The Waters MassTrak Immunosuppressants Kit is indicated for the quantification of the immunosuppressive drug Tacrolimus (FK506; Prograf) in liver and kidney transplant patient whole blood samples for the purposes of monitoring drug levels to direct subsequent patient dosing.
Device Story
The MassTrak Immunosuppressants Kit is an in vitro diagnostic assay for quantifying Tacrolimus in human whole blood. The device uses protein precipitation and centrifugation to isolate the analyte, followed by on-line solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The system measures ammonium adducts of Tacrolimus, comparing the response to an internal standard (ascomycin) and a linear standard curve generated from six-level calibrators. The kit is intended for use in clinical laboratories by trained personnel using LC/MS/MS instrumentation. By providing accurate drug concentration measurements, the device assists clinicians in monitoring therapeutic levels to prevent organ rejection or toxicity in transplant recipients.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Precision evaluated at three sites (n=80 per site) per CLSI EP5-A2; total CV% ranged 2.7-7.9%. Linearity assessed per CLSI EP-6/EP-6A (0.5-31.7 ng/mL). Recovery studies (n=18) showed mean recoveries of 98.8-105.18%. Analytical specificity tested against anticoagulants, endogenous substances, and exogenous drugs; interference was ≤ ±10%. Method comparison studies performed against LC/MS and LC/MS/MS methods (n=50-58 per study) showed high correlation (r=0.9797-0.9975).
Technological Characteristics
Quantitative LC/MS/MS assay. Reagents include calibrators, controls, internal standard, and extraction column. Requires HPLC grade water, methanol, acetonitrile, ammonium acetate, and formic acid. Sensing principle: tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS/MS) with 1.0-1.5 Da mass windows. Sample pretreatment: organic solvent protein precipitation. Storage: -20°C. Standards: CLSI EP-5A2, EP-6A, EP-7A, EP-9A2, EP-17A.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the quantification of Tacrolimus in whole blood samples from liver and kidney transplant patients to aid in the management of Tacrolimus therapy.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A tacrolimus test system is a device intended to quantitatively determine tacrolimus concentrations as an aid in the management of transplant patients receiving therapy with this drug. This generic type of device includes immunoassays and chromatographic assays for tacrolimus.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control is “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus Assays; Guidance for Industry and FDA.” See § 862.1(d) for the availability of this guidance document.
Predicate Devices
EMIT 2000 Tacrolimus Assay (k060385)
CEDIA Tacrolimus Assay (k050206)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION
DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k063868
B. Purpose for Submission:
New device
C. Measurand:
Tacrolimus
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative LC/MS/MS
E. Applicant:
Waters Corporation
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Proprietary: MassTrak Immunosuppressants Kit
Established: LC/MS/MS Analysis for Tacrolimus in Whole Blood
G. Regulatory Information:
| Product Code | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| MLM | II | 21 CFR 862.1678 | 75 Chemistry |
| JIT | II | 21 CFR 862.1150 | 75 Chemistry |
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
Refer to Indications for Use
2. Indication(s) for use:
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The Waters MassTrak Immunosuppressants Kit is indicated for the quantification of the immunosuppressive drug Tacrolimus (FK506; Prograf) in liver and kidney transplant patient whole blood samples as an aid in the management of tacrolimus therapy.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
Prescription Use Only
4. Special instrument requirements:
These reagents, calibrators, and controls are designed to be used with a Liquid Chromatography / Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) system only.
I. Device Description:
The device consists of six levels of calibrator, three levels of controls, neat solution, internal standard, and an extraction column. Other reagents required but not included are HPLC grade water, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, HPLC grade methanol, HPLC grade acetonitrile, ammonium acetate, and formic acid.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
EMIT 2000 Tacrolimus Assay
CEDIA Tacrolimus Assay
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
k060385
k050206
3. Comparison with predicate:
{2}
| Similarities | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate 1 | Predicate 2 |
| Intended Use | The Waters MassTrak Immunosuppressants Kit is indicated for the quantification of the immunosuppressive drug Tacrolimus (FK506; Prograf) in liver and kidney transplant patient whole blood samples as an aid in the management of tacrolimus therapy. | Intended for in vitro quantitative analysis of Tacrolimus and metabolite in human whole blood as an aid in the management of Tacrolimus therapy in liver and kidney transplant patients. | Intended for the quantitative determination of Tacrolimus in human whole blood using automated clinical chemistry analyzers as an aid in the management of kidney and liver transplant recipients receiving Tacrolimus therapy. |
| Matrix | Whole Blood | Whole Blood | Whole Blood |
| Assay Technology | LC/MS/MS | Immunoassay | Immunoassay |
| Assay Range | 0.5 – 31.7 ng/mL | 2 – 30 ng/mL | 2 – 30 ng/mL |
| Sample Pretreatment | Whole blood samples treated with organic solvent to precipitate protein and extract Tacrolimus; assay performed on supernatant | Whole blood samples treated with cupric sulfate in water; assay performed on supernatant | Whole blood samples treated with Zinc sulfate; assay performed on supernatant |
| Differences | | | |
| Item | Device | Predicate 1 | Predicate 2 |
| Instrumentation | Liquid chromatography / tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) | Clinical Chemistry Analyzers | Clinical Chemistry Analyzers |
| Calibrators | Six (6) levels
0,3,6,12 20, and 30 ng/mL of Tacrolimus | Six (6) levels
0,2.5,5,10, 20, and 30 ng/mL of Tacrolimus | Two (2) levels
0 and 30ng/mL |
| Kit/Reagent Storage | -20°C | 2-8°C | 2-8°C |
| Antibody | None | mouse monoclonal anti-Tacrolimus antibodies | mouse monoclonal anti-Tacrolimus antibodies |
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K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus Assays; Guidance for Industry and FDA
CLSI EP-5A2: Evaluation of Precision Performance of Quantitative Measurement Methods
CLSI EP-6A: Evaluation of the Linearity of Quantitative Measurement
CLSI EP-7A: Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry
CLSI EP-9A2: Method Comparison and Bias Estimation
CLSI EP-17A: Protocols for Determination of Limits of Detection
L. Test Principle:
LC/MS/MS utilizes three dimensions of separation/selection for the target analyte prior to the detection step.
1. A chromatographic dimension in which the selection is based on the ability to separate the target analyte from interferences under the conditions of the separation;
2. A primary mass separation, MS 1, in which the selection is based on the molecular mass of the target analyte. The sample for the mass-based separation is a defined retention window from the chromatography selected to specifically to eliminate interferences; and
3. A secondary mass separation, MS 2, which occurs after the target mass window from the primary mass separation is subjected to conditions to fragment the target analyte. The secondary mass separation is then performed on the fragments from the primary mass separation target mass window. The signal for measurement is then obtained from the mass window known to contain the analyte fragment target mass again to specifically eliminate interferences.
In a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer, (MS/MS) the mass windows described above are typically 1.0 – 1.5 Da (atomic mass units) in width and therefore provide highly selective filters for the analytes of interest.
M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
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The sponsor evaluated precision at three external sites by assaying three levels of tacrolimus according to CLSI EP5-A2. Samples were prepared by spiking tacrolimus into pooled patient whole blood. Concentrations were chosen to represent the middle of the reportable range and the low and high medical decision points. Each level was analyzed in duplicate, twice per day over 20 days $(n = 80)$ . Results were as follows:
Site 1
| Material | Mean (ng/mL) | Total | | Within-run | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | SD | CV% | SD | CV% |
| Low Pool | 2.807 | 0.14 | 4.7 | 0.10 | 3.4 |
| Medium Pool | 8.996 | 0.31 | 3.4 | 0.24 | 2.7 |
| High Pool | 20.025 | 0.73 | 3.6 | 0.38 | 1.9 |
Site 2
| Material | Mean (ng/mL) | Total | | Within-run | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | SD | CV% | SD | CV% |
| Low Pool | 2.594 | 0.21 | 7.9 | 0.15 | 5.7 |
| Medium Pool | 11.335 | 0.57 | 5.1 | 0.39 | 3.5 |
| High Pool | 27.784 | 0.76 | 2.7 | 0.66 | 2.4 |
Site 3
| Material | Mean (ng/mL) | Total | | Within-run | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | SD | CV% | SD | CV% |
| Low Pool | 2.041 | 0.16 | 7.6 | 0.11 | 5.6 |
| Medium Pool | 10.913 | 0.40 | 3.7 | 0.35 | 3.2 |
| High Pool | 29.898 | 1.12 | 3.7 | 0.72 | 2.4 |
# b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Linearity was assessed at two sites according to both CLSI EP-6 and EP-6A. The latter document utilizes polynomial regression analysis to assess whether the data set is statistically non-linear. Using this method, none of the second or third order coefficients were significantly different from zero at the $95\%$ confidence level, indicating that the data are linear. EP-6 assesses linearity using lack-of-fit modeling. According to this assessment the data were also
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found to be linear. The dilution series was made starting with one high and one low sample and making evenly spaced intermediate dilutions according to the CLSI guideline for a total of nine concentrations. Below is a summary of the raw data collected and the appearance of a simple XY plot.
Site 1
| Dilution | Mean conc (ng/mL) n = 4 |
| --- | --- |
| 1 | 0.68 |
| 2 | 3.84 |
| 3 | 6.92 |
| 4 | 9.88 |
| 5 | 13.25 |
| 6 | 16.71 |
| 7 | 19.47 |
| 8 | 22.63 |
| 9 | 26.10 |

Site 2
| Dilution | Mean conc (ng/mL) n = 4 |
| --- | --- |
| 1 | 1.98 |
| 2 | 5.85 |
| 3 | 9.38 |
| 4 | 13.08 |
| 5 | 16.68 |
| 6 | 20.18 |
| 7 | 24.05 |
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| Dilution | Mean conc (ng/mL) n = 4 |
| --- | --- |
| 8 | 27.75 |
| 9 | 31.70 |

The sponsor also assessed recovery of the assay at one site by spiking tacrolimus into six whole blood samples. Each sample had an initial tacrolimus concentration of $5 - 10\mathrm{ng / mL}$ which was measured prior to spiking. Aliquots of each of the six samples were then spiked with an additional 5, 10, and $20\mathrm{ng / mL}$ Tacrolimus $(n = 18)$ . Target values were calculated for each aliquot as (initial concentration + amount of spike). Each of the 18 samples were analyzed in triplicate. Recovery study results are summarized in the following table:
| Sample | Mean % Recovery | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | 5 ng/mL spike (measured in triplicate) | 10 ng/mL spike (measured in triplicate) | 20 ng/mL spike (measured in triplicate) |
| 1 | 96.27 | 108.83 | 101.88 |
| 2 | 117.13 | 109.30 | 108.82 |
| 3 | 86.27 | 92.73 | 103.82 |
| 4 | 99.60 | 102.67 | 107.97 |
| 5 | 100.67 | 115.10 | 110.17 |
| 6 | 92.87 | 86.03 | 98.40 |
| Grand Mean | 98.80 | 102.44 | 105.18 |
The reportable range of the assay is $0.5 - 31.7\mathrm{ng / mL}$
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c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods)
Although the use of fresh samples is recommended, the sponsor has made the following claims for sample stability in the labeling:
- Room temperature (22° C) for 24 hours
- Refrigerator temperature (4° C) for 7 days
- Frozen (-20° C) for 60 days and stable through three freeze/thaw cycles. These claims were validated by the sponsor's sample stability testing protocol
Calibrators, controls, and internal standard are prepared by spiking tacrolimus into tacrolimus-free whole blood. Samples are then freeze-dried, reconstituted and assayed as unknowns by seven different laboratories using validated Tacrolimus methods to assign values to a master lot. Production lots are traceable to the master lot. The sponsor states that there are currently no recognized reference standards for tacrolimus.
Calibrator and control stability dating is established by assessing kit recovery at various time points. Frozen proficiency testing samples are thawed, analyzed, and compared to the peer group mean. The sponsor's results were within ±10% of the peer group mean.
d. Detection limit:
The lower limit of quantification (LLoQ) was determined using CLSI EP-17A as a guide. Twelve clinical samples were selected for analysis ranging in concentration from 0.125 to 0.6 ng/mL. Each of the samples was analyzed on four different days with four replicate injections of each sample (n=16). The LLoQ was defined as the lowest concentration where the CV<20% with <20% deviation from the expected concentration. Samples at a concentration of 0.5 ng/mL (the sponsor's claimed LOQ) met these criteria.
e. Analytical specificity:
Potential interferences due to the following substances or conditions were evaluated using CLSI EP7-A as a guide:
| Potential Interferent | Maximum Concentration |
| --- | --- |
| Anticoagulants | |
| K_{2}EDTA | 9.0 mg/mL (5 X normal) |
| Endogenous Substances | |
| Hematocrit | 15 – 60% |
| Bilirubin | 60 mg/dL |
| Albumin | 12 g/dL |
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| Potential Interferent | Maximum Concentration |
| --- | --- |
| Cholesterol | 500 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | 1500 mg/dL |
| Uric Acid | 20 mg/dL |
| Vitamin B12 | 1000 pg/mL |
| Exogenous Substances | |
| Amphotericin B | 100 μg/mL |
| Cyclosporine | 5000 ng/mL |
| Digoxin | 25 nmol/L |
| Rifampin | 390 μmol/L |
| Sirolimus | 200 ng/mL |
| Vancomycin | 270 μmol/L |
A base pool of $\approx 20\ \mathrm{ng/mL}$ tacrolimus was first analyzed for tacrolimus as the control concentration. Each substance at the concentration in the list above was then added to an aliquot of the base pool and reanalyzed for tacrolimus. All of the compounds tested caused a change in tacrolimus concentration of $\leq \pm 10\%$ from the control concentration.
Potential interferents with a molecular mass of $< 750$ Daltons were excluded from testing because they would not reasonably be expected to cause interference with this LC-MS-MS method due to the difference in mass between the potential interferent and the target analyte.
The identities of three known metabolites are 12-hydroxy-Tacrolimus, demethyl-Tacrolimus (13-0, 15-0 and 31-0) and 13, 31-0-didemethyl-Tacrolimus. Five clinical samples with Tacrolimus levels $>20\ \mathrm{ng/mL}$ were reanalyzed according to a standard curve with quality control materials. An instrument method was created to record transitions from masses of the precursor ammonium adducts to the respective product daughter ions for the individual metabolites at $m/z\ 793.5>740.4$ (didemethyl), $m/z\ 807.5>754.4$ (demethyl), $m/z\ 809.5>756.4$ (ascomycin - internal standard), $m/z\ 821.5>768.4$ (Tacrolimus) and $m/z\ 837.5>786.4$ (hydroxy), as per tuning with Tacrolimus and ascomycin.
Comparison of the traces of the different transitions showed that there was no evidence of any $m/z\ 793.5>740.4$, $m/z\ 807.5>754.4$ or $m/z\ 837.5>786.4$ products in the standard curve or quality control materials. However, all five clinical samples exhibited one or more peaks in the $m/z\ 807.5>754.4$ channel at 0.80, and 0.80 and 1.10 minutes in the $m/z\ 809.5>756.4$ channel (Tacrolimus and ascomycin elute at 0.90 minutes). The maximum intensity of the demethyl-metabolite peaks was about one factor of ten lower than the Tacrolimus peak. There was no evidence of the 12-hydroxy- or the 13, 31-O-didemethylmetabolites.
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| Metabolite | Parent (Precursor) Ion (m/z) | Product (Daughter) Ion (m/z) | Peak Detected? Retention Time |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 13, 31-0-didemethyl Tacrolimus | 793.5 | 740.4 | No |
| 13-0-demethyl-, 15-0-demethyl- & 31-0-demethyl Tacrolimus | 807.5 | 754.4 | Yes, at 0.8 minutes |
| 12-hydroxy Tacrolimus | 837.5 | 786.4 | No |
| Ascomycin (internal standard) | 809.5 | 756.4 | Yes, at 0.80 and 1.10 minutes |
f. Assay cutoff:
Not applicable.
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
The Waters Tacrolimus method was compared with an LC/MS method and an LC/MS/MS method in three separate studies. Patients included both males and females, ranged in age from 2 – 73 years, and had received either a kidney or liver transplant. A summary of the studies follows:
| Method Comparison Study 1 - LC/MS | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| n | | |
| Liver (58) | Slope (95% CI) | 1.103 (1.089 – 1.118) |
| | Intercept (95% CI) | -0.192 (-0.313 - -0.071) |
| | r | 0.9975 |
| Kidney (51) | Slope (95% CI) | 1.078 (1.058 – 1.098) |
| | Intercept (95% CI) | -0.128 (-0.290 – 0.033) |
| | r | 0.9956 |
{10}
| Method Comparison Study 2 - LC/MS/MS | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| n | | |
| Liver (50) | Slope (95% CI) | 1.048 (1.006 – 1.091) |
| | Intercept (95% CI) | 0.124 (-0.153 – 0.401) |
| | r | 0.9797 |
| Kidney (50) | Slope (95% CI) | 1.112 (1.075 – 1.149) |
| | Intercept (95% CI) | -0.100 (-0.446 – 0.246) |
| | r | 0.9864 |
| Method Comparison Study 3 - LC/MS/MS | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| n | | |
| Liver (50) | Slope (95% CI) | 1.006 (0.973 – 1.038) |
| | Intercept (95% CI) | -0.11 (-0.34 – 0.12) |
| | r | 0.9872 |
| Kidney (50) | Slope (95% CI) | 0.985 (0.962 – 1.008) |
| | Intercept (95% CI) | -0.02 (-0.22 – 0.17) |
| | r | 0.9933 |
b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable.
3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not applicable.
b. Clinical specificity:
Not applicable.
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable.
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# 5. Expected values/Reference range:
No firm therapeutic range exists for tacrolimus in whole blood. The optimum therapeutic range of tacrolimus used in each institution relies on factors that pertain to the needs of its patient population and the specific assay used. The complexity of the clinical state, individual differences in sensitivity to immunosuppressive and nephrotoxic effects of tacrolimus, co-administration of other immunosuppressants, type of transplant, time post-transplant, and several other factors also contribute to different requirements for optimal blood levels of tacrolimus. Furthermore, the wide variety of parameters leading to optimal tacrolimus therapy on an individual basis means that tacrolimus measurements alone cannot be used as an indication for changing treatment regimens. Each patient should be thoroughly evaluated clinically before changes in treatment regimens are made.
It should be noted that LC/MS/MS target ranges may be lower than immunoassay ranges, owing to the lack of metabolite cross-reactivity.
Recommended therapeutic ranges for Tacrolimus
| Method | Kidney (ng/mL) | Liver (ng/mL) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Initial MEIA | 10 – 15 | 10 – 15 |
| Maintenance MEIA | 5 – 10 | 5 – 10 |
# N. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR 809.10.
# O. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
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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.
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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.