FemLab is a biochemical assay intended for use as a screening test for nitrites, blood, protein, leukocytes and proline-iminopeptidase in vaginal fluid samples. It is indicated for use as an aid in the presumptive diagnosis of vaginitis or urethritis and should be used in conjunction with laboratory tests such as Gram stain, microscopic examination, culture and KOH test. The FemLab Vaginitis Test Kit is for professional and laboratory use only.
Device Story
FemLab Vaginitis Test Kit is a hand-held, professional-use diagnostic cassette; features seven sample application zones on a plastic platform. Input: vaginal fluid collected via three-step swab procedure; two samples applied directly to test zones; third sample diluted in buffer. Principle: chemical/biological indicators undergo color change upon contact with specific analytes (pH, proline-iminopeptidase, nitrite, blood, protein, leukocyte). Output: visual color change on test zones indicating positive/negative results. Used in laboratory/clinical settings by professionals to aid in presumptive diagnosis of vaginitis or urethritis; results used alongside Gram stain, culture, and microscopic examination to inform clinical decision-making.
Clinical Evidence
Multi-center study of 300 post-pubertal women. Comparison against traditional laboratory methods (pH, proline-iminopeptidase, wet mount, culture). Results: 18 true positives, 266 true negatives, 9 false positives, 7 false negatives. Overall agreement: 94.6%.
Technological Characteristics
Hand-held plastic cassette with seven test zones. Employs chemical/biological colorimetric indicators. Qualitative detection of vaginal pH (≥4.7), proline-iminopeptidase (≥20 pm/m), nitrite (≥0.06 mg/dL), blood (≥0.015 mg/dL), protein (≥1.5 mg/dL), and leukocyte (≥5 cells/h). Uses filter membrane technology. Manual operation; no electronic components or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use as an aid in the presumptive diagnosis of vaginitis or urethritis in patients requiring clinical evaluation of vaginal fluid. For professional and laboratory use only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A microorganism differentiation and identification device is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of one or more components, such as differential culture media, biochemical reagents, and paper discs or paper strips impregnated with test reagents, that are usually contained in individual compartments and used to differentiate and identify selected microorganisms. The device aids in the diagnosis of disease.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k050352
B. Purpose for Submission:
Clearance of new device
C. Measurand:
Vaginal pH, Nitrite, Proline iminopeptidase, Blood, Protein and Leukocyte
D. Type of Test:
Qualitative
E. Applicant:
AmeriTek Research, LLC
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
FemLab® Vaginitis test kit
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR § 864.6550, Occult blood test
21 CFR § 862.1550, Urinary pH (nonquantitative) test system
Limitation: 21 CFR 862.9 (c), (6) and (9)
21 CFR § 862.1510, Nitrite (nonquantitative) test system
Limitation: 21 CFR 862.9 (c), (6) and (9)
21 CFR § 862.1645, Urinary protein or albumin (nonquantitative) test system
Limitation: 21 CFR 862.9 (c), (6) and (9)
21 CFR § 864.7675, Leukocyte peroxidase test
Limitation: 21 CFR 862.9 (c), (6) and (9)
21 CFR § 866.2660, Microorganism differentiation and identification device,
Limitation: 21 CFR 866.9 (c), (6) and (9)
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2. Classification:
Class II, Class I
3. Product code:
JIO, LNW, JMT, JIR, LJX, MJM respectively
4. Panel:
75, Chemistry and 83, Microbiology
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See indications for use
2. Indication(s) for use:
FemLab is a biochemical assay intended for use as a screening test for nitrites, blood, protein, leukocytes and proline-iminopeptidase in vaginal fluid samples. It is indicated for use as an aid in the presumptive diagnosis of vaginitis or urethritis and should be used in conjunction with laboratory tests such as Gram stain, microscopic examination, culture and KOH test. The FemLab Vaginitis Test Kit is for professional and laboratory use only.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For professional use only and used as a screening test.
4. Special instrument requirements:
N/A
I. Device Description:
The FemLab Pro test kit has a total of seven sample application zones on the plastic test platform. The seven test zones are individual chemical and biological tests that screen for specific chemical or biological aspects of the vaginal fluid samples. Vaginal fluid is collected in a three-step collection procedure; two samples are used directly on test zones and the third is diluted in a custom designed buffer dilution and delivery system. The results are determined by observing color changes on each test zone following application.
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J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
QuickVue Advance pH and Amines Test and QuickVue Advance G. Vaginalise Test.
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
k040008 and k964015, respectively
3. Comparison with predicate:
The device is similar to the predicate devices in the following ways: they have the same intended use and sensitivity, use the same clinical sample.
The differences between the tests are: the proposed test is read in three minutes after application of the sample for pH while the predicate test is read two minutes after application, the proposed test device uses a filter membrane the predicates use a film membrane.
K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
None referenced
L. Test Principle:
The FemLab Vaginitis is a hand-held cassette with seven test zones that contain chemical or biological indicators that change color when in contact with vaginal fluid. It detects vaginal pH ≥ 4.7, proline iminopeptidase enzyme at concentrations of ≥ 20 pm/m, nitrite at concentrations ≥ 0.06 mg/dL, blood at concentrations of ≥0.015 mg/dL, protein at concentrations of ≥1.5 mg/dL and leukocyte at concentrations of ≥ 5 cells/h. Three sterile swabs are used to collect the vaginal sample. The pH test is run by gently rubbing one of the sterile swabs over the entire surface of test zone 1. The proline-iminopeptidase test zones (2a and 2b) are run second using the second of the three swabs. The third swab is combined with a buffer solution in a fluid specimen container. The container is open and the swab is mixed vigorously with the buffer for 15 seconds. Expunge as much liquid as possible from the swab by pressing and rotating the fiber portion against the wall of the container. The tip and cap are screwed onto the container and the container is then shaken up and down 10 times to ensure sample mixing. Finally, one drop of this mixture is dropped onto each of the remaining test zones (3-6). A color change indicates a positive result. No color change is a negative result.
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M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Reproducibility testing was conducted by two operators, on three lots, for 30 days with blinded samples of varying activity. A total of 420 samples were tested with no discordant results for proline-iminopeptidase, blood, protein and leukocytes. The pH and Nitrite each had 2 discordant results they were recorded as borderline.
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Not applicable. The test is intended for qualitative use.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Real time stability testing has been conducted. Protocols and acceptance criteria were described and found to be acceptable. The stability is listed below:
When stored at 15 - 38°C product is good until expiration date which is 12 months.
d. Detection limit:
Limits of detection were determined by prepared solutions spanning negative through borderline and threshold through positive. Nine (9) replicates of each level were evaluated using three different lots of the FemLab test kit. Data is represented here qualitatively.
| Limits of Detection: FemLab pH Study | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Lot A | | Lot B | | Lot C | |
| Solution Level | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct |
| 2.0 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 2.5 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 3.2 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 3.7 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 4.2 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Pos | 95.8% |
| 4.7 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 5.2 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 5.7 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| | | | | | | |
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| Limits of Detection: FemLab proline-iminopeptidase (pm/m) | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Lot A | | Lot B | | Lot C | |
| Solution Level | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct |
| 0 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 10 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 20 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 95.8% |
| 30 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 40 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 50 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 60 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 70 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| Limits of Detection: FemLab Nitrite (mg/dL) | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Lot A | | Lot B | | Lot C | |
| Solution Level | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct |
| 0.04 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 0.05 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 95.8% | Neg | 100% |
| 0.06 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 0.10 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 0.20 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 0.30 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 0.40 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 0.50 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| Limits of Detection: FemLab Blood (mg/dL) | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Lot A | | Lot B | | Lot C | |
| Solution Level | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct |
| 0.005 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 0.010 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 0.015 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 0.06 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 0.08 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 0.10 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 0.12 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 0.14 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
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| Limits of Detection: FemLab Protein (mg/dL) | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Lot A | | Lot B | | Lot C | |
| Solution Level | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct |
| 1.00 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 1.4 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 1.5 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 1.7 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 2.00 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 3.0 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 4.00 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 5.00 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| Limits of Detection: FemLab Leukocyte (cells/h) | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Lot A | | Lot B | | Lot C | |
| Solution Level | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct | Correct call | % Correct |
| 0 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 0-5 | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 5-15 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Neg | 100% |
| 30 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 60 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 120 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 240 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
| 480 | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% | Pos | 100% |
Based on the above results the following sensitivity limits were chosen:
pH above 4.7
Proline-iminopeptidase 20 pm/m
Nitrite 0.06-0.1 mg/dL
Blood 0.015-0.062 mg/dL
Protein 1.5-30 mg/dL
Leukocyte 5-15 cells/h
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# e. Analytical specificity:
To test the specificity of the FemLab test kit a variety of over-the-counter vaginal-use products as well as other compounds were tested for their ability to interfere with the tests. Normal (negative) vaginal fluid specimens as well as positive control samples were spiked with various concentrations of the product. None of the products tested at the concentrations indicated interfered with the detection of positives or negative samples.
| Acetaminophen | 20 mg/dL |
| --- | --- |
| Atropine | 20 mg/dL |
| Caffeine | 20 mg/dL |
| NaCl | 20 mg/dL |
| Glucose | 20 mg/dL |
| Penicillin | 40,000 IU/mL |
| Iodine Potassium Decolorized Iodine Tincture | 20 mg/dL |
| Disposable Douche | 20 mg/dL |
| Spermicide | 20 mg/dL |
Cross-reactivity studies were performed using the FemLab test kit. The following organisms were tested ten times, 5 with a positive vaginal fluid sample and 5 with a negative sample. The results showed no cross-reactivity with the organisms listed.
Staphylococcus Aureus
Lactobacillus spp.
Group B Streptococcus
f. Assay cut-off:
See Detection Limit section above
# 2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Not performed; device was compared to clinically based standard criteria (see below).
b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable
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3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
A multi-center study established the clinical performance of the device. A total of 300 vaginal fluid samples were collected post-pubertal women. Vaginal fluid samples were collected first for the FemLab test and handed to one technician, and then a second set of samples were taken and handed to a second technician who performed the traditional lab test.
For a patient to be consider positive by traditional laboratory methods a positive result needed to be recorded from a commercially available pH and proline-iminopeptidase test, wet mount microscopic evaluation and culture system for detection of vaginitis or urethritis. To be considered positive by FemLab test kit in the clinical studies described below, the patient had to have a positive result(s) from the following: pH, proline-iminopeptidase, nitrite, blood, protein and Leukocyte.
Of the 300 specimens, 266 patients were negative and 18 were positive by the traditional methods. The table below presents a comparison of the FemLab test kit to the traditional method:
Healthy vs. Vaginitis
| Comparative Method | | Traditional Laboratory Method | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Outcome | Positive | Negative |
| FemLab Test Kit | Positive | 18 | 9 |
| | Negative | 7 | 266 |
Overall agreement is – 94.6%
c. Other clinical supportive data (when a. and b. are not applicable):
4. Clinical cut-off:
See detection limits above
5. Expected values/Reference range:
Not applicable
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N. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
O. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
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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.