Cutoff establishment study; Retrospective analysis of clinical samples
Patient serum samples submitted for EBV testing; Sample Size: 585
Diamedix ELISA and Accutest
Cutoff value determination via ROC analysis
Retrospective presumed acute population comparison; Retrospective method comparison
Presumed acute population; Sample Size: 150; Number of Sites: 1
Consensus comparator (ELISA, IFA, flow cytometry)
Percent agreement with consensus predicate
Indications for Use
Focus Diagnostics' Plexus™ EBV IgM Multi-Analyte Diagnostics test kit is intended for qualitatively detecting the presence or absence of human IgM class antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA), and heterophile antibodies in human sera. The test is indicated as an aid in the diagnosis of EBV infection and EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis. The performance of this assay has not been established for use in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt's lymphoma, for testing of immunocompromised patients, for use by a point of care facility or for use with automated equipment. This assay has not been evaluated for donor screening.
Device Story
Plexus EBV IgM Multi-Analyte Diagnostics is a multiplexed immunoassay for qualitative detection of human IgM antibodies to EBV VCA and heterophile antibodies in human serum. Procedure: 1) Patient serum diluted and incubated with antigen-coated beads; 2) Phycoerythrin-conjugated goat anti-human IgM added to form sandwich; 3) Fluorescence measured for each bead type. Device uses Luminex xMAP technology. Performed in high-complexity laboratory settings. Software performs automated calculations to compare fluorescence against a cutoff calibrator. Results aid clinicians in diagnosing EBV infection and infectious mononucleosis by providing a serological profile.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical trials performed. Analytical performance established via method comparison studies using 723 prospective and 150 retrospective samples. Compared against consensus of FDA-cleared ELISA, IFA, and flow cytometry assays. VCA IgM sensitivity/specificity: 83.7%/93.1%. Heterophile sensitivity/specificity: 91.9%/90.4%. Precision: inter-lab %CV 9-16% (VCA IgM) and 7-14% (heterophile). Cross-reactivity tested against ANA, CMV, HSV, Rheumatoid Factor, Rubella, and VZV.
Technological Characteristics
Multiplex Microbead Immunoassay (MMIA) using Luminex xMAP technology. Employs antigen-coated beads (VCA, heterophile, process control) with distinct fluorescence. Energy source: Luminex xMAP system laser/optics. Software-based automated calculation of results. Prescription use only.
Indications for Use
Indicated for qualitative detection of human IgM class antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) and heterophile antibodies in human sera to aid in diagnosis of EBV infection and EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis. Not for use in immunocompromised patients, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, point-of-care, or donor screening.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Epstein-Barr virus serological reagents are devices that consist of antigens and antisera used in serological tests to identify antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus in serum. The identification aids in the diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus infections and provides epidemiological information on diseases caused by these viruses. Epstein-Barr viruses are thought to cause infectious mononucleosis and have been associated with Burkitt's lymphoma (a tumor of the jaw in African children and young adults) and postnasal carcinoma (cancer).
Predicate Devices
Osom® Mono Test
Diamedix EBV VCA IgM ELISA
Athena Multi-Lyte EBV VCA IgM Test System
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY
A. 510(k) Number:
K073381
B. Purpose for Submission:
New application
C. Measurand:
EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) and heterophile antibodies
D. Type of Test:
Multiplexed Flow Immunoassay
E. Applicant:
Focus Diagnostics, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Plexus™ EBV IgM Multi-Analyte Diagnostics Test Kit
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section: 21 CFR 866.3235, Epstein-Barr virus serological reagents
2. Product code: LJN
3. Classification: Class: I
4. Panel: 83 Microbiology
H. Intended Use:
Focus Diagnostics' Plexus™ EBV IgM Multi-Analyte Diagnostics test kit is intended for qualitatively detecting the presence or absence of human IgM class antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA), and heterophile antibodies in human sera. The test is indicated as an aid in the diagnosis of EBV infection and EBV-associated infectious mononucleosis.
The performance of this assay has not been established for use in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt's lymphoma, for testing of immunocompromised
{1}
patients, for use by a point of care facility or for use with automated equipment. This assay has not been evaluated for donor screening.
2. Indication(s) for use:
Same as Intended Use
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For prescription use only
4. Special instrument requirements:
Instrument: The Luminex xMAP® System.
Software: Plexus™ Multi Analyte Diagnostic Software for Luminex xMAP instrument with Luminex IS 2.3 software (SW.MP0001)
I. Device Description:
The Focus Diagnostics Plexus™ EBV IgM uses an Antigen Bead suspension that contains two distinct EBV antigen bead types (VCA and Heterophile) and one process control bead type that fluoresce at different wavelengths and/or intensities.
1. Patient sera are diluted, and the diluted sera are incubated with Antigen Beads. If EBV antibodies are present, then the antibodies bind to the corresponding antigen beads.
2. Phycoerythrin-conjugated goat Anti-human IgM (Conjugate) is added, binds to the bound EBV antibody (if present), and forms a Conjugate-EBV antibody-antigen bead sandwich.
3. Fluorescence from each distinct EBV antigen bead type is measured and compared against a Cutoff Calibrator.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
Athena Multi-Lyte EBV VCA IgM Test System
Osom® Mono Test
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
K042092 - Athena Multi-Lyte EBV VCA IgM Test System
K972231 - Osom® Mono Test
3. Comparison with predicate:
{2}
Predicate Device 1: Athena Multi-Lyte EBV VCA IgM Test System
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Intended use | Qualitative detection of EBV VCA IgM antibodies to aid in diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis | Qualitative detection of EBV VCA IgM antibodies to aid in diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis |
| Specimen type | Serum | Serum |
| Method | Qualitative | Qualitative |
| Antigen | EBV VCA gp 125 | EBV VCA gp125 |
| Differences | | |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Type of assay | Multiplex Microbead Immunoassay (MMIA) based on Luminex XMAP technology. | Multiplex Flow cytometry immunoassay |
| Interpretation of test results | Automated calculations using Plexus software. | AtheNA Multi-Lyte instrument software |
Predicate Device 2: Osom® Mono Test, Heterophile
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Intended use | Qualitative detection of EBV heterophile IgM antibodies to aid in diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis | Qualitative detection of EBV heterophile IgM antibodies to aid in diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis |
| Differences | | |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Method | Qualitative | Quantitative |
| Specimen type | Serum | Serum, plasma, blood |
| Type of assay | Multiplex Microbead | Immunochromatorgraphy |
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| | Immunoassay (MMIA) based on Luminex XMAP technology. | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Antigen | Heterophile: purified protein | Heterophile: native protein |
| Interpretation of test results | Automated calculations | Visual evaluation |
# K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, Format for Traditional and Abbreviated 510(k), 08/12/2005, (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/guidance/1567.pdf)
Off-The-Shelf Software Use in Medical Devices, 09/9/1999, (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/guidance/585.pdf)
Cyber security for Networked Medical Devices Containing Off-The-Shelf (OTS) Software, 01/14/2005, (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/comp/guidance/1553.pdf)
Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices, 05/11/2005, (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/guidance/337.pdf)
General Principles of Software Validation, 01/11/2002, (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/comp/guidance/938.pdf)
# L. Test Principle:
Multiplexed flow immunoassay
# M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
# 1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
The inter/intra-assay reproducibility and the inter-laboratory reproducibility testing were performed at three laboratories. Each of the three laboratories tested twelve samples in triplicate on five different days. For positive specimens, the inter-lab $\%$ CV varied from $9 - 16\%$ for VCA IgM and $7 - 14\%$ for heterophile antibody assays.
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Not applicable
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c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Not applicable
d. Detection limit:
Not applicable
e. Analytical specificity:
A cross-reactivity study was performed to determine if samples from various disease states and other potentially cross-reactivity factors interfere with test results when tested with the Plexus EBV IgM kit.
| Cross-Reactivity | | | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cross Reactives | N | Method | EBV VCA IgM | | | EBV Heterophile | | |
| | | | Positive | Equivocal | Negative | Positive | Equivocal | Negative |
| ANA | 28 | Plexus | 0 | 2 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| | | ELISA | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| | | Discrepants | 2² | | | 0 | | |
| Cytomegalovirus (CMV) | 25 | Plexus⁴ | 2 | 1 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| | | ELISA | 1 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| | | Discrepants | 5¹ | | | 1⁴ | | |
| HSV 1 & HSV 2 | 2 | Plexus | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| | | ELISA | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| | | Discrepants | 0 | | | 0 | | |
| Rheumatoid Factor (Rh) | 29 | Plexus | 4 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 29 |
| | | ELISA | 0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 29 |
| | | Discrepants | 4 | | | 0 | | |
| Rubella | 5 | Plexus | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| | | ELISA | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| | | Discrepants | 0 | | | 0 | | |
| Varicella-zoster (VZV) | 42 | Plexus | 2 | 1 | 39 | 2 | 0 | 40 |
| | | ELISA | 1 | 2 | 39 | 2 | 0 | 40 |
| | | Discrepants | 3³ | | | 0 | | |
¹One Equivocal Sample; ²Two Equivocal Samples; ³Three Equivocal Samples; ⁴One Invalid Sample
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f. Assay cut-off:
Establishment of the cutoff values for the EBV IgM Plexus was performed using 585 patient serum samples submitted for EBV testing. These samples were first tested on the predicate devices (Diamedix ELISA for VCA IgM, and the Accutest for infectious mononucleosis). Each sample was classified as positive, negative or equivocal for each of these assays. The serum samples were then run on the EBV IgM Plexus assay. Comparisons were made for each analyte with its respective predicate test (excluding equivocal samples on the predicated device) on a Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis. Based on the ROC analysis graphs a cutoff value was obtained.
| Plexus™ EBV IgM Multi-Analyte Diagnostics | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Antigen | Positive With predicate Device | % Positive Agreement (sensitivity | Negative With predicate Device | % Negative Agreement (specificity) | Cutoff score |
| Heterophile | 62 | 91.9%
57/62 | 522 | 90.4%
472/522 | 0.664 |
| VCA IgM | 123 | 83.7%
103/123 | 447 | 93.1%
416/447 | 0.849 |
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Method Comparison: EBV VCA IgM Assay
Performance of the Plexus EBV VCA IgM analyte was tested against a combination (hereafter referred to as 'consensus comparator') of a FDA-cleared commercially available ELISA, an immunofluorescent (IFA) test and a flow cytometry based immunoassay. For each sample, a consensus based algorithm (2/3) was used to determine the predicate result for comparison with the Plexus VCA IgM result. Serological status was determined by the use of commercially available ELISA assays for the EBV analytes EBNA-1 IgG, VCA IgG, EA-D IgG, VCA IgM and heterophile antibody.
EBV VCA-IgM vs. Consensus Comparator: Comparison by serological status of prospective population (N = 723). Samples were collected and tested by a Northeast investigator (n = 350), a Mid-West investigator (n = 249), and Focus (n = 124).
{6}
EBV VCA IgM Results
| | | Consensus Predicate | | Plexus | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serological Status by Predicates | | | n | Positive | Equivocal | Negative | % Agreement |
| Acute | Primary Acute | Positive | 59 | 56 | 2 | 1 | 94.9%(56/59), 95% CI:86.1-98.3% |
| | | Negative | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 100%(1/1), 95% CI:20.7-100% |
| | | No consensus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA |
| | Late Acute | Positive | 14 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 64.3%(9/14), 95% CI:38.8-83.7% |
| | | Negative | 58 | 2 | 0 | 56 | 96.6%(56/58), 95% CI:88.3-99% |
| | | No consensus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA |
| Recovering | Positive | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA | |
| | | Negative | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 100%(1/1), 95% CI:20.7-100% |
| | | No consensus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA |
| Previous Infection | Positive | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0%(0/1), 95% CI:0-79.3% | |
| | | Negative | 296 | 9 | 1 | 286 | 96.3%(286/297), 95% CI:93.5-97.9% |
| | | No consensus | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | NA |
| No Infection | Positive | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 50%(1/2), 95% CI:9.5-90.5% | |
| | | Negative | 225 | 0 | 0 | 225 | 100%(225/225), 95% CI:98.3-100% |
| | | No consensus | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | NA |
| Indeterminate¹ | Positive | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 81.3%(13/16), 95% CI:57.0-93.4% | |
| | | Negative | 49 | 1 | 0 | 48 | 98%(48/49), 95% CI:89.3-99.6% |
| | | No consensus | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | NA |
¹ No consensus results: the combination of three predicates could not yield a conclusive result for these samples – a 2/3 majority could not be obtained.
EBV VCA IgM vs. Consensus Comparator: Comparison by serological status of retrospective presumed acute population. Samples were collected and tested by a Mid-West investigator (n=150).
EBV VCA IgM Results
| | | Consensus Predicate | | Plexus | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serological Status by Predicates | | | n | Positive | Equivocal | Negative | % Agreement |
| Acute | Primary Acute | Positive | 104 | 103 | 0 | 1 | 99%(103/104), 95% CI:94.8-99.8% |
| | | Negative | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 50%(1/2), 95% CI:9.5-90.5% |
| | | No consensus | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | NA |
| | Late Acute | Positive | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 87.5%(7/8), 95% CI:52.9-97.8% |
| | | Negative | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA |
{7}
EBV VCA IgM Results
| | | Consensus Predicate | | Plexus | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serological Status by Predicates | | | n | Positive | Equivocal | Negative | % Agreement |
| | | No consensus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA |
| No Infection | Positive | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA | |
| | | Negative | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 50%(1/2), 95% CI:9.5-90.5% |
| | | No consensus | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA |
| Indeterminate¹ | Positive | 31 | 30 | 0 | 1 | 93.8%(30/32), 95% CI:79.9-98.3% | |
| | | Negative | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0%(0/2), 95% CI:0-65.8% |
| | | No consensus | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | NA |
¹ No consensus results: the combination of three predicates could not yield a conclusive result for these samples – a 2/3 majority could not be obtained.
# Method Comparison: EBV Heterophile Assay
EBV Heterophile vs. Predicate: Comparison by serological status of prospective population (N = 723). Samples were collected and tested by a Northeast investigator (n = 350), a Mid-West investigator (n=249), and Focus (n=124).
EBV Heterophile IgM Results
| | | Predicate Heterophile Rapid Test | | Plexus | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serological Status by Predicates | | | n | Positive | Equivocal | Negative | % Agreement |
| Acute | Primary Acute | Positive | 51 | 48 | 0 | 3 | 94.1%(48/51), 95% CI:84.1-98% |
| | | Negative | 9 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 88.9%(8/9), 95% CI:56.5-98% |
| | Late Acute | Positive | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 40%(2/5), 95% CI:11.8-76.9% |
| | | Negative | 67 | 1 | 0 | 66 | 98.5%(66/67), 95% CI:92-99.7% |
| Recovering | Positive | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA | |
| | | Negative | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 100%(1/1), 95% CI:20.7-100% |
| Previous Infection | Positive | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA | |
| | | Negative | 298 | 2 | 0 | 296 | 99.3%(296/298), 95% CI:97.6-99.8% |
| No Infection | Positive | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA | |
| | | Negative | 227 | 3 | 0 | 224 | 98.7%(224/227), 95% CI:96.2-99.5% |
| Indeterminate | Positive | 19 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 52.6%(10/19), 95% CI:31.7-72.7% | |
| | | Negative | 46 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 100%(46/46), 95% CI:92.3-100% |
{8}
EBV Heterophile vs Predicate: Comparison by serological status of retrospective presumed acute population. Samples were collected and tested by a Mid-West investigator (n=150).
| EBV Heterophile IgM Results | | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | Predicate Heterophile Rapid Test | | Plexus | | | |
| Serological Status by Predicates | | | n | Positive | Equivocal | Negative | % Agreement |
| Acute | Primary Acute | Positive | 87 | 75 | 2 | 10 | 86.2%(75/87), 95% CI:77.4-91.9% |
| | | Negative | 19 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 89.5%(17/19), 95% CI:68.6-97.1% |
| | Late Acute | Positive | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 66.7%(2/3), 95% CI:20.8-93.9% |
| | | Negative | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 100%(5/5), 95% CI:56.6-100% |
| No Infection | Positive | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NA | |
| | | Negative | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 100%(2/2), 95% CI:34.2-100% |
| Indeterminate | Positive | 22 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 95.5%(21/22), 95% CI:78.2-99.2% | |
| | | Negative | 12 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 91.7%(11/12), 95% CI:64.6-98.5% |
b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable
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:
See 1 f
5. Expected values/Reference range:
{9}
Not applicable
**N. Proposed Labeling:**
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
**O. Conclusion:**
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.**
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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.