ASSURE PLATINUM AND GLUCOCARD VITAL BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEMS
K091102 · Arkray Factory USA, Inc. · CGA · Oct 23, 2009 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K091102
Device Name
ASSURE PLATINUM AND GLUCOCARD VITAL BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEMS
Applicant
Arkray Factory USA, Inc.
Product Code
CGA · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Oct 23, 2009
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1345
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Monitoring System is intended for the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood samples drawn from the fingertips and palms. 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. The GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Monitoring System is not intended for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus, and is not intended for use on neonates.
Device Story
System measures glucose in capillary whole blood (fingertip/palm) via amperometric biosensor. User inserts test strip into meter; applies blood sample (0.5 μL) to strip; capillary action draws sample into reaction zone. Glucose reacts with glucose oxidase and hexammineruthenium (III) chloride; produces electric current proportional to glucose concentration. Meter converts current to glucose value; displays result. Used by patients (home) or clinicians (clinical settings) to monitor diabetes control. Autocoding eliminates manual calibration. Quality control solutions verify system accuracy. Benefits include rapid (7 sec) quantitative glucose monitoring for diabetes management.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical testing evaluated accuracy for finger stick and palm test sites. Bench testing included evaluation of interferences, dynamic range, linearity, hematocrit effects, altitude effects, control solution functionality, and analytical precision. Results support substantial equivalence.
Technological Characteristics
In vitro diagnostic blood glucose monitoring system. Uses test strips and control solution. Quantitative measurement via meter. Bench testing evaluated interferences, linearity, hematocrit, and altitude. No specific software architecture or material standards provided.
Indications for Use
Indicated for persons with diabetes (home/OTC) or clinical settings to monitor diabetes control effectiveness. Not for neonates, critically ill, dehydrated, shock, or hyperosmolar patients. Alternative site testing (palm) restricted to steady-state conditions (fasting/pre-meal, >2 hours post-insulin, >2 hours post-exercise).
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
PocketChem EZ Blood Glucose Monitoring System (k063068)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
Page 1 of 9
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k091102
B. Purpose for Submission:
New device
C. Measurand:
Whole blood glucose
D. Type of Test:
Whole blood glucose concentration through a quantitative amperometric assay (Glucose Oxidase)
E. Applicant:
ARKRAY Factory USA, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Monitoring System
Assure Dose Control Solution
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR § 862.1345, Blood Glucose Test System
21 CFR 862.1660, Quality Control Material (assayed and unassayed)
2. Classification:
Class II
Class I, reserved
3. Product codes:
NBW, Blood Glucose Test System, Over-the-Counter
CGA, Glucose Oxidase, Glucose
JJX, Single (specified) analyte controls (assayed and unassayed)
4. Panel:
75 (Clinical Chemistry)
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
Refer to indications for use below.
{1}
Page 2 of 9
2. **Indication(s) for use:**
GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Monitoring System:
The GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Monitoring System is intended for the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood samples drawn from the fingertips and palms. 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. The GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Monitoring System is not intended for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus, and is not intended for use on neonates.
GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Meter:
The GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Meter is intended for the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood samples drawn from the fingertips and palms. 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.
GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Test Strips:
GLUCOCARD® Vital™ test strips are intended for the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood samples drawn from the fingertips and palms when used with the GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Meter. Testing is done outside the body (In Vitro diagnostic use). They are indicated for use in 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 Dose Control:**
For use with GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Meter and GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Test Strips as a quality control check to verify the accuracy of blood glucose test results. Control solutions are available in two levels – Level 1 (Normal) and Level 2 (High).
3. **Special conditions for use statement(s):**
- Not intended for diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
- For in vitro diagnostic use only
- Not intended for use on neonates
- Not for use on critically ill patients, dehydrated patients, patients in shock, or hyperosmolar patients
- Alternative site testing (AST) can be used only during steady-state blood glucose conditions. AST should ONLY be used in the following intervals:
- In a pre-meal or fasting state (more than 2 hours since the last meal)
- Two hours or more after taking insulin
- Two hours or more after exercise
4. **Special instrument requirements:**
GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Meter
{2}
Page 3 of 9
I. Device Description:
The GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Blood Glucose Monitoring System consists of a meter, test strips, and two levels of control solutions. It uses biosensor technology to produce a quantitative glucose concentration from whole blood samples from the fingertip.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
PocketChem EZ Blood Glucose Monitoring System
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
k063068
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | New Device GLUCOCARD® Vital™ | Predicate - k063068 Ferrara/PocketChem EZ |
| Indications for use | Same | As an aid to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes control |
| Anatomical Sites | Same | Fingertip, Palm |
| Maximum Altitude | Same | 10,000 ft. |
| Operating Temperature Range | Same | 50° F to 104° F |
| Operating Humidity Range | Same | 20 – 80% |
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | New Device GLUCOCARD® Vital™ | Predicate - k063068 Ferrara/PocketChem EZ |
| Enzyme and Associated Reagents | Glucose Oxidase (Aspergillus niger) and Hexammineruthenium (III) chloride | Glucose Oxidase (Aspergillus niger) |
| Double Dosing Capability | No | Yes |
| Code Chip | No/autocoding | Required |
| Test Time | 7 sec | 10 Seconds |
| Hematocrit Range | 33-52% | 30 – 55% |
| Minimum Sample Volume | 0.5 μL | 1.0 μL |
K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
- CLSI EP-07-A2, Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry, 2005
- CLSI EP-6A: Evaluation of the Linearity of Quantitative Measurement Procedures: A Statistical Approach; Approved Guideline, 2003.
- ISO 15197, In vitro diagnostic test systems - Requirements for blood-glucose monitoring systems for self-testing in managing diabetes mellitus, 2003
{3}
Page 4 of 9
L. Test Principle:
The sample (whole blood) is drawn by capillary action at the tip of the test strip. Glucose in the sample reacts with glucose oxidase (GOD) and Hexaamineruthenium (III) chloride in the test strip. This produces Hexaamineruthenium (II) chloride. Hexaamineruthenium (II) chloride is produced in proportion to the glucose concentration of the blood sample.
Oxidation of the Hexaamineruthenium (II) chloride produces an electric current. The meter converts the current to the glucose concentration and displays it as the test result:
$$
\beta\text{-D-glucose} + \text{Hexamineruthenium (III) chloride} \xrightarrow{\text{GOD}}
$$
$$
\text{D-Glucono-}\delta\text{Lactone} + \text{Hexamineruthenium (II) chloride}
$$
Hexamineruthenium (II) chloride → Hexamineruthenium (III) chloride + e-
M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Within-Day precision testing was performed using fresh venous whole blood obtained from several non-diabetic volunteers and adjusted to a pO2 of 60 to 80 mm Hg and hematocrit of 42%. The whole blood was spiked to obtain 5 glucose concentrations ranging from 44.1 – 306 mg/dL. Within-Day precision tests consisted of 10 measurements of each of the five spiked whole blood glucose samples using 10 meters for each sample for a total of 500 measurements. The within-run precision for all meters and concentrations tested was as follows:
| Glucose Conc. (mg/dL) | Standard Deviation (mg/dL) | Coefficient of Variation (%) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 44.1 | 1.28 | 2.90 |
| 83.0 | 2.43 | 2.70 |
| 131.3 | 4.10 | 2.84 |
| 181.9 | 5.65 | 2.87 |
| 306.0 | 8.24 | 2.51 |
The Day to Day precision testing was performed using three glucose levels of control solutions; ten individual users performed this evaluation using ten meters over a period of 10 days, for a total of 100 measurements per level. This was repeated with three lots of test strips.
| Lot A | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Level | Low | Mid | High |
| Mean | 38.0 mg/dL | 100.2 mg/dL | 313.6 mg/dL |
| Standard Deviation | 0.51 | 1.26 | 9.39 |
| Coefficient of Variation (%) | 1.35 | 1.26 | 2.99 |
| Lot B | | | |
| Level | Low | Mid | High |
{4}
| Mean | 38.1 mg/dL | 101.9 mg/dL | 313.6 mg/dL |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Standard Deviation | 0.38 | 1.96 | 8.82 |
| Coefficient of Variation (%) | 1.01 | 1.93 | 2.81 |
| Lot C | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Level | Low | Mid | High |
| Mean | 38.2 mg/dL | 100.9 mg/dL | 320.4 mg/dL |
| Standard Deviation | 0.44 | 1.41 | 8.80 |
| Coefficient of Variation (%) | 1.14 | 1.40 | 2.75 |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
The measuring range of the device is $20 - 600\mathrm{mg / dL}$ . A linearity study was conducted consistent with CLSI EP6-A using venous whole blood collected in a $10~\mathrm{mL}$ vacuum sample tube. Glucose was adjusted to 11 concentration levels ranging from 13.5 to $699.4\mathrm{mg / dL}$ (The Lo and Hi detection was disabled for this testing). Ten GLUCOCARD® VitalTM meter measurements were taken at each glucose concentration. The linear regression line for three lots was: $\mathrm{y} = 0.9976\mathrm{x} + 0.1441$ , $\mathrm{r}^2 = 0.997$ .
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
The control solutions used in this device have been previously cleared (k063068). Shelf life studies show that the unopened test strips have a twenty-four month lifespan and a three month shelf-life once a vial of strips is opened. The recommended storage temperature is $39^{\circ}\mathrm{F} - 86^{\circ}\mathrm{F}$ ( $4^{\circ}\mathrm{C} - 30^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ ).
d. Detection limit:
The detection limit is $20\mathrm{mg / dL}$ . See linearity/assay reportable range above.
e. Analytical specificity:
The sponsor evaluated the interference from different concentrations of the substances listed below. Three glucose levels were tested for each interferent including a low (50 - 80 mg/dL range), medium (120 - 160 mg/dL range), and high (302 - 382 mg/dL range). A total of 15 readings were taken for each glucose level and concentration of interferent (5 meters per each of 3 test strip lots).
Studies demonstrated that all the interfering substances listed below did not significantly interfere with the glucose readings.
Acetaminophen up to $20\mathrm{mg / dL}$
Acetyl-Salicylic Acid up to $65\mathrm{mg / dL}$
Ascorbic acid up to $6\mathrm{mg / dL}$
Bilirubin (unconjugated) up to $33\mathrm{mg / dL}$
Bilirubin (conjugated) up to $67\mathrm{mg / dL}$
Cholesterol up to $500\mathrm{mg / dL}$
Creatinine up to $5.0\mathrm{mg / dL}$
{5}
Dopamine up to 0.09 mg/dL
Ephedrine up to 0.06 mg/dL
Fructose up to 30 mg/dL
Galactose up to 60 mg/dL
Gentisic Acid up to 1.8 mg/dL
Glutathione up to 3.00 mg/dL
Hemoglobin up to 1470 mg/dL
Ibuprofen up to 50 mg/dL
L-DOPA up to 13 mg/dL
Lactose up to 30 mg/dL
Maltose up to 450 mg/dL
Maltotetrose up to 450 mg/dL
Maltotoriose up to 240 mg/dL
Mannitol up to 800 mg/dL
Mannose up to 16 mg/dL
Methyl-L-Dopa up to 1.5 mg/dL
Salicylic Acid up to 100 mg/dL
Sorbitol up to 10 mg/dL
Tetracycline up to 1.5 mg/dL
Tolazamide up to 70 mg/dL
Triglyceride up to 3300 mg/dL
Tolbutamide up to 64 mg/dL
Urea up to 280 mg/dL
Uric Acid up to 23 mg/dL
Warfarin up to 1.0 mg/dL
Xylitol up to 50 mg/dL
Xylose up to 80 mg/dL
## Altitude Study
A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of altitude on the GLUCOCARD® Vital™ Glucose Meter using the new glucose strips. Venous blood collected from a donor was allowed to undergo glycolysis at room temperature to lower the endogenous glucose to approximately 40 mg/dL. The sample was separated into 4 aliquots and spiked with glucose to levels of approximately 60, 125, 300 and 480 mg/dL. These glucose values were confirmed with the YSI glucose analyzer. The tests were performed at approximately 900 feet and at 10,500 feet. At each altitude, venous blood at each of the 4 levels of glucose was tested on the same test strip lot with 10 replicates. The meter readings obtained at 10,500 feet were compared to the meter readings at sea level and the % bias was determined at each level. Results recovered within 3.3% when compared to the readings near sea level. The labeling states that the GLUCOCARD® Vital™-V1 strips can be used at elevations up to 10,000 feet above sea level.
## Hematocrit Study
The sponsor performed hematocrit studies comparing the GLUCOCARD® Vital™ result at various hematocrit levels across the glucose measuring range to the normal
Page 6 of 9
{6}
hematocrit level and to a reference analyzer. Hematocrit levels tested were 30, 33, 35, 37, 40, 42, 45, 50, 51, 52, 53, and 55% and glucose levels tested were approximately 40, 120, 250, and 450 mg/dL. Testing was performed on two lots of test strips. Based on the comparisons to the reference analyzer and to normal hematocrit (42%), the results for hematocrit levels between 33-52% showed a bias of less than ±15 mg/dL at glucose concentrations less than 75 mg/dL or less than ±15% at glucose concentrations ≥75 mg/dL.
f. Assay cut-off: Not applicable.
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
A method comparison study was performed with 120 capillary fingerstick samples where the participants tested themselves. Testing was performed on 3 lots of V1 strips using GLUCOCARD™Vital meters. The distribution of gender, diabetes type, age, and education level were as follows. Note: one participant was found to be hypoglycemic and was removed from the study for medical reasons. Results from this participant were not included in the study.
| Gender | Number | % of Total |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Male | 70 | 58 |
| Female | 50 | 42 |
| Diabetes | Number | % of Total |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Type 1 | 47 | 39 |
| Type 2 | 68 | 57 |
| Not specified | 5 | 4 |
| Age Group | Number | % of Total |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 18 – 30 | 9 | 7.5 |
| 31 – 40 | 14 | 11.7 |
| 41 – 50 | 26 | 21.7 |
| 51 – 60 | 24 | 20.0 |
| 61 – 70 | 26 | 21.7 |
| 71 – 82 | 21 | 17.5 |
The range of concentrations of 119 samples was 47 – 522 mg/dL by the reference method. The linear regression line for the accuracy study was, y = 1.02x – 7.7, r² = 0.99. The accuracy for GLUCOCARD™Vital vs. YSI in the format of ISO 15197 is given below.
Page 7 of 9
{7}
Fingerstick accuracy for glucose concentrations < 75 mg/dL:
(GLUCOCARD™Vital vs. YSI)
| Within ± 5 mg/dL | Within ± 10 mg/dL | Within ± 15 mg/dL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 4/6 (67%) | 5/6 (83%) | 6/6 (100%) |
Fingerstick accuracy for glucose concentrations ≥ 75 mg/dL:
(GLUCOCARD™Vital vs. YSI)
| Within ± 5 % | Within ± 10 % | Within ± 15 % | Within ± 20 % |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 53/113 (47%) | 92/113 (81%) | 108/113 (96%) | 111/113 (98%) |
The sponsor also evaluated the accuracy of samples taken from the palm where 117 of the participants tested themselves. The results in comparison to the YSI in ISO 15197 format are tabulated below.
Palm accuracy for glucose concentrations < 75 mg/dL:
(GLUCOCARD™Vital vs. YSI)
| Within ± 5 mg/dL | Within ± 10 mg/dL | Within ± 15 mg/dL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 5/6 (83%) | 6/6 (100%) | 6/6 (100%) |
Palm accuracy for glucose concentrations ≥ 75 mg/dL:
(GLUCOCARD™Vital vs. YSI)
| Within ± 5 % | Within ± 10 % | Within ± 15 % | Within ± 20 % |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 53/111 (48%) | 91/111 (82%) | 103/111 (93%) | 109/111 (98%) |
b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable. Only capillary whole blood samples can be used with this meter.
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):
The minimum recommended sample volume for this system is 0.5 μL. To validate performance the sponsor performed testing at sample volumes of 0.2 μL – 10 μL. The results demonstrated that their sample volume claim is supported.
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable.
5. Expected values/Reference range:
Expected values for people without diabetes¹:
Fasting: <100 mg/dL
1 – 2 hours after meals < 140 mg/dL
¹ Joslin Diabetes Center: Goals for Blood Glucose Control, 2008. www.joslin.org
Page 8 of 9
{8}
Page 9 of 9
N. Instrument Name:
GLUCOCARD™ Vital Blood Glucose Meter
O. System Descriptions:
1. Modes of Operation:
Each test strip is single use and must be replaced with a new strip for each additional reading.
2. Software:
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and software development processes for this line of product types:
Yes ☐ X ☑ 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 to be used with capillary whole blood from the finger and palm only. Since the whole blood sample is applied directly to the test strip, there are no special handling or storage issues.
5. Calibration:
No calibration is required from the user. The meter accommodates auto-coding, in that each strip is designed and manufactured to code the meter appropriately when the strip is inserted.
6. Quality Control:
Two levels of control are supplied with the device. Users are instructed to test control solutions when the meter is first used in order to verify that they can use the meter correctly. In addition they are instructed to run a control when a new vial of test strips is opened, when they suspect the meter or strips are not working correctly, if test results appear to be abnormally high or low, or are not consistent with the patient's symptoms, if the meter is dropped, to check their technique, if the test strip bottle had been left open or stored outside its recommended temperature range, and each time the batteries are changed.
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
The sponsor performed a readability assessment of the labeling and states that the lay user instructions in the user manual, strip insert, and control insert are at 8.0, 7.5, and 7.5 grade level, respectively.
Q. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
R. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
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.