The CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E) kit is designed for the separation of the normal hemoglobins (A, F and A2) and for the detection of the major hemoglobin variants (especially S, C, E or D), by electrophoresis in alkaline buffer (pH 9.4) with the CAPILLARYS System. The CAPILLARYS performs all sequences automatically to obtain a complete hemoglobin profile for qualitative or quantitative analysis of hemoglobins. The assay is performed on red blood cells.
Device Story
Device uses capillary electrophoresis to separate hemoglobin fractions in human red blood cells. Input: whole blood samples in primary tubes. Process: automated hemolysis, dilution, and injection into seven parallel silica capillaries; separation occurs via electrophoretic mobility in alkaline buffer (pH 9.4) and electroosmotic flow; detection via absorbance at 415 nm. Output: electrophoregrams showing separated hemoglobin fractions and relative quantification. Used in clinical laboratory settings; operated by laboratory personnel. Healthcare providers evaluate electrophoregrams visually for pattern abnormalities to identify hemoglobin variants and quantify fractions, aiding in the diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; device relies on analytical performance characteristics for hemoglobin separation and detection via capillary electrophoresis.
Technological Characteristics
Uses capillary electrophoresis in silica capillaries. Detection via absorbance at 415 nm. Automated sample mixing with hemolysing solution. System performs automated procedural sequences for hemoglobin profiling.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the detection and characterization of hemoglobins in human blood using capillary electrophoresis to obtain a hemoglobin profile for qualitative or quantitative analysis of hemoglobin fractions A, A2, F and variants S, C, E, and D.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An abnormal hemoglobin assay is a device consisting of the reagents, apparatus, instrumentation, and controls necessary to isolate and identify abnormal genetically determined hemoglobin types.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A control intended for use with an abnormal hemoglobin assay is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 864.9.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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S510 (k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION
DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
K052291
B. Purpose for Submission:
New Device
C. Measurand:
Hemoglobin A, F, A2, S, C, E, D
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative, Qualitative
E. Applicant:
SEBIA
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E)
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR 864.7515, Abnormal Hemoglobin Assay
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
GKA, Abnormal Hemoglobin quantitation
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4. Panel:
Hematology (81)
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
The CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E) kit is designed for the separation of the normal hemoglobins (A, F and A2) and for the detection of the major hemoglobin variants (especially S, C, E or D), by electrophoresis in alkaline buffer (pH 9.4) with the CAPILLARYS System. The CAPILLARYS performs all sequences automatically to obtain a complete hemoglobin profile for qualitative or quantitative analysis of hemoglobins. The assay is performed on red blood cells.
2. Indication(s) for use:
The CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E) kit is designed for the detection and the characterization of hemoglobins in human blood with the Sebia CAPILLARYS system, for capillary electrophoresis. The CAPILLARYS performs all procedural sequences automatically to obtain a hemoglobin profile. The CAPILLARYS system automatically mixes the blood sample with hemolysing solution. The hemoglobins, separated in silica capillaries, are directly detected by their absorbance at 415 nm. The electrophoregrams are evaluated visually for the pattern abnormalities. Direct detection of the hemoglobins provides relative quantification of individual hemoglobin fraction of the normal hemoglobin fractions A, A2, F and for the detection of major hemoglobin variants as S, C, E and D using Capillarys electrophoresis. For in vitro diagnostic use.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
Not applicable.
4. Special instrument requirements:
Not applicable.
I. Device Description:
The CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E) kit consists of five components; (1) CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E) buffer contains alkaline buffer (pH 9.4), supplied in 700mL vials, (2) Hemolyzing Solution, supplied in 440 ml vials, (3) Washing Solution, supplied in 70 ml vials, (4) Dilution segments, supplied in pack of 90, (5) Filters, three per kit. The CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E) kit is used in conjunction with a Sebia CAPILLARYS system in which seven silica capillaries are utilized for analyzing. The hemoglobin, separated in capillaries, are directly detected at an absorbance wave length of 415 nm, resulting electrophoregrams. Direct detection provides relative quantification of individual
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hemoglobin fractions.
1. Predicate device name(s):
BIORAD VARIANT (HPLC) - β Thalasemia
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
K051072
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E) | HPLC BIORAD |
| Intended use | The CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E) kit is designed for the separation of the normal hemoglobins (A, F and A2) and for the detection of the major hemoglobin variants (especially S, C, E or D), by electrophoresis in alkaline buffer (pH 9.4) with the CAPILLARYS System. The CAPILLARYS performs all sequences automatically to obtain a complete hemoglobin profile for qualitative or quantitative analysis of hemoglobins. The assay is performed on red blood cells.
For in vitro diagnostic use | The VARIANT B-thalasemia Program is intended for the separation and area percent determinations of hemoglobins A2 and F using a whole blood ion-exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
For in vitro diagnostic use. |
| Absorbance wave length | 415 nm | 415 and 690 nm |
| Analyzed samples | Packed red blood cells | Whole blood |
| Samples identification | Yes | Yes |
| Hemolysis | Performed automatically by the system | Performed automatically by the system |
| Introduction of the samples into the automatic system | Continuous loading | Continuous loading |
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| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E) | HPLC BIORAD |
| Instrument | CAPILLARYS | Bio-Rad VARIANT |
| Separation System | Capillary electrophoresis in free solution: protein separation in an alkaline buffer (pH 9.4) according to their charge, to the electrolyte pH and electroosmotic flow. Fast separation and good resolution. Electrophoregrams show separated fractions according to their charge. | Ion-exchange high performance liquid chromatography: protein Separation on the column based on their ionic interaction with the cartridge material and elution by buffer gradient with increasing ionic strength. Chromatograms show retention times of eluted fractions. |
| Materials Included in Kit | Buffer, 2 Vials 700 mL ea Hemolysing solution,1 vial 440 mL Wash solution , 1 vial 70 mL Dilution segments, 1 pack of 90 Filters, 3 Filters | Elution Buffer -1 Elution Buffer-2 Whole Blood Primer HbA2/F Calibrator set Analytical Cartridge Sample Vials- 100 Wash/Diluent-2 CD ROM |
| Number of separation units | 7 parallel capillaries | 1 column |
| Number of analysis ( throughput) | Max 34 samples/hour | 9-10 samples/hour |
# K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices - Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, May 11, 2005.
# L. Test Principle:
The CAPILLARYS system uses the principle of capillary electrophoresis in a free solution. With this technique, charged molecules are separated by their electrophoretic mobility in an alkaline buffer with a specific pH. Separation also occurs according to the electrolyte pH and electroosmotic flow. The CAPILLARYS system has capillaries functioning in parallel allowing 7 simultaneous analyses for hemoglobin quantification. A sample dilution with hemolyzing solution is prepared and injected by aspiration at the anodic end of the capillary. A high voltage protein separation is then performed and direct detection of the hemoglobins is made at $415\mathrm{nm}$ at the cathodic end of the capillary. The resulting electrophoregrams are evaluated visually for pattern abnormalities. By using alkaline pH buffer, normal and abnormal (or variant) hemoglobins are detected.
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M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Five different blood samples (normal blood 1; blood 2 with increased Hb A2; bloods 3 and 4 with Hb F; blood 5 with increased Hb A2, Hb F and S component) were run seven times with two lots of analysis buffer.
Reproducibility (Within-run) results:
| Sample # | Hb A | Hb A2 | Hb F | Hb S | Mean (%) | SD | CV (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | X | | | | 97.3/97.3 | 0.05/0.05 | 0.1/0.1 |
| | | X | | | 2.7/2.7 | 0.05/ 0.05 | 1.8/1.8 |
| 2 | X | | | | 94.3/94.5 | 0.06/0.08 | 0.1/0.1 |
| | | X | | | 5.7/5.5 | 0.06/0.08 | 0.1/0.1 |
| 3 | X | | | | 80.5/80.4 | 0.14/0.12 | 0.2/0.1 |
| | | X | | | 2.3/2.3 | 0.00/0.05 | 0.0/2.0 |
| | | | X | | 17.2/17/3 | 0.14/0.08 | 0.8/0.5 |
| 4 | X | | | | 96.8/96.9 | 0.09/0.11 | 0.1/0.1 |
| | | X | | | 2.4/2.3 | 0.05/0.03 | 1.9/1.5 |
| | | | X | | 0.8/0.8 | 0.05/0.08 | 6.7/10.2 |
| 5 | X | | | | 53.4/53.7 | 0.17/0.24 | 0.3/0.4 |
| | | X | | | 5.5/4.9 | 0.05/0.07 | 1.1/1.4 |
| | | | X | | 9.0/8.8 | 0.05/0.07 | 0.6/0.8 |
| | | | | X | 32.6/32.6 | 0.17/0.20 | 0.5/0.6 |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Linearity was conducted using two blood samples (Control 1: normal Hb A and Hb A2 and Control 2: abnormal elevated Hb A2, Hb S and Hb F). The two control samples were mixed at different concentration. Linearity was determined for each fraction (Hb A, Hb A2, Hb S and Hb F). In addition, two blood samples were obtained containing different total hemoglobin concentration values of 10.6 g/dl and 12.5 g/dl. The samples were run neat, diluted 2, 3, and 5. The results demonstrated satisfactory linearity within the entire range of 2.1 – 12.5 g/dL.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Stability studies were performed with the CAPILLARYS HEMOGLOBIN(E) kit for samples containing anticoagulants, EDTA, citrate and heparin. Samples were stored for up to 7 days between 2 – 8°C. The percent of each fraction (HbA, HbF, HbS, HbA2 and Hb delta A'2) was measured. All three anticoagulants were found acceptable.
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d. Detection limit:
Not applicable.
e. Analytical specificity:
Not applicable.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable.
# 2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Comparison studies were preformed, with the use of the HPLC system, for Hb A2, Hb F, and Hb S on blood samples (with normal and elevated levels). The results are as follows:
| Hb fraction | N | R2 | y-intercept | Slope | Range of % values |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hb A2 | 66 | 0.947 | 0.146 | 0.908 | 1.6 – 6.0 |
| Hb F | 74 | 0.995 | -0.339 | 0.968 | 0.0 – 44.9 |
| Hb S | 43 | 0.994 | 1.769 | 1.005 | 9.1 – 92.7 |
An additional study was performed on seventy (75) blood samples with hemoglobin variants, such as hemoglobin S, C, and E. This study also included the comparison of Hemoglobin A (Hb A). Gel confirmation studies were conducted on all samples tested.
Hemoglobin D studies were not conducted due to infrequency of the hemoglobin variant and sample availability.
All abnormal hemoglobins or abnormal levels detected were in agreement with the comparative method, hospital results and clinical diagnosis.
The blood samples and their diagnostic assessment used for all studies were provided by hospitals in Europe. The diagnosis was based on HPLC and/or on a routine alkaline gel and acid gel electrophoresis.
b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable.
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3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not applicable.
b. Clinical specificity:
Not applicable.
c. Other clinical supportive data (when a. and b. are not applicable):
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable.
5. Expected values/Reference range:
Normal values for individual major electrophoretic hemoglobin zones in the CAPILLAYS system were established from a healthy population of 113 adults (men and women) with normal hemoglobin. See below:
Hemoglobin A (Hb A): ≥ 96.8 %
Hemoglobin F (Hb F): < 0.5 %
Hemoglobin A2 (Hb A2): comprised between 2.2 and 3.2 %
It is recommended that each laboratory establish its own threshold values.
N. Instrument Name:
Sebia, CAPILLARYS
O. System Descriptions:
1. Modes of Operation:
Open tube batch mode with the following sequence of automated steps:
- Bar code reading of sample tubes
- Sample hemolysis and dilution from primary tubes
- Capillary washing
- Injection of hemolyzed samples
- Hemoglobin separation and direct detection of the separated hemoglobins on capillaries
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2. Software:
The CAPILLARYS operating system software is designed to work with the instrumentation, CAPILLARYS. The CAPILLARYS instrumentation directed by the software is a fully automated in the performance of the sample identification by barcode labeling, dilution, testing, and calculation of results. The CAPILLARYS software utilizes Windows 98 or XP as the operating system with Intel based processors with Visual Basic as the programming language.
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and software development processes for this line of product types:
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
3. Specimen Identification:
Bar Code reader
4. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
Red blood cells are allowed to precipitate at 2° – 8° C, or centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 5 minutes. The maximum volume of plasma is removed and the tube is vortexed for 5 seconds. The open tubes are placed in the sample racks.
5. Calibration:
Not applicable
6. Quality Control:
It is necessary to run two analysis sequences with the Normal Hb A2 Control (SEBIA) after having changed buffer lot numbers, after a capillary cleaning, and before starting a new analysis sequence. It is also advised to include into each run of samples an assayed blood control (AFSC Control, Normal Hb A2 Control – SEBIA).
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
Q. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
R. 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 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?
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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.
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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.
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
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Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
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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.
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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.
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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.