K993825 · Streck Laboratories, Inc. · JCN · Nov 30, 1999 · Hematology
Device Facts
Record ID
K993825
Device Name
PARA TECH PLUS RETICS
Applicant
Streck Laboratories, Inc.
Product Code
JCN · Hematology
Decision Date
Nov 30, 1999
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 864.8625
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Para Tech Plus Retics is intended to be used as a control for complete blood cell count (CBC), white cell five-part differential, and reticulocyte parameters on Bayer Advia 120 and Technicon H-Series hematology instruments.
Device Story
Para Tech Plus Retics is an assayed hematology control used to validate performance of Bayer Advia 120 and Technicon H-Series hematology instruments. The device consists of a suspension of stabilized human red blood cells, human white cells, simulated human platelets, and simulated human reticulocytes. It is packaged in 4.0 mL glass vials with polypropylene screw-top caps. Laboratory personnel use the control to verify instrument accuracy for CBC, WBC differential, and reticulocyte analysis. By mimicking human whole blood components, the control allows for simultaneous validation of multiple hematology parameters, ensuring instrument reliability and clinical decision-making accuracy for patient blood counts.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Four studies were conducted: run-to-run reproducibility, comparison to whole blood, site-to-site reproducibility, and long-term/open-vial stability. Results demonstrated consistent reproducibility and stability for the duration of product dating, confirming substantial equivalence to the predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Suspension of stabilized human red blood cells, human white cells, simulated human platelets, and simulated human reticulocytes. Packaged in 4.0 mL glass vials with polypropylene screw-top caps. Designed for use on Bayer Advia 120 and Technicon H-Series hematology instruments. No electronic or software components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use as a quality control material for complete blood cell count (CBC), white cell five-part differential, and reticulocyte parameters on Bayer Advia 120 and Technicon H-Series hematology instruments.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A hematology quality control mixture is a device used to ascertain the accuracy and precision of manual, semiautomated, and automated determinations of cell parameters such as white cell count (WBC), red cell count (RBC), platelet count (PLT), hemoglobin, hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). Except when intended for use in blood components, the device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 864.9.
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NOV 300 1999
## 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
| 510(k) Submitter: | Streck Laboratories, Inc.<br>P.O. Box 45625<br>Omaha, NE 68145-0625 |
|-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Official Correspondent: | Paul Kittelson<br>Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs<br>(402) 691-7465 |
| Date Prepared: | November 8, 1999 |
| Names of Device: | |
| Trade Name: | Para Tech Plus Retics |
| Common Name: | Assayed hematology control |
| Classification Name: | White and red cell (and reticulocyte) control (§ 864.8625) |
| Predicate Device: | Para Tech (K896154) manufactured by Streck<br>Laboratories |
- Description: Para Tech Plus Retics is a suspension of stabilized human red blood cells, human white cells, simulated human platelets, and simulated human reticulocytes packaged in glass vials containing 4.0 mL volumes. Closures are injection molded polypropylene screw-top caps. The vials are packaged in polystyrene jars.
- Intended Use: Para Tech Plus Retics is intended to be used as a control for complete blood cell count (CBC), white cell five-part differential, and reticulocyte parameters on Bayer Advia 120 and Technicon H-Series hematology instruments.
- Comparison with Predicate Device: Like Para Tech, Para Tech Plus Retics is intended for CBC/WBC differential performance validation of Bayer Advia 120 and Technicon H-Series hematology instruments. Both devices contain stabilized human red blood cells, human white cells, and simulated platelets which properly mimic human whole blood components on Baver Advia 120 analyzers.
Unlike Para Tech, Para Tech Plus Retics contains a stabilized human reticulocyte component. This allows the Advia user to control CBC, WBC differential, and on-line reticulocyte analysis simultaneously with a single device.
- Discussion of Tests and Test Results: Four studies of Para Tech Plus Retics were conducted: I) Run to Run Reproducibility and Comparison to Whole Blood; II) Site to Site Reproducibility; III) Long Term Stability; and IV) Open Vial Stability. Study results showed Para Tech Plus Retics to be consistently reproducible, substantially equivalent to the predicate product, and stable for the entire product dating.
- Conclusions Drawn From Tests: Para Tech Plus Retics is safe and effective for controlling CBC/Diff/Retic parameters on Bayer Advia 120 and Technicon H-Series instruments when used as instructed in the product package insert.
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Image /page/1/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three lines representing its body and wings. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 2098 Gaither Road Rockville MD 20850
NOV 30 1999
Mr. Paul Kittelson Ouality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs Streck Laboratories, Inc. 14124 Industrial Road Omaha, Nebraska 68144
Re: K993825 Trade Name: Para Tech Plus Retics Regulatory Class: II Product Code: JCN Dated: November 8, 1999 Received: November 12, 1999
Dear Mr. Kittelson:
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.
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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 at (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html"
Sincerely yours,
Steven Butman
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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K 993825
Not Assigned 510(k) Number (if known): __
Para Tech Plus Retics Device Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Indications for Use: Para Tech Plus Retics is intended to be used as a control for complete blood cell count (CBC), white cell five-part differential, and reticulocyte parameters on Bayer Advia 120 and Technicon H-Series hematology instruments.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
*Set E. Maker*
(Division Sign-Off)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Clinical Laboratory Devices 14993875
510(k) Number
Prescription Use_V (Per 21CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use (Optional format 1-2-96)
October 6, 1999 ---Date __
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.
