ASSURE PRO BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEM, MODEL 460001
K053079 · Hypoguard USA, Inc. · CGA · Mar 28, 2006 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K053079
Device Name
ASSURE PRO BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEM, MODEL 460001
Applicant
Hypoguard USA, Inc.
Product Code
CGA · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Mar 28, 2006
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1345
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Assure Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring System is intended for the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood. Testing is done outside the body (In Vitro Diagnostic Use). It is indicated for use at home (over the counter [OTC]) by persons with diabetes, or in clinical settings by healthcare professionals, as an aid to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes control.
Device Story
Assure Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring System measures glucose in fresh capillary whole blood; uses electrochemical enzymatic (glucose oxidase) assay. System includes portable battery-operated meter, disposable test strips, and control solutions. User inserts strip into meter; applies fingerstick blood sample; meter performs measurement in 10 seconds. Calibration achieved via strip-specific electronic key. Meter stores 250 results; calculates 7, 14, and 30-day moving averages; provides audible alarms for low glucose. Used by diabetics for self-monitoring or healthcare professionals in clinical settings. Output (plasma equivalent glucose concentration) aids in diabetes management decisions. System performance validated for hematocrit 30-55% and temperature 15-35°C.
Clinical Evidence
User study conducted with 159 diabetic participants (ages 16-78, Type 1, Type 2, gestational). Participants performed self-testing; results compared to YSI laboratory reference method. Performance evaluated via ISO 15197 criteria. Analytical performance included precision (CV% 4.0-6.1%), linearity (20-600 mg/dL), and interference testing per CLSI EP07-A2. Results demonstrate substantial equivalence to predicate and compliance with ISO 15197 standards.
Technological Characteristics
Portable, battery-operated blood glucose meter. Uses test strips and control solution for in vitro diagnostic quantitative glucose measurement. System designed for fresh capillary whole blood analysis. Technological characteristics identical to original version, with modifications focused on reduced minimum sample volume.
Indications for Use
Indicated for persons with diabetes (home/OTC) and healthcare professionals (clinical settings) for quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood to monitor diabetes control effectiveness.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A glucose test system is a device intended to measure glucose quantitatively in blood and other body fluids. Glucose measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of carbohydrate metabolism disorders including diabetes mellitus, neonatal hypoglycemia, and idiopathic hypoglycemia, and of pancreatic islet cell carcinoma.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is solely intended for use as a drink to test glucose tolerance, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 862.9.
Predicate Devices
Assure Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring System (k051514)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
1
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k053079
B. Purpose for Submission:
Premarket notification (510k) of the intent to manufacture and market the Assure Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring system.
C. Measurand:
Capillary blood glucose
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative enzymatic (glucose oxidase) electrochemical assay
E. Applicant:
Hypoguard USA, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Assure Pro Glucose Monitoring System
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR §862.1345, Blood Glucose Test System, Over-the-Counter
21 CFR §862.1660 Quality control material (assayed and unassayed)
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
CGA, NBW, JJX
{1}
4. Panel:
Clinical Chemistry (75)
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
Please see indications for use.
2. Indication(s) for use:
Assure Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring System:
The Assure Pro Blood Glucose Meter is intended for the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood. Testing is done outside the body (In Vitro Diagnostic Use). It is indicated for use at home (over the counter [OTC]) by persons with diabetes, or in clinical settings by healthcare professionals, as an aid to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes control.
Assure Pro Glucose Meter:
The Assure Pro Blood Glucose Meter is intended for the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood. Testing is done outside the body (In Vitro Diagnostic Use). It is indicated for use at home (over the counter [OTC]) by persons with diabetes, or in clinical settings by healthcare professionals, as an aid to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes control.
Assure Pro Blood Glucose Test Strips:
Assure Pro Test Strips are intended for the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood when used with the Assure Pro Blood Glucose Meter. Testing is done outside the body (In Vitro Diagnostic Use). It is indicated for use at home (over the counter [OTC]) by persons with diabetes, or in clinical settings by healthcare professionals, as an aid to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes control.
Assure Pro Control Solution:
For use with Assure Pro Blood Glucose and Assure Pro Test Strips as a quality control check to verify the accuracy of blood glucose test results.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For use with capillary whole blood (fingerstick only).
4. Special instrument requirements:
None – the Assure Pro is a complete blood glucose monitoring system.
I. Device Description:
2
{2}
The Assure Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring System consists of a meter, test strips, and control solutions (two levels). It is intended for over-the-counter, home use by diabetics to monitor their blood glucose levels, or for use in a clinical setting by health care professionals. The system tests fresh capillary whole blood. The meter is a portable, battery-operated instrument designed for use with Assure Pro Blood Glucose test strips.
The device uses well established biochemical, electrical, and software methodologies to report plasma equivalent glucose concentrations from fingerstick sampled capillary whole blood. No new or unproven techniques are introduced with this device. The Assure Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring System can measure glucose concentrations ranging from 20 to 600 mg/dL in whole capillary blood with hematocrits ranging from 30-55%
## J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
Assure Pro Blood Glucose Monitoring System
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
k051514
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Analyte | Glucose | Same |
| Enzyme | Glucose Oxidase | Same |
| Measurement Method | Electrochemical | Same |
| Calibration | Strip specific on a disposable chip | Same |
| Matrix | Fingerstick whole blood | Same |
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Measurement Time | 10 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Applied Volume | 1 uL | 1.5 uL |
## K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
FDA Guidance Document: Review Criteria for Assessment of Portable Blood Glucose In Vitro Diagnostic Devices Using Glucose Oxidase, Dehydrogenase, or Hexokinase Methodology
CLSI EP05-A2: Evaluation of Precision Performance of Clinical Chemistry Devices; Approved Guideline-Second Edition
{3}
CLSI EP07-A2: Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry; Approved Guideline- Second Edition
ISO 15197: Requirements for blood-glucose monitoring systems for self-testing in managing diabetes mellitus
## L. Test Principle:
The test is based on the release of electrical potential after a two-step reaction where glucose and ferricyanide, in the presence of glucose oxidase, are converted into gluconolactone and ferrocyanide. Ferrocyanide, when electrical current is applied, becomes ferricyanide and releases electrons; the increase in current measured by the meter is proportional to the glucose concentration.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### 1. Analytical performance:
#### a. Precision/Reproducibility:
The company followed ISO 15197 in quantifying the precision of their glucose system. The company made measurements on pooled venous blood spiked to 5 different glucose concentrations on 10 different meters using strips from 10 different vials taken from one manufacturing lot for a total of 100 measurements per glucose concentration, 500 measurements per manufacturing lot. The company repeated this procedure on 3 different production lots for a total of 1500 measurements. Five values were excluded when the meter produced no result because of technician error.
A summary of the company's findings:
| Mean Glucose Level (mg/dL) | n | SD (mg/dL) | CV% |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 46 | 296 | 2.8 | 6.1 |
| 105 | 300 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| 138 | 299 | 5.4 | 4.0 |
| 231 | 300 | 9.2 | 4.0 |
| 348 | 300 | 16.0 | 4.6 |
#### b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
The company followed ISO 15197 and CLSI EP05-A2 in quantifying the precision of the linearity of their glucose system. The company collected 720 individual glucose measurements over 7 days. The company prepared a total of 36 separate glucose samples using spiked venous whole blood. Each glucose concentration was measured 20 times on a particular day. Blood was re-oxygenated before measurement. The company selected their glucose concentrations to meet IS 15197 sampling recommendations and to
{4}
span the full range of their device.
The following graph illustrates the linear relationship between the proposed device and a laboratory reference method.

A summary of the proposed device's ISO 15197 performance:
| Glucose Concentration Range (mg/dL) | Number of Measurements outside ISO 15197 | Weighted Percentage Error |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 0 – 50 | 5 | 0.25 |
| 50 – 80 | 0 | 0 |
| 80 – 120 | 0 | 0 |
| 120 – 200 | 0 | 0 |
| 200 – 300 | 2 | 0.25 |
| 300 – 400 | 1 | 0.083 |
| 400 – 1200 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Weighted Percent Error | | 0.583 |
The information supplied by the company substantiates their claim for linear performance over the $20 - 600\mathrm{mg / dL}$ glucose concentration range claimed for this device. The information supplied by the company demonstrates that they meet ISO 15197 expectations for linearity.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
{5}
The company used accelerated aging further substantiated by comparison to the storage behavior of their predicate device to determine the shelf life of their device. Three manufacturing lots of meter strips were stored at 45°C, 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. Sets of 36 strips were periodically withdrawn from environmental storage and used for measurements. For each time point, the company made 6 replicate measurements at 6 different glucose concentrations spanning the claimed range of their device. The company used a 20% change in behavior as a criterion for determining when a strip was over-aged.
From their accelerated aging studies, the company concluded that the shelf life of their measurement strips was at least 36 months when stored at 30°C. The company noted that the a comparative aging study of the new and predicate measurement strips indicated the proposed device demonstrated a factor of 3 greater shelf life when compared to the predicate. The predicate device has a shelf life of 21 months as confirmed by real-time studies.
The data supplied by the company supports the room temperature shelf life of 21 months claimed for the proposed device.
Control solutions for this device were cleared previously in the predicate.
d. Detection limit:
The company demonstrated the performance of their device near their high glucose limit using 2 test suites. Below the 600 mg/dL limit for the device, the company performed measurements on glucose enriched venous blood with glucose ranging from 573 mg/dL to 580 mg/dL as determined by a plasma YSI measurement. 88.8% of the measurements fell within 10% of the plasma YSI reference. 100% of the measurements fell within 20% of the plasma YSI reference. There were no non-numeric "HI" results.
The company challenged 8 meters with venous blood enriched to a glucose concentration of 698 mg/dL as determined by a YSI. All meters reported a "HI" reading instead of a numeric value.
The company validated the performance of their device at their low glucose limit using 2 test suites. In the first, the company challenged the performance of 8 production meters and 1 lot of strips using venous blood depleted to a glucose concentration of 6 mg/dL as determined by a plasma YSI reading. All meters reported a "LO" concentration.
The company further validated the performance of their device at low glucose concentrations using a meter whose software reporting limit was disabled for the test. The company made 32 measurements distributed evenly over 4 lots of strips with venous blood adjusted to a glucose of 21.7 mg/dL as determined by a YSI. They made an additional 8 measurements using an additional lot of strips (5 lots total)
6
{6}
using blood adjusted to a glucose concentration of $23.4\mathrm{mg / dL}$ . Of these 40 measurements, one point or $2.5\%$ fell outside the $\pm 15\mathrm{mg / dL}$ range specified by ISO 15197. 11 of 40 measurements or $27.5\%$ would have yielded numerical results to the user. All 11 of these numeric results were within IS 15197 limits.
The data provided by the company substantiates their claims for performance at the lower and upper limit, $20\mathrm{mg / dL}$ and $600~\mathrm{mg / dL}$ respectively, and the measuring range of their device.
# e. Analytical specificity:
# Impact of Chemical Interference
The company assessed the impact of endogenous and exogenous chemicals on the performance of their device. The company followed CLSI EP07-A2 "Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry" in assessing the impact of analytes on their device. The company used 3 lots of strips to measure the impact of added analytes at 2 different glucose concentrations: $70\mathrm{mg / dL}$ and $240\mathrm{mg / dL}$ . Chemicals tested for interference were added by spiking. The company used ISO 15197 guidelines as a limit for assessing interference. Additives that altered the devices response by more than $15\mathrm{mg / dL}$ for the $70\mathrm{mg / dL}$ solution or by more than $20\%$ (48 mg/dL) for the $240\mathrm{mg / dL}$ were found to interfere.
A summary of the company's findings:
| Analyte | Concentration (mg/dL) | Low Glucose Bias (mg/dL) | High Glucose Bias (mg/dL) | Interference |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 4-Acetamidophenol | 15 | 36.3 | 45.84 | Present |
| Acetylsalicylate | 50 | -0.8 | -5.04 | None |
| Ascorbic | 3 | 14.8 | 22.56 | None |
| Bilirubin (unconjugated) | 12 | 10.5 | 11.28 | None |
| Bilirubin (conjugated) | 40 | 1.6 | 3.84 | None |
| Cholesterol | 500 | -12.5 | 2.616 | None |
| Creatinine | 30 | -4.7 | -8.88 | None |
| 1-Dopa | 3.4 | 33.6 | 26.16 | Present |
| Dopamine | 2.2 | 20.1 | 91.2 | Present |
| EDTA | 1600 | 4.3 | -6.96 | None |
| Ephedrine | 1.1 | -1.2 | -3.84 | None |
| Fructose | 60 | -1.1 | -9.84 | None |
| Galactose | 60 | -1.9 | 0.24 | None |
| Gentisic acid | 10 | 21 | 29.76 | Present |
| Glutathione | 2 | -0.6 | 22.08 | None |
| Hemoglobin | 500 | -2.4 | -8.4 | None |
| Heparin | 10000 | 2.0 | 5.76 | None |
| Ibuprofen | 40 | -6.9 | -12.48 | None |
{7}
The company added statements to their product insert cautioning users against using this device when the interfering analytes might be present.
The company assessed the impact of maltose, maltotriose and maltotetraose in a separate test suite involving 3 different glucose concentrations tested over 10 meters. The company used venous blood spiked to the target glucose concentration. Glucose concentrations were confirmed through measurement on two separate YSI instruments. A summary of the company's findings:
| Reference [glucose], mg/dL | Meter Reading, [maltose] = 0.0 mg/dL | Meter Reading, [maltose] = 120.0 mg/dL | Bias from Control |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 80 mg/dL | 85.8 | 86.4 | 0.7% |
| 150 mg/dL | 181.8 | 187.8 | 3.3% |
| 300 mg/dL | 373.0 | 363.2 | -2.6% |
| Reference [glucose], mg/dL | Meter Reading, [Maltotriose] = 0.0 mg/dL | Meter Reading, [Maltotriose] = 120.0 mg/dL | Bias from Control |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 80 mg/dL | 89.9 | 87.4 | -2.8% |
| 150 mg/dL | 190.5 | 187.4 | -1.6% |
| 300 mg/dL | 373.7 | 360.6 | -3.5% |
{8}
| Reference [glucose], mg/dL | Meter Reading, [Maltotetraose] = 0.0 mg/dL | Meter Reading, [Maltotetraose] = 60.0 mg/dL | Bias from Control |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 80 mg/dL | 88.3 | 86.2 | -2.4% |
| 150 mg/dL | 188.8 | 185.4 | -1.8% |
| 300 mg/dL | 352.6 | 361.1 | 2.4% |
The data supplied by the company supports their claim that metabolites of icodextrin (maltose, maltotriose and maltotetraose) do not significantly impact the performance of the meter.
## Impact of Temperature on Meter Performance
The company assessed the impact of temperature on their device in the measurement of venous and capillary blood. Venous blood was allowed to equilibrate in an environmental chamber prior to measurement. Capillary blood was applied as a hanging droplet and was assumed to have reached the target temperature before measurement.
The following graph illustrates the impact of temperature ranging from 15-30 °C on measurements made with this device:

The following graph illustrates the impact of temperature ranging from 23-38 °C on measurements made with this device:
{9}

The company opted to limit their claimed temperature range to $15 - 35^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ .
The data supplied by the company supports the claimed operating temperature range for this device.
# Impact of Hematocrit
The company used fresh venous blood from non-diabetic volunteers to assess the impact of variations in hematocrit on the device. Concentrations of glucose were adjusted by spiking. Hematocrit levels were adjusted across the $30 - 55\%$ range via centrifugation and re-suspension of the packed cells. Measurements were made on 7 different meters and across 4 lots of strips.
Using a total of 238 measurements, the company determined that in a glucose range of 74 - 121 mg/dL, variations in hematocrit introduced a linear change in their device's response that could be described by a line: Bias = -1.52 (%Hematocrit) +65.7. This met the company's acceptance criteria of bias less than ±20% across the claimed range for the device, 30%-55% hematocrit.
Using a total of 259 measurements, the company determined that in a glucose range of $411 - 466\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , variations in hematocrit introduced a linear change in their device's response: Bias = -1.27 (%Hematocrit) + 55.0. This met the company's acceptance criteria of bias less than $\pm 20\%$ across the claimed range for the device, $30\% - 55\%$
{10}
hematocrit.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable to a device of this type.
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
The company conducted a user study to assess the ability of diabetics to obtain a valid measurement with the device. The company recruited 159 diabetics to participate in the study. Evaluation subjects included both men and women, with Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes, and ranged in age from sixteen to seventy-eight. Blood glucose concentrations ranged from 38.9 mg/dL to 498.1 mg/dL as determined by measurement with calibrated YSI, the device used as the reference method. Patients were provided with the instructions and training material that will be packaged with the for-sale product. Study participants received no additional training, instruction, assistance or training material other than that packaged with the system.
Lay user participants made 2 sequential measurements with 2 different meters. Following the self-administered measurements, a physician performed a second set of 2 measurements with the two meters. 2 meters and 3 lots of strips were used in the study.
The following graph illustrates the performance of device when used by a physician as compared to a laboratory reference:
11
{11}

The following graph illustrates the performance of device when used by a lay user as compared to a laboratory reference:
{12}

b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable to a device of this type.
3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not applicable for a device of this type.
b. Clinical specificity:
Not applicable for a device of this type.
c. Other clinical supportive data (when a. and b. are not applicable):
Not applicable for a device of this type.
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable for a device of this type.
5. Expected values/Reference range:
{13}
The company cited the American Diabetes Association¹ for their reference values:
Fasting glucose concentrations: 90-130 mg/dL
2 hours after any meal: < 180 mg/dL
Bedtime: 110-150 mg/dL
¹American Diabetes Association Web Page, 01/2004
## N. Instrument Name:
Assure Pro Glucose Monitoring System
## O. System Descriptions:
1. **Modes of Operation:**
Test strips can only be used once. Users must replace the strip before taking an additional reading.
2. **Software:**
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and software development processes for this line of product types:
Yes ☐ or No ☑
3. **Specimen Identification:**
There is no sample identification function with this device. Samples are applied directly to the test strip as they are collected.
4. **Specimen Sampling and Handling:**
This device is intended for use with fresh capillary whole blood. Since the sample is applied directly to the test strip, there are no special handling or storage issues.
5. **Calibration:**
Each bottle of test strips is accompanied by an electronic key which contains information necessary to customize the performance of the meter to each lot of strips. The user changes the key on opening a new vial of test strips. The user has the option of comparing the code number for the key against the code number printed on the vial either through the user interface of the meter or by comparing the number printed on the key. No further calibration is required of the user.
6. **Quality Control:**
The company provides two levels of glucose control solutions with this device. To perform a test on a control solution, the user first inserts a test strip into the meter’s receptacle for strips. After confirming that the displayed numeric code matches the code for the key printed on the strip vial, the user presses the navigation keys until they enter
14
{14}
the control solution mode. This mode prevents the meter from automatically storing the results of the measurement of the control. The user then measures the glucose concentration of the control solution as described in the user manual. The user compares the output of this measurement to the acceptable range of measurements for each control level printed on the label of the test strip vial. If control results fall outside these ranges, the user is referred to a list of troubleshooting steps and the customer care line.
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
The meter supports memory for storing 250 measurements. Once stored in memory, measurement values are independent of the calibration key currently loaded in the meter. When the memory of the device is full, additional measurements automatically overwrite the oldest stored reading. Saved results are stored with the date of the measurement and a number, e.g. 1,2,3 ... , indicating the "nth" measurement of the day. In addition, the meter supports a 7, 14, and 30 day moving average calculation for glucose concentrations. The device provides audible alarms to alert the user to low glucose measurements and to remind users to monitor their glucose.
Information on software and device testing provided by the company support their performance claims for this feature.
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 substantial equivalence decision.
15
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.