DIMENSION VISTA ETOH FLEX REAGENT CARTRIDGE, MODEL K5022
K070853 · Dade Behring, Inc. · DIC · Jun 13, 2007 · Clinical Toxicology
Device Facts
Record ID
K070853
Device Name
DIMENSION VISTA ETOH FLEX REAGENT CARTRIDGE, MODEL K5022
Applicant
Dade Behring, Inc.
Product Code
DIC · Clinical Toxicology
Decision Date
Jun 13, 2007
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.3040
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The ETOH method is an in-vitro diagnostic test for the quantitative measurement of ethyl alcohol in human serum, plasma and urine. Ethyl alcohol test results may be used in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol intoxication and poisoning.
Device Story
The Dimension Vista® ETOH Flex® reagent cartridge is an in-vitro diagnostic test for quantitative ethyl alcohol measurement in human serum, plasma, and urine. Used on the Dade Behring Dimension Vista® System, the device utilizes an enzymatic reaction involving alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). The system performs a bichromatic rate measurement to determine alcohol concentration. Results are used by clinicians to diagnose and treat alcohol intoxication and poisoning. The device is intended for professional use in clinical laboratory settings.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is supported by comparative bench testing against predicate devices, evaluating performance characteristics including measuring range and measurement accuracy.
Technological Characteristics
Enzymatic assay using alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Measurement principle: bichromatic rate. Form factor: prepackaged reagent cartridge for use on the Dimension Vista® System. Sample volume: 4 µL. Measuring range: 3-300 mg/dL.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the quantitative measurement of ethyl alcohol in human serum, plasma, and urine to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol intoxication and poisoning.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An alcohol test system is a device intented to measure alcohol (e.g., ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, etc.) in human body fluids (e.g., serum, whole blood, and urine). Measurements obtained by this device are used in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol intoxication and poisoning.
{0}
1
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k070853
B. Purpose for Submission:
New Device
C. Measurand:
Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol, ETOH)
D. Type of Test:
Enzymatic Alcohol Dehydrogenase for the quantitative measurement of ethyl alcohol
E. Applicant:
Dade Behring, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Dimension Vista ETOH Flex reagent cartridge, Model K5022
G. Regulatory Information:
| Product Code | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| DIC- Alcohol Dehydrogenase, Specific Reagent For Ethanol Enzyme Method | Class II | 21 CFR 862.3040, Alcohol test system. | TX - 91 CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY |
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See Indications for use below.
2. Indication(s) for use:
{1}
The ETOH method is an in-vitro diagnostic test for the quantitative measurement of ethyl alcohol in human serum, plasma and urine.
Ethyl alcohol test results may be used in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol intoxication and poisoning.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For prescription use.
4. Special instrument requirements:
Dimension Vista® Integrated System
I. Device Description:
The Dimension Vista® ETOH Flex® reagent cartridge is a prepackaged in-vitro diagnostic test method that is specifically designed to be used on the Dade Behring Dimension Vista® System. The reagents contained in the Dimension Vista® ETOH Flex® reagent cartridge are: Reagent 1 which contains the buffering system and; Reagent 2 which contains alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), buffer, preservatives, and stabilizers.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
| | Dimension Vista® ETOH Flex® reagent cartridge | Dimension® ALC Flex® reagent Cartridge (k904302) | Syva® Emit® II Plus Ethyl Alcohol Assay (k010960) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Similarities | | | |
| Intended Use | The Dimension Vista® ETOH Flex® reagent cartridge is an in-vitro diagnostic test for the quantitative measurement of ethyl alcohol in human serum, plasma, and urine. Ethyl alcohol test results may be used in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol intoxication and poisoning. | The ALC method used in the Dimension® clinical chemistry system is an in vitro diagnostic test intended to measure ethyl alcohol in human serum and supernatants from precipitated whole blood and to qualitatively detect ethyl alcohol in urine. | The EMIT® II Plus Ethyl Alcohol Assay is intended for use in the quantitative analysis of ethyl alcohol (ethanol) in human urine, serum, or plasma. |
{2}
3
| | Dimension Vista® ETOH Flex® reagent cartridge | Dimension® ALC Flex® reagent Cartridge (k904302) | Syva® Emit® II Plus Ethyl Alcohol Assay (k010960) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Similarities | | | |
| Matrix | Plasma, serum, and urine. | Serum, supernatants from precipitated whole blood and urine. | Plasma, serum, and urine. |
| Sample | 4 uL | 3 uL | 4 uL |
| Principle | The ETOH method is based on an enzymatic reaction. | The ethyl alcohol (ALC) method is a modification of the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymatic procedure. | The Emit®II Plus Ethyl Alcohol Assay is based on an enzymatic reaction. |
| Measurement | Bichromatic Rate | Bichromatic Rate | Bichromatic Rate |
| Differences | | | |
| Measuring Range | 3 - 300 mg/dL | 0 - 300 mg/dL | 10 - 600 mg/dL |
# K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
| STANDARDS |
| --- |
| Title and Reference Number |
| BSI BS EN 13640 :Stability Testing of In Vitro Diagnostic Reagents |
| CLSI: Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry; Approved Guideline (EP 7-A) |
| CLSI: Method Comparison and Bias Estimation Using Patient Samples; Approved Guideline (EP09-A2) |
| CLSI: Evaluation of Precision Performance of Clinical Chemistry Devices; Approved Guideline (EP5-A) |
| Other Standards | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GUIDANCE | | | |
| Document Title | Office | Division | Web Page |
| Format for Traditional and Abbreviated 510(k)s - Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff | OIVD | | http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/guidance/1567.html |
| In Vitro Diagnostic Devices: Guidance for the Preparation of 510(k) Submissions | OCER | | http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/manual/ivdmanul.html |
{3}
L. Test Principle:
The ETOH method is based on an enzymatic reaction. Reagent 1 contains the buffering system. Reagent 2 contains alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), buffer, preservatives, and stabilizers. The ADH catalyzes the oxidation of ethyl alcohol to acetaldehyde. During this reaction, NAD is reduced to NADH. The absorbance due to NADH (proportional to the ETOH concentration) is determined using a two-filter (340-383 nm) bichromatic rate technique.
Ethyl alcohol + NAD <---> acetaldehyde + NADH (absorbs at 340 nm)
M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
The sponsor conducted reproducibility studies according to CLSI Guideline for Evaluation of Precision Performance of Quantitative Measurement Methods (EP5-A2). Precision studies were conducted by testing two runs per day of three levels of a commercially available ethanol/ammonia control, serum pool, plasma pool and a urine pool (all in duplicate) for 20 days with one reagent lot. The mean values and standard deviations for repeatability and within-lab results are shown in the table below.
| | Low Control 42 mg/dL | | Med. Control 106 mg/dL | | High Control 270 mg/dL | | Serum Pool 107 mg/dL | | Plasma Pool 250 mg/dL | | Urine Pool 100 mg/dL | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | SD | CV% | SD | CV% | SD | CV% | SD | CV% | SD | CV% | SD | CV% |
| Mean | 41.68 | | 105.65 | | 269.89 | | 106.84 | | 273 | | 102 | |
| Within run | 1.02 | 2.46 | 2.14 | 2.02 | 4.05 | 1.50 | 2.12 | 1.98 | 8.0 | 2.9 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Between run | 0.77 | 1.84 | 1.01 | 0.95 | 1.95 | 0.72 | 1.99 | 1.86 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Between day | 0.52 | 1.25 | 1.33 | 1.26 | 3.41 | 1.27 | 1.20 | 1.13 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Within-lab | 1.38 | 3.32 | 2.71 | 2.57 | 5.64 | 2.09 | 3.14 | 2.94 | 8.5 | 3.1 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Linearity was evaluated by comparing observed recovery (n=5) of spiked serum/plasma/urine samples serially diluted from 0 to 345 mg/dL. Urine, serum, and plasma specimens spiked with ethanol were used and prepared in ten percent increments. A linear regression analysis was then performed on
{4}
the data and plotted for visual confirmation of linearity. Linear regression comparing observed recovery versus theoretical recovery was used. The instrument generates a flag which states "Above Assay Range" or "Below Assay Range". In addition to this, automatic dilutions are performed by the instrument for results that fall outside the assay range. Automatic dilutions are defined in the method parameters and cannot be changed by an operator.
The data provided in the table below supports the claimed measuring range of $3\mathrm{mg / dL}$ to $300\mathrm{mg / dL}$ .
| | | Serum | | | Plasma | | | Urine | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sample | Estimated spike ETOH mg/dL | Theor. ETOH mg/dL | Observed ETOH mg/dL | % Recov. vs. Theor. | Theor. ETOH mg/dL | Observed ETOH mg/dL | % Recov. vs. Theor. | Theor. ETOH mg/dL | Observed ETOH mg/dL | % Recov. vs. Theor. |
| 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.4 | NA | 0.0 | -0.8 | NA | 0.0 | 0.9 | NA |
| 2 | 69.0 | 68.8 | 70.2 | 2.1 | 70.3 | 73.9 | 5.2 | 70.9 | 69.6 | -1.8 |
| 3 | 103.5 | 103.1 | 108.9 | 5.6 | 105.4 | 110.1 | 4.4 | 106.4 | 105.2 | -1.1 |
| 4 | 138.0 | 137.5 | 139.4 | 1.4 | 140.6 | 149.4 | 6.3 | 141.8 | 137.8 | -2.9 |
| 5 | 172.5 | 171.9 | 176.5 | 2.7 | 175.7 | 179.2 | 2.0 | 177.3 | 178.9 | 0.9 |
| 6 | 207.0 | 206.3 | 202.9 | -1.6 | 210.9 | 217.6 | 3.2 | 212.7 | 208.6 | -2.0 |
| 7 | 241.5 | 240.6 | 251.8 | 4.6 | 246.0 | 252.0 | 2.4 | 248.2 | 251.7 | 1.4 |
| 8 | 276.0 | 275.0 | 274.4 | -0.2 | 281.2 | 277.0 | -1.5 | 283.6 | 274.8 | -3.1 |
| 9 | 345.0 | 343.8 | 343.8 | 0.0 | 351.4 | 351.4 | 0.0 | 354.5 | 354.5 | 0.0 |
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
This device does not include calibrators. The sponsor recommends using calibrators by Dade Behring Inc. CHEM 3 Calibrator, Catalog Number KC130.
d. Detection limit:
The detection limit was defined as the concentration of two standard deviations of twenty replicates of a zero calibrator run on the Vista 104. The sponsors' results support the claimed detection limit of $3\mathrm{mg / dL}$ . The instrument will report samples that are less than $3\mathrm{mg / dL}$ as "less than 3 mg/dL".
e. Analytical specificity:
The sponsor conducted interference testing according to CLSI EP-7A2. Substances which potentially could interfere with the Dimension Vista® ETOH assay were spiked into aliquots of fresh serum and urine pools. Spiked samples were analyzed and the results were compared to control samples prepared without the potential interfering substance. Differences of less than $10\%$ were considered non-interfering.
{5}
| Substance | Substance [conc.] | Ethyl Alcohol mg/dL | % Bias |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hemoglobin (hemolysate) | 1000 mg/dL | 92 | <10% |
| Bilirubin (unconjugated) | 80 mg/dL | 96 | <10% |
| Bilirubin (conjugated) | 80 mg/dL | 95 | <10% |
| Lipemia (Intralipid) | 3000 mg/dL | 101 | <10% |
In addition to the above analytes, the sponsor determined that none of the following substances interfere with the ETOH method when present in serum and urine at the concentrations indicated. Differences (biases) due to these substances were less than $10\%$ at ethanol concentrations of $100\mathrm{mg / dL}$ [21.7 mmol/L].
# Serum:
Acetaminophen $20.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Amikacin $8.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Ampicillin $5.3\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Ascorbic acid $6.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Caffeine $6.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Carbamezepine $3.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Chloramphenicol $5.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Chlordiazepoxide $1.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Chlorpromazine $0.20\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Cholesterol $503\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Cimetidine $2.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Creatinine $30\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Dextran $406000\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Diazepam $0.51\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Digoxin $6.1\mathrm{ng / mL}$ , Erythromycin $6.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Ethosuximide $25.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Furosemide $6.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Gentamicin $1.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Heparin $3.0\mathrm{U / mL}$ , Ibuprofen $50\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Immunoglobulin G (IgG) $5.0\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Lactate Dehydrogenase $237,500\mathrm{U / L}$ , Lactate $901\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Lidocaine $1.2\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Lithium $2.2\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Mannitol $500\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Nicotine $0.10\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Penicillin G $25\mathrm{U / mL}$ , Pentobarbital $8.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Phenobarbital $10.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Phenytoin $5.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Primidone $4.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Propoxyphene $0.16\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Protein (Albumin) $6.0\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Protein (Total) $12.0\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Salicylic Acid $60\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Theophylline $4.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Triglycerides $3000\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Urea $500\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Uric acid $20\mathrm{mg / dL}$ and Valproic Acid $50\mathrm{mg / dL}$ .
# Urine:
Acetone $1.0\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Ascorbic acid $1.5\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Bilirubin $2.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Creatinine $0.5\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Gamma globulin $0.5\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Glucose $2\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Hemoglobin $115\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Human serum albumin $0.5\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Oxalic acid $0.1\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Riboflavin $7.5\mathrm{mg / dL}$ , Sodium chloride $6.0\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Urea $6.0\mathrm{g / dL}$ , Boric acid $1\%$ w/v, Sodium azide $1\%$ w/v and Sodium fluoride $1\%$ w/v.
Potential cross-reactants were diluted to a desired concentration with water, and then spiked into ethanol spiked serum. The control sample was ethanol-spiked serum at desired concentrations. The following substances were evaluated for cross-reactivity with the ETOH method when present in serum containing $100\mathrm{mg / dL}$ of ethanol in the amounts shown. The percent cross-reactivity was calculated with the following equation:
{6}
% Cross-reactivity = measured analyte (x units [SI]) – control analyte (x units [SI]) x 100 substance added
| Substance | Unit | % Cross Reactivity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Acetaldehyde | 2000 mg/dL | 0.1 |
| Acetone | 2000 mg/dL | 0.1 |
| n-Butanol | 500 mg/dL | 1.9 |
| Ethylene Glycol | 2000 mg/dL | 0.0 |
| Isopropanol | 2000 mg/dL | 0.4 |
| Methanol | 2000 mg/dL | 0.0 |
| n-Propanol | 47 mg/dL | 17.3* |
| Propylene Glycol | 2000 mg/dL | 0.0 |
*The device shows 17.3% cross reactivity with n-propanol.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable.
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Unaltered clinical patient serum and urine samples were used in the method comparison studies. The method comparison studies for 50 urine specimens were conducted at Dade Behring by R&D personnel. The method comparison studies for 117 serum specimens were conducted by trained laboratory personnel at an outside laboratory. All the samples were measured in singlet and only one specimen per patient was obtained. The correlation study between the device (ETOH) and the predicate yield for urine and serum yielded the following results.
| Matrix | n | Slope | Intercept | r | Device range (mg/dL) | Predicate range (mg/dL) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Urine | 50 | 1.08 | -0.8 | 0.999 | 3.8- 298.0 | 5.2-276.0 |
| Serum | 117 | 1.06 | -0.9 | 0.999 | 9 – 299 | 9.1- 289 |
b. Matrix comparison:
A serum / plasma comparison test was performed for the Dimension Vista® ETOH Flex® assay. Twenty-seven samples ranging from 21.2 to 300 mg/dL were compared and yielded the following linear regression line. Y = 0.96x + 2.60 with a correlation constant of 0.993.
{7}
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):
Not applicable.
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable.
5. Expected values/Reference range:
The sponsor’s expected value was established through literature. The pharmacological response to blood alcohol levels may vary from individual to individual. The fatal concentration has been reported to be greater than 400 mg/dL [86.8 mmol/L]. (Sunshine I., Methodology for Analytical Toxicology, CRC Press, Inc, Cleveland, OH, 1975 pp 152-153.)
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.
8
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.