K040971 · Genchem, Inc. · JGS · Dec 22, 2004 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K040971
Device Name
GENCHEM ISE ELECTROLYTE REFERENCE
Applicant
Genchem, Inc.
Product Code
JGS · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Dec 22, 2004
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1665
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
GenChem ISE Electrolyte Reference, when used in conjunction with the GenChem ISE Electrolyte Buffer. GenChem CO2 Acid Reagent, GenChem CO2 Alkaline Buffer, GenChem Wash Concentrate, and appropriate Calibration Standards, is intended for the quantitative determination of sodium, potassium, chloride, and total CO2 in serum and plasma, and sodium, potassium and chloride in urine, and Reference will also determine calcium in serum, plasma and urine. Sodium results are for the diagnosis and treatment of aldosteronism (excessive secretion of the hormone aldosterone), diabetes insipidus (chronic excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, accompanied by extreme thirst), adrenal hypertension, Addison's disease (caused by the destruction of the adrenal glands), dehvdration, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, or other diseases involving electrolyte imbalance. Potassium results are used to monitor electrolyte imbalance in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions characterized by low or high blood potassium levels. Chloride results are used in the treatment of electrolyte and metabolic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and diabetic acidosis. Carbon dioxide results are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous and potentially serious disorders associated with changes in the body's acid-base balance. Calcium results are used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid diseases, chronic renal disease and tetany (intermittent muscular contractions or spasm).
Device Story
GenChem ISE Electrolyte Reference is a liquid reagent kit used with Beckman SYNCHRON CX DELTA systems to measure electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, CO2, Ca) in clinical samples. The device uses ion-selective electrodes (ISE) to generate potentials proportional to analyte activity, calculated via the Nernst equation. For CO2, the sample is acidified to convert bicarbonate to CO2 gas, which diffuses through a silicone membrane to a pH-sensitive electrode; the rate of pH change is proportional to total CO2. Used in clinical laboratories by technicians to provide quantitative results for diagnosing electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disorders, and renal/parathyroid conditions. The output assists clinicians in monitoring patient metabolic status and guiding treatment decisions.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Precision/reproducibility evaluated per NCCLS EP5-A (N=60). Linearity evaluated per NCCLS EP6-A using Least Squares method (R2=1.000 for all analytes). Sensitivity (Limit of Detection) established for all analytes. Analytical specificity evaluated per NCCLS EP7-A for hemoglobin, bilirubin, and lipemia interference. Patient comparison study (N=44-80 per analyte/specimen type) performed against Beckman reagents using least squares linear regression; results showed high correlation (r=0.935-1.000).
Technological Characteristics
Liquid reagent kit containing sodium, potassium, chloride, total CO2, calcium, surfactants, and preservatives. Operates via potentiometric ion-selective electrodes (ISE) and pCO2 electrode. Energy source provided by the host Beckman SYNCHRON CX DELTA system. Storage at room temperature. No software algorithm details provided; system relies on standard Nernst equation-based potentiometric measurement.
Indications for Use
Indicated for quantitative determination of sodium, potassium, chloride, total CO2, and calcium in serum, plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for patients requiring electrolyte monitoring or diagnosis of metabolic/electrolyte disorders, including aldosteronism, diabetes insipidus, hypertension, Addison’s disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetic acidosis, parathyroid disease, and renal disease.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A sodium test system is a device intended to measure sodium in serum, plasma, and urine. Measurements obtained by this device are used in the diagnosis and treatment of aldosteronism (excessive secretion of the hormone aldosterone), diabetes insipidus (chronic excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, accompanied by extreme thirst), adrenal hypertension, Addison's disease (caused by destruction of the adrenal glands), dehydration, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, or other diseases involving electrolyte imbalance.
Predicate Devices
Hi Chem Electrolyte Reference Reagent (k925611)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
Page 1 of 9
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY DEVICE ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number: k040971
B. Purpose For Submission:
Premarket Notification 510(k) for GenChem, Inc. intentions to manufacture and market the GenChem ISE Electrolyte Reference Kit.
C. Analyte: Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and Total CO2 in serum and plasma. Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride in urine. Chloride in cerebrospinal fluid and Calcium in serum, plasma and urine on appropriately configured SYNCHRON CX® Delta Systems.
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative for Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2 and Calcium as determined by the use of Ion Specific Electrodes.
E. Applicant: GenChem, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
GenChem ISE Electrolyte Reference
G. Regulatory Information: Regulation section:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR §862.1665, Electrode, Ion Specific, Sodium
21 CFR §862.1600, Electrode, Ion Specific, Potassium
21 CFR §862.1170, Electrode, Ion Specific, Chloride
21 CFR §862.1160, pH Rate Measurement, Carbon Dioxide
21 CFR §862.1145, Electrode, Ion Specific, Calcium
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product Code:
JGS (sodium)
CEM (potassium)
{1}
Page 2 of 9
CGZ (chloride)
JFL (bicarbonate/ carbon dioxide)
JFP (calcium)
4. Panel:
75 (Chemistry)
H. Intended use(s):
1. Intended use(s)
GenChem ISE Electrolyte Reference, when used in conjunction with the GenChem ISE Electrolyte Buffer, GenChem CO₂ Acid Reagent, GenChem CO₂ Alkaline Buffer, GenChem Wash Concentrate, and appropriate Calibrators or Calibration Standards, is intended for the quantitative determination of sodium, potassium, chloride, and total CO₂ in serum and plasma, and sodium, potassium, and chloride in urine, and chloride in cerebrospinal fluid on the Beckman® CX® DELTA Systems. GenChem ISE Electrolyte Reference will also determine calcium in serum, plasma and urine.
Sodium results are for the diagnosis and treatment of aldosteronism (excessive secretion of the hormone aldosterone), diabetes insipidus (chronic excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, accompanied by extreme thirst), adrenal hypertension, Addison’s disease (caused by the destruction of the adrenal glands), dehydration, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, or other diseases involving electrolyte imbalance. Potassium results are used to monitor electrolyte imbalance in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions characterized by low or high blood potassium levels. Chloride results are used in the treatment of electrolyte and metabolic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and diabetic acidosis. Carbon dioxide results are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous and potentially serious disorders associated with changes in the body’s acid-base balance. Calcium results are used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid diseases, chronic renal disease and tetany (intermittent muscular contractions or spasm).
2. Indication(s) for use:
GenChem ISE Electrolyte Reference, when used in conjunction with the GenChem ISE Electrolyte Buffer, GenChem CO₂ Acid Reagent, GenChem CO₂ Alkaline Buffer, GenChem Wash Concentrate, and appropriate Calibrators or Calibration Standards, is intended for the quantitative determination of sodium, potassium, chloride, and total CO₂ in serum and plasma, and sodium, potassium, and chloride in urine, and chloride in cerebrospinal fluid on the Beckman® CX® DELTA Systems. GenChem ISE Electrolyte Reference will also determine calcium in serum, plasma and urine.
Sodium results are for the diagnosis and treatment of aldosteronism (excessive secretion of the hormone aldosterone), diabetes insipidus (chronic excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, accompanied by extreme thirst), adrenal hypertension, Addison’s disease
{2}
Page 3 of 9
(caused by the destruction of the adrenal glands), dehydration, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, or other diseases involving electrolyte imbalance. Potassium results are used to monitor electrolyte imbalance in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions characterized by low or high blood potassium levels. Chloride results are used in the treatment of electrolyte and metabolic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and diabetic acidosis. Carbon dioxide results are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous and potentially serious disorders associated with changes in the body's acid-base balance. Calcium results are used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid diseases, chronic renal disease and tetany (intermittent muscular contractions or spasm).
3. Special condition for use statement(s): For Prescription Use
4. Special instrument Requirements: Beckman® SYNCHRON CX3
I. Device Description:
The reagent kit consists of 1x2000mL solution containing sodium, potassium, chloride, total CO2, calcium, surfactants, preservatives and other ingredients.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
GenChem claims substantial equivalence to the OEM Reagent marketed by Beckman, Hi Chem Diagnostics, Hi Chem Electrolyte Reagent.
2. Predicate K number(s): k925611
3. Comparison with Predicate:
| Device Name | GenChem ISE Electrolyte Reference | Predicate Device Hi Chem Electrolyte Reference Reagent |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 510(k) Number | k040971 | k925611 |
| Chemical Principle | Measures electrolyte activity by use of ion specific electrode | Measures electrolyte activity by use of ion specific electrode |
| Intended Use | For the quantitative determination of Na, K, CL, CO2 and Calcium in serum, plasma or urine. | For the quantitative determination of Na, K, CL, CO2 and Calcium in serum, plasma or urine. |
| Format | Liquid ready to use | Liquid ready to use |
| Composition | Sodium 140 mmol/L
Potassium 4 mmol/L
Chloride 100 mmol/L
CO2 10 mmol/L
Calcium 8 mg/dL | Sodium 140 mmol/L
Potassium 4 mmol/L
Chloride 100 mmol/L
CO2 10 mmol/L
Calcium 8 mg/dL |
{3}
Page 4 of 9
| Linearity | Sodium 0-200 mmol/L
Potassium 0.9-15.2 mmol/L
Chloride 0-150 mmol/L
CO2 0-40 mmol/L
Calcium 0.8-14.3 mg/dL | Sodium 0-200 mmol/L
Potassium 0.9-15.2 mmol/L
Chloride 0-150 mmol/L
CO2 0-40 mmol/L
Calcium 0.8-14.3 mg/dL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Storage | Room Temperature | Room Temperature |
## K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
Within-Day and Day-to-Day precision was determined according to NCCLS EP5-A. Linearity was performed according to NCCLS EP6-A Guideline. Analytical specificity Determined according to NCCLS EP7-A.
## L. Test Principle:
The sample is mixed with the high ionic strength ISE Electrolyte Buffer. This dilution minimizes the variation in the activity coefficients of the analytes to be measured. As the sample passes through the flow cell, a potential is generated at the surface of the ion selective electrodes. The calcium, chloride, potassium and sodium concentrations of the sample can then be determined from these potentials using the Nerst equation.
Before the sample leaves the flow cell, it is further diluted with the CO2 Acid Reagent. The acid in this reagent converts the bicarbonate in the sample to carbonic acid, which escapes the solution in the form of carbon dioxide. Some of this carbon dioxide transverses the silicone membrane of the CO2 electrode and lowers the pH of the CO2 Alkaline Buffer. The rate of this pH exchange is proportional to the amount of total CO2 in the sample.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### 1. Analytical performance:
#### a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Serum and CSF controls, and urine pools were each assayed for calcium, chloride, potassium, sodium, and total CO2 twice per day in triplicate on a SYNCHRON CX DELTA System. Data were collected on ten different days over a thirty day period.
| Analyte | | | Within Run | | Total | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sample | n | mean | SD | %CV | SD | %CV |
| Calcium in mg/dL | | | | | | |
| Serum 1 | 60 | 7.9 | 0.16 | 2.1 | 0.15 | 1.9 |
| Serum 2 | 60 | 11.1 | 0.09 | 0.8 | 0.11 | 1.0 |
| Serum 3 | 60 | 14.2 | 0.13 | 0.9 | 0.16 | 1.1 |
| Urine 1 | 59 | 3.4 | 0.12 | 3.5 | 0.13 | 3.9 |
| Urine 2 | 60 | 10.9 | 0.33 | 3.1 | 0.30 | 2.8 |
{4}
Page 5 of 9
## Chloride in mmol/L
| Serum 1 | 60 | 84.5 | 1.16 | 1.4 | 1.21 | 1.4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serum 2 | 60 | 103.2 | 0.60 | 0.6 | 1.04 | 1.0 |
| Serum 3 | 60 | 122.6 | 1.01 | 0.8 | 1.34 | 1.1 |
| Urine 1 | 59 | 64.1 | 1.16 | 1.8 | 1.21 | 1.9 |
| Urine 2 | 60 | 235.6 | 2.33 | 1.0 | 5.67 | 2.4 |
| CSF 1 | 58 | 117.5 | 1.37 | 1.2 | 1.65 | 1.4 |
| CSF 2 | 58 | 99.1 | 1.00 | 1.0 | 1.45 | 1.5 |
## Potassium in mmol/L
| Serum 1 | 60 | 2.64 | 0.021 | 0.8 | 0.034 | 1.3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serum 2 | 60 | 5.21 | 0.031 | 0.6 | 0.040 | 0.8 |
| Serum 3 | 60 | 7.88 | 0.074 | 0.9 | 0.083 | 1.1 |
| Urine 1 | 59 | 27.1 | 0.23 | 0.9 | 0.27 | 1.0 |
| Urine 2 | 60 | 123.7 | 1.67 | 1.4 | 1.67 | 1.4 |
## Sodium in mmol/L
| Serum 1 | 60 | 114.7 | 1.71 | 1.5 | 1.51 | 1.3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serum 2 | 60 | 144.4 | 0.87 | 0.6 | 0.94 | 0.7 |
| Serum 3 | 60 | 173.3 | 1.54 | 0.9 | 1.59 | 0.9 |
| Urine 1 | 59 | 45.7 | 2.02 | 4.4 | 1.78 | 3.9 |
| Urine 2 | 60 | 159.9 | 2.19 | 1.4 | 1.98 | 1.2 |
## Total CO2 in mmol/L
| Serum 1 | 60 | 12.6 | 0.40 | 3.2 | 0.38 | 3.0 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serum 2 | 60 | 22.2 | 0.32 | 1.4 | 0.36 | 1.6 |
| Serum 3 | 60 | 30.9 | 0.53 | 1.7 | 0.66 | 2.1 |
## b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Linearity was performed according to NCCLS Guideline EP6-A. Commercially available linearity standards were analyzed in triplicate on the Beckman CX3 and the results analyzed by the Least Squares method. The results are shown below. Specimens exceeding these limits should be diluted with normal saline and reanalyzed. Multiply the result by the appropriate dilution factor.
| | Intercept | Slope | R² | Se_{y} | Range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Calcium | 0.34 | 0.911 | 1.000 | 0.35 | 0.8 – 14.3 mg/dL |
| Na | 2.37 | 0.968 | 1.000 | 2.61 | 0 – 200 mmol/L |
| K | -0.09 | 1.017 | 1.000 | 0.03 | 0.9 – 15.2 mmol/L |
{5}
Page 6 of 9
| CL | -0.71 | 0.999 | 1.000 | 0.99 | 0 – 197 mmol/L |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | | |
| CO2 | 0.15 | 1.000 | 1.000 | 0.41 | 0 – 40 mmol/L |
The results show this method is linear as shown below:
Calcium 0.8 to 14.3 mg/dL
Chloride 0 to 150 mmol/L
Potassium 0.9 to 15.2 mmol/L
Sodium 0 to 200 mmol/L
Total CO₂ 0 to 40 mmol/L
## c. Traceability (controls, calibrators, or method):
The use of ion selective electrodes in the potentiometric determination of sodium and potassium ions was described over seventy years ago.²³ However, practical methods for their measurement were not reported until recently. A sodium electrode was developed with a selectivity over potassium of about 300 to 1.4 Simon and Proda described a valinomycin potassium electrode with a selectivity over sodium of about 1000 to 1.5 Recent advances in calcium electrode technology have made potentiometric calcium measurements both accurate and practical.⁶ Chloride electrodes have been routinely used for potentiometric titrations of chloride.⁷ However, recent improvements in selectivity and sensitivity have made possible the direct potentiometric analysis of chloride in biological specimens.⁸ Stow and Randall describe a procedure for the direct measurement of the partial pressure of CO2 using a pCO2 electrode in 1954.⁹ This electrode has since been made more sensitive.¹⁰
2. Cremer, M. Z., Biologi 47: 562 (1977)
3. Haber, F., Kleminsewics, Physik. Chem. 67:385 (1909).
6. Bowers, G. N., et. Al., Measurements of Ionized Calcium in Serum with ion-Selective Electrodes: A Mature Technology Than Can Meet the Daily Service Needs. Clin. Chem. 32/8, 1437-1447 (1986).
7. Sternberg, et. Al., Ninth International Congress on Clinical Chemistry Procedures (1970).
8. Bray, T. P., et. Al., Clin. Chem. Acta., 77:69 (1977).
9. Stow, R.W., Randall, B.F., Am. J. Physiol. (1954)
10. Severinghaus, J.W., Bradley, A.F., Appl. Physiol. (1958).
## d. Detection limit:
The sensitivity of this method was investigated by assaying serum first with a known concentration and then diluting the sample until the minimum result was obtained and then run in replicates of 10 on the SYNCHRON CX3® System. Under the conditions described the following limits of detection were established:
| Analyte | Limit of Detection |
| --- | --- |
| Sodium | 10 mmol/L |
| Potassium | 1.0 mmol/L |
| Chloride | 15 mmol/L |
{6}
Page 7 of 9
Total CO2 5.0 mmol/L
Calcium 1.5 mg/dL
e. Analytical specificity:
Determined according to NCCLS EP7-A, Hemoglobin levels up to 500 mg/dL, Bilirubin levels up to 20 mg/dL, and Lipemia levels up to 1800 mg/dL were tested and did not show any adverse effect on a stock sample with levels of sodium at 148 mmol/L, potassium at 5.2 mmol/L, chloride at 119 mmol/L, CO₂ at 19 mmol/L, and calcium at 9.4 mg/dL. Stock solutions of the substance to be tested were prepared at 20x concentrations and 0.5 ml of this stock was placed in a 10 ml volumetric flask and made up to volume with the base pool. The control stock was prepared similarly but with water as the diluent. Only Sodium Heparin, Lithium Heparin and Ammonium Heparin up to 45 Units/mL are acceptable anticoagulants.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable for this type of device.
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and urine specimens, collected from adult patients, were assayed for calcium, chloride, potassium, sodium, and total CO2 on a Beckman SYNCHRON CX3 System using GenChem and Beckman flow cell reagents, wash solutions and calibrators. Results were compared by least squares linear regression where X = Beckman Results and Y = GenChem Results.
| AnalyteSpecimen | Regression Statistics | | | Summary Statistics | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Unit | n | m | b | r | range |
| Calcium | | | | | | |
| Serum | mg/dL | 80 | 0.989 | 0.0 | 0.985 | 7.1 - 10.6 |
| Plasma | mg/dL | 80 | 0.990 | 0.0 | 0.995 | 7.1 - 10.7 |
| Urine | mg/dL | 74 | 1.007 | -0.2 | 0.998 | 2.4 - 15.2 |
| Chloride | | | | | | |
| Serum | mmol/L | 80 | 0.988 | 1.0 | 0.935 | 98 - 127 |
| Plasma | mmol/L | 80 | 0.998 | 0.8 | 0.985 | 98 - 127 |
| Urine | mmol/L | 78 | 1.049 | -5.1 | 0.999 | 22 - 289 |
| CSF | mmol/L | 44 | 1.024 | -3.4 | 0.985 | 113 - 152 |
| Potassium | | | | | | |
| Serum | mmol/L | 80 | 0.969 | 0.13 | 1.000 | 3.2 - 10.8 |
| Plasma | mmol/L | 80 | 0.987 | 0.15 | 1.000 | 3.2 - 10.8 |
| Urine | mmol/L | 80 | 0.993 | 0.01 | 1.000 | 3.5 - 136 |
{7}
Page 8 of 9
Sodium
| Serum | mmol/L 80 | 0.930 | 9.1 | 0.938 | 132 - 159 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Urine | mmol/L 78 | 1.000 | -0.3 | 1.000 | 17 - 288 |
| Total CO2 | | | | | |
| Serum | mmol/L 80 | 0.949 | 1.2 | 0.953 | 9.5 - 29 |
| Plasma | mmol/L 80 | 0.965 | 0.9 | 0.960 | 9.5 - 29 |
b. Matrix Comparison
See above method comparison studies.
3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical sensitivity:
Clinical studies are not typically submitted for this device type.
b. Clinical specificity:
Clinical studies are not typically submitted for this device type.
c. Other clinical supportive data (when a and b are not applicable):
Not applicable
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable
5. Expected values/Reference range:
The expected values for calcium, chloride, potassium, sodium, and total CO2 are listed below. The applicant recommends that the user use these ranges only as guides and that each laboratory should establish its own reference ranges.
Reference Ranges¹
| Analyte | Specimen | Conventional Units | SI Units |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Calcium | Serum/Plasma | 8.4 - 10.2 mg/dL | 2.10 - 2.55 mmol/L |
| | Urine | 100 - 300 mg/day | 2.5 - 7.5 mmol/day |
| Chloride | Serum/Plasma | 101 - 111 mmol/L | same |
| | Urine | 110 - 250 mmol/day | same |
| | CSF | 118 - 132 mmol/L | same |
| Potassium | Serum/Plasma | 3.5 - 5.1 mmol/L | same |
| | Urine | 25 - 125 mmol/day | same |
{8}
Page 9 of 9
| Sodium | Serum/Plasma | 136 - 145 mmol/L | same |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Urine | 40 - 220 mmol/day | same |
| Total CO2 | Serum/Plasma | 22 - 28 mmol/L | same |
1. Burtis, C.A., Ashwood, E.R. (eds.) Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia PA. (1994)
N. Conclusion:
The submitted material in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.