immunity and EN55011 for emissions.
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- Software testing: The software/firmware used in the BiliChek was tested in ಲ್ಲ. accordance with the software test plan and demonstrates that the software program meets the performance specifications.
- h. Clinical testing: Clinical testing of the BiliChek was conducted to demonstrate the ability of the BiliChek device to non-invasively measure the bilirubin levels of infants less than eight days old prior to the use of phototherapy or any related therapeutic intervention. Bilirubin values measured by HPLC and with the BiliChek were compared to determine the accuracy of the BiliChek. The test results demonstrate a statistically and clinically significant correlation between the BiliChek and serum bilirubin levels as indicated by HPLC. There were no significant differences in the performance of the BiliChek attributed to race, sex, gestational age at delivery, bodyweight, or presence in the NICU. There were no injuries or deaths that occurred while the device was being used or any adverse effects reported from use of the device.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), USA. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the seal is a stylized symbol featuring three abstract human profiles facing to the right, with flowing lines suggesting movement or connection.
Food and Drug Administration 2098 Gaither Road Rockville MD 20850
FEB 4 2000
Mr. James R. Veale Vice President, Regulatory Services Medical Device Consultants, Inc. 49 Plain Street North Attleboro, Massachusetts 02760
Re: K994438
Trade Name: BiliChek Non-Invasive Bilirubin Analyzer Regulatory Class: I reserved Product Code: MQM Dated: December 29, 1999 Received: December 30, 1999
Dear Mr. Veale:
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 (OS) 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.
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### Page 2
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" (21CFR 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,
Steven Sutman
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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K994438 510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: BiliChek, Non-Invasive Bilirubin Analyzer
Indications For Use:
The BiliChek Non-Invasive Bilirubin Analyzer is a computer assisted non-invasive transcutaneous bilirubinometer which is intended as an index to predict serum bilirubin levels in neonates less than eight days old, without regard to gender, gestational age, race, or bodyweight. The BiliChek provides a numerical measurement of predicted bilirubin count in mg/dL within a clinically beneficial range that has been correlated with total serum bilirubin concentration measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The device is used in the hospital or institutional environment to assist clinicians in monitoring the status of neonates for the development of hyperbilirubinemia. Neonates whose BiliChek test results are indicative of hyperbilirubinemia are evaluated by their physician(s) for appropriate patient management.
## (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NECESSARY)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Patricia Bernhart for S.J. Cooper
(Division Sign-Off)
ivision of Clinical Laboratory I evices 510(k) Number . 人 994438
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.