FORA G31A/TD-4256A BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEM AND FORA G31B/TD-4256B BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEM
Applicant
Taidoc Technology Corporation
Product Code
NBW · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
May 5, 2010
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1345
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
FORA G31a/TD-4256A is intended for in vitro use in the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from the finger and the following alternative sites: the palm, the forearm, the upper-arm, the calf and the thigh. It is intended for use by healthcare professionals and people with diabetes mellitus at home as an aid in monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes control program. It is not intended for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus, and is not intended for use on neonates. The alternative testing sites in the FORA G31a/TD-4256A Blood Glucose Monitoring system can be used only during steady-state blood glucose conditions. FORA G31 and TD-4256 Blood Glucose Test Strips are used with the FORA G31a/TD-4256A glucose meter in the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from the finger and the alternative sites specified above. FORA Control Solutions/Taidoc Control Solutions are intended for use with the FORA G31a/TD-4256A Blood Glucose meter to check that both the glucose meter and test strips are working properly. These solutions contain a known range of glucose, as indicated on the bottles. FORA G31b/TD-4256B is intended for in vitro use in the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from the finger and the following alternative sites: the palm, the forearm, the upper-arm, the calf and the thigh. It is intended for use by healthcare professionals and people with diabetes mellitus at home as an aid in monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes control program. It is not intended for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus, and is not intended for use on neonates. The alternative testing sites in the FORA G31a/TD-4256A Blood Glucose Monitoring system can be used only during steady-state blood glucose conditions. FORA G31 and TD-4256 Blood Glucose Test Strips are used with the FORA G31b/TD-4256B glucose meter in the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from the finger and the alternative sites specified above. FORA Control Solutions/Taidoc Control Solutions are intended for use with the FORA G31a/TD-4256B Blood Glucose meter to check that both the glucose meter and test strips are working properly. These solutions contain a known range of glucose, as indicated on the bottles.
Device Story
System consists of electrochemical meter and dry reagent biosensor test strips; measures glucose in fresh capillary whole blood or control solutions. Current magnitude proportional to glucose concentration; provides quantitative readout. Used by healthcare professionals or patients at home for monitoring diabetes control programs. Not for diagnosis/screening. Alternative site testing requires steady-state conditions.
Electrochemical biosensor; dry reagent test strips; quantitative measurement based on current proportionality to glucose concentration.
Indications for Use
Indicated for quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from finger, palm, forearm, upper-arm, calf, and thigh. Intended for healthcare professionals and people with diabetes mellitus at home to monitor diabetes control programs. Not for diagnosis/screening of diabetes mellitus. Not for use on neonates. Alternative site testing only during steady-state glucose conditions.
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
FORA G30 Blood Glucose Monitoring System (k090187)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
1
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k094005
B. Purpose for Submission:
Modifications to a previously cleared device (k090187) that include: a. USB or Bluetooth mediated data transmission; b. no-coding; c. increased memory capacity; d. name change; and e. change in size and weight
C. Measurand:
Capillary whole blood glucose
D. Type of Test:
Whole blood glucose concentration through a quantitative amperometric assay (Glucose Oxidase)
E. Applicant:
TaiDoc Technology Corporation
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
FORA G31a/TD-4256A Blood Glucose Monitoring System
FORA G31b/TD-5256B Blood Glucose Monitoring System
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR § 862.1345 Glucose Test System
2. Classification:
Class II (assay)
3. Product code:
NBW, Blood Glucose Test System, Over-the-Counter
CGA, Glucose Oxidase
4. Panel:
Clinical Chemistry (75)
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See indication for use below.
{1}
2. Indication(s) for use:
FORA G31a/TD-4256A:
FORA G31a/TD-4256A is intended for in vitro use in the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from the finger and the following alternative sites: the palm, the forearm, the upper-arm, the calf and the thigh. It is intended for use by healthcare professionals and people with diabetes mellitus at home as an aid in monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes control program. It is not intended for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus, and is not intended for use on neonates. The alternative testing sites in the FORA G31a/TD-4256A Blood Glucose Monitoring system can be used only during steady-state blood glucose conditions.
FORA G31 and TD-4256 Blood Glucose Test Strips are used with the FORA G31a/TD-4256A glucose meter in the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from the finger and the alternative sites specified above.
FORA Control Solutions/Taidoc Control Solutions are intended for use with the FORA G31a/TD-4256A Blood Glucose meter to check that both the glucose meter and test strips are working properly. These solutions contain a known range of glucose, as indicated on the bottles.
FORA G31b/TD-4256B:
FORA G31b/TD-4256B is intended for in vitro use in the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from the finger and the following alternative sites: the palm, the forearm, the upper-arm, the calf and the thigh. It is intended for use by healthcare professionals and people with diabetes mellitus at home as an aid in monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes control program. It is not intended for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus, and is not intended for use on neonates. The alternative testing sites in the FORA G31a/TD-4256A Blood Glucose Monitoring system can be used only during steady-state blood glucose conditions.
FORA G31 and TD-4256 Blood Glucose Test Strips are used with the FORA G31b/TD-4256B glucose meter in the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from the finger and the alternative sites specified above.
FORA Control Solutions/Taidoc Control Solutions are intended for use with the FORA G31a/TD-4256B Blood Glucose meter to check that both the glucose meter and test strips are working properly. These solutions contain a known range of glucose, as indicated on the bottles.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
- Not intended for diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
- Not intended for use on neonates
2
{2}
- For in vitro diagnostic use only
- Not for use on critically ill patients, patients in shock, dehydrated patients or hyperosmolar patients
- Allows testing on the fingertip, palm, forearm, upper arm, calf or thigh
- Alternative site testing (AST) can be used only during steady-state glucose conditions, as specified below and in user manuals for FORA G31a/ TD-4256A and FORA G31b/TD-4256B Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems
- Two hours or more after taking insulin
- Two hours or more after exercise
4. Special instrument requirements:
FORA G31a/TD-4256A Blood Glucose Meter
FORA G31b/TD-4256B Blood Glucose Meter
I. Device Description:
FORA G31/TD-4256 Blood Glucose Monitoring System consists of two models:
1. FORA G31a/TD-4256A (glucose meter with the USB mediated data transmission)
2. FORAG31b/TD-4256B (glucose meter with the Bluetooth mediated data transmission)
Each of the glucose monitoring systems listed above consists of:
- Glucose meter
- Lancing device
- User manual
Test strips, lancets, and two levels of control solutions, Normal and High (cleared in k041107) are not included with the meter and are available separately.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
FORA G30 Blood Glucose Monitoring System
2. Predicate K number(s):
k090187
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Item | Proposed Devices | | Predicate device FORA G30 (k090187) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | FORA G31a or TD-4256A | FORA G31b or TD-4256B | |
| Similarities | | | |
| Intended use | In the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from the | same | same |
{3}
| | finger and the following alternative sites: the palm, the forearm, the upper-arm, the calf and the tight. It is intended for use by healthcare professionals and people with diabetes mellitus as an aid in monitoring the effectives of diabetes control program. It is not intended for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus, and is not intended for use on neonates. The alternative site testing in the FORA G30 Blood glucose monitoring system can be used only during steady-state blood glucose conditions. | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Test Strip Chemical Components | - Glucose oxidase (A. niger) 13%
- Electron shuttle 39%
- Enzyme protector 6%
- Non-reactive ingredients 42% | same | same |
| Test range | 20 to 600 mg/dL | same | same |
| Hematocrit | 20 % – 60 % | same | same |
| Altitude | 10,744 ft | same | same |
| Operating conditions | 10°C – 40°C, 85% R.H. | same | same |
| Temperature range (operational) | 10 to 40 °C | same | same |
| Test time | 5 sec | same | same |
| Sample volume | 0.5 μl | same | same |
| Test sample | Fingertip, palm, | same | same |
4
{4}
| | forearm, upper arm, calf and thigh | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Differences | | | |
| PC data transmission | USB cable | Bluetooth | RS232 |
| Coding function | No coding | No coding | One code function |
| Memory feature | 1000 measurements | 1000 measurements | 450 measurements |
| Size L x W x H (mm) | 94.9 X 52 X 15 | 94.9 X 52 X 15 | 85 X 52 X 15 |
| Power supply | Two AA batteries | Two AA batteries | One CR2032 battery |
## K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
- ISO 14971:2007. Medical devices—Application of risk management to medical devices.
- ISO 15197. In vitro diagnostic test systems. Requirements for blood-glucose monitoring systems for self-testing in managing diabetes mellitus.
- EN 60601-1-1. Medical electrical equipment, Part 1-1. General requirements for safety. Safety requirements for medical electrical systems.
- EN 60601-1-2:2001 (A1:2006). Medical electrical equipment, Part 1-2. General requirements for basic safety and essential performance. Electromagnetic Compatibility.
- EN 61326-1:2006. Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. EMC Requirements. General requirements.
- IEC/EN 61010-2-101:2002. Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use, Part 2-101. Particular requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical equipment.
## L. Test Principle:
The FORA G31/TD 4256 Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems use electrochemical methodologies. The systems quantitatively measure blood glucose levels using an amperometric method, which involves detecting the current produced from glucose oxidation. The electrons generated during this reaction are transferred from the blood to the electrodes. The magnitude of the resultant current is proportional to the concentration of glucose in the specimen and the signal is converted into a readout displayed on the meter.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Established in the original submission (k090187)
Since the FORA G31a/TD-4156A and FORA G31b/TD-4256B are identical devices which differ only in data transmission function, the new precision
{5}
studies were performed to evaluate precision of the glucose meter with more complex data transmission function, the FORA G31b/TD-4256B model. The sponsor evaluated within run precision of the FORA G31b/TD-4256B using a protocol based on ISO 15197. The within-run precision study was performed using venous whole blood samples, with hematocrit ranging from 38% to 54%, and dextrose spiked to create 5 levels of blood glucose. Three lots of test strips and 10 meters were used in the study, with 10 tests performed on each meter for a total of 100 tests per blood glucose level. Results for each test strip lot are summarized in the tables below:
Within Day precision:
Lot 1
| Samples | Number of Tests | Mean (mg/dL) | Standard Deviation (mg/dL) | Coefficient of variation (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Level 1 | 100 | 39.8 | 1.86 | 4.68 |
| Level 2 | 100 | 77.3 | 3.13 | 4.05 |
| Level 3 | 100 | 118.0 | 4.20 | 3.56 |
| Level 4 | 100 | 203.5 | 4.47 | 2.20 |
| Level 5 | 100 | 304.1 | 6.93 | 2.28 |
Lot 2
| Samples | Number of Tests | Mean (mg/dL) | Standard Deviation (mg/dL) | Coefficient of variation (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Level 1 | 100 | 39.6 | 1.56 | 3.95 |
| Level 2 | 100 | 74.7 | 2.99 | 4.01 |
| Level 3 | 100 | 118.8 | 3.54 | 2.98 |
| Level 4 | 100 | 204.4 | 5.75 | 2.81 |
| Level 5 | 100 | 299.7 | 6.59 | 2.20 |
Lot 3
| Samples | Number of Tests | Mean (mg/dL) | Standard Deviation (mg/dL) | Coefficient of variation (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Level 1 | 100 | 39.7 | 1.85 | 4.66 |
| Level 2 | 100 | 75.8 | 3.18 | 4.19 |
| Level 3 | 100 | 120.3 | 2.64 | 2.20 |
| Level 4 | 100 | 203.7 | 3.82 | 1.88 |
| Level 5 | 100 | 304.0 | 7.13 | 2.35 |
{6}
In addition to the new study described above, the sponsor also evaluated day-to-day precision using samples with Low, Medium and High glucose concentrations. Three lots of test strips and 10 meters were used in the study, with 1 test performed on each meter per day for 10 days, for a total of 100 tests per control level. Results for each test strip lot are summarized in the tables below:
Lot 1
| Samples | Number of Tests | Mean (mg/dL) | Standard Deviation (mg/dL) | Coefficient of variation (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Low Control | 100 | 82.7 | 2.06 | 2.49 |
| Medium Control | 100 | 146.0 | 3.83 | 2.62 |
| High Control | 100 | 334.9 | 4.82 | 1.44 |
Lot 2
| Samples | Number of Tests | Mean (mg/dL) | Standard Deviation (mg/dL) | Coefficient of variation (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Low Control | 100 | 81.5 | 2.75 | 3.38 |
| Medium Control | 100 | 146.4 | 2.98 | 2.03 |
| High Control | 100 | 334.9 | 5.76 | 1.72 |
Lot 3
| Samples | Number of Tests | Mean (mg/dL) | Standard Deviation (mg/dL) | Coefficient of variation (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Low Control | 100 | 81.6 | 2.53 | 3.10 |
| Medium Control | 100 | 145.9 | 2.56 | 1.75 |
| High Control | 100 | 334.8 | 5.66 | 1.69 |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Established in the original submission (k090187)
The measuring range of the system is 20 - 600 mg/dL.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Test strips are stable for 12 months when stored between 4°C and 40°C. In-use stability for the test strips is 90 days after the first opening (established in the original, k090187 submission).
{7}
In-use stability of the glucose control solutions is 90 days after the first opening when stored between $2 - 30^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ (established in the original, k090187 submission).
d. Detection limit:
Established in the original submission (k090187)
e. Analytical specificity:
Established in the original submission (k090187)
Additional electromagnetic interference study was performed to verify these new products. The results of this study complied with standards listed in the Standard/Guidance Document Referenced section above.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Established in the original submission (k090187)
Reference Method Comparison:
In addition, a new method comparison study was performed to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed devices when compared to measurements obtained with the YSI 2300. One hundred twenty blood samples with glucose concentrations ranging from 24.8 to $594\mathrm{mg/dL}$ and hematocrit of $38\%$ to $58\%$ were tested using the FORA G31b/TD-4256B model. Fresh capillary whole blood samples from study participants ranged from $40\mathrm{mg/dL}$ to $400\mathrm{mg/dL}$. Samples with glucose concentrations less than 40 and greater than $400\mathrm{mg/dL}$ were obtained by spiking the samples to desired concentrations. The study results met the ISO 15197 accuracy criteria where ninety-five percent $(95\%)$ of the individual glucose results shall fall within $\pm 15\mathrm{mg/dL}$ of the reference method results at glucose concentrations $< 75\mathrm{mg/dL}$ and within $\pm 20\%$ at glucose concentrations $\geq 75\mathrm{mg/dL}$.
Linear Regression Analysis:
FORA G31 b/TD-4256B (candidate device) vs. YSI:
$$
y = 1.0087x - 0.5313, r^2 = 0.9966
$$
For samples $< 75\mathrm{mg/dL}$
| | Within ± 5 mg/dL | Within ± 10 mg/dL | Within ± 15 mg/dL |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Mean | 0.5313 | 0.5313 | 0.5313 |
| Std. Dev. | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 |
{8}
9
| FORA G31 b/TD-4256B | 15/19 (79%) | 19/19 (100 %) | 19/19 (100 %) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
For samples ≥ 75 mg/dL
| | Within ± 5% | Within ± 10% | Within ± 15% |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| FORA G31 b/TD-4256B | 84/101 (83%) | 101/101 (100 %) | 101/101 (100 %) |
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:
Not applicable
5. Expected values/Reference range:
Expected blood glucose levels for people without diabetes (referenced from the American Diabetes Association, Clinical Practice Recommendations. (2010). Diabetes Care, Vol. 33, Supplement 1, p. S1-S100.
| Time | Range (mg/dL) | Range (mmol/L) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fasting and before meals | Less than 100mg/dL | 5.6mmol/L |
| Two hours after meals | Less than 140 mg/dL | 7.8 mmol/dL |
N. Instrument Name:
FORA G31a/TD-4256A Blood Glucose Meter
FORA G31b/TD-4256B Blood Glucose Meter
O. Systems Descriptions:
1. Modes of Operation:
Each test strip is single use and must be replaced with a new strip for additional readings.
{9}
Does the applicant's device contain the ability to transmit data to a computer, webserver, or mobile device?:
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
Does the applicant's device transmit data to a computer, webserver, or mobile device using wireless transmission?:
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
2. Software:
FDA reviewed applicant's Hazard Analysis and software development processes for glucose measurement in k090187. Additionally, in this submission, the sponsor provided data to support the added new features for no-coding, data transmission and memory capacity properties.
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 the alternative sites, such as palm, forearm, upper-arm, calf and thigh, which can be applied directly to the test strip.
5. Calibration:
No calibration is required from the user. The software cleared in k090187 was modified to remove the one code number selection feature and the labeling was modified to reflect the removal of the one code feature.
6. Quality Control:
The sponsor has two levels of controls (cleared under k041107), not provided with the meters, but supplied separately. When a test strip is inserted into the meter, each control can be measured by following the instructions for "Performing a Control Solution Test" provided in the User's Manuals for the meters. An acceptable range for each control level is printed on the test strip vial label. If the test results fall outside the range printed on the test strip vial, the user is instructed to contact the Customer Care Line at 1-866-469-2632 for customer support. The Customer Care service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
1. The FORA G31a/TD-4256A and FORA G31b/TD-4256B have the same basic circuit design. An accuracy test using the Quality Control current board (QC board) was conducted to evaluate if equivalent accuracy can be obtained for those two models
10
{10}
(FORA G31a/TD-4256A and FORA G31b/TD-4256B). Specifically, the QC board was designed to simulate 12 levels of glucose concentration: 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 160, 200, 280, 400, 550 and 700 mg/dL. The QC board connected to the meter sends electrical current to the meter. The electrical current is equivalent to the total amount of charge generated by the glucose oxidation reaction at a certain glucose concentration. The meter then processes the current and displays it in mg/dL unit. Based on this evaluation, the sponsor concluded that the accuracy of the FORA G31a/TD-4256A Blood Glucose Monitoring System is equivalent to the FORA G31 b/TD-4256B within the specified dynamic range of 20 mg/dL to 600 mg/dL.
2. The modifications of the new devices when compared to the predicate (parent) device include the addition of USB or Bluetooth mediated data transmission feature from glucose meters to personal PCs, change in the type of coding function, an increase in memory, a name change, and a change in size and weight. The following documentation of these modifications related to software changes was reviewed and found to be acceptable for both glucose meters: level of concern, software description, device hazard analysis, software requirements specifications, software design specification, software development environment description, and verification and validation testing.
3. Lay-User Study for USB and Bluetooth mediated Data Transmission: This study was performed with a total of 50 lay users with both the FORA G31a/TD-4256A and FORA G31 b/TD-4256B glucose meters. The 50 study participants, using the information provided in User's manual, were able to obtain testing results, install the PC application and transmit results from the meter to the PC application via either the USB for the FORA G31a/TD-4256A meter or the Bluetooth feature for the FORA G31b/TD-4256B meter. The study participants ranged in age, education, and were about equally divided between males and females. Those study participants also completed a questionnaire in response to whether the data transmission feature is easy to use. The sponsor concluded that the user's responses indicated that data transmission function was easy to operate by following the User's manuals for both the USB and the Bluetooth mediated data transmission.
4. The FORA G31/TD 4256 Blood glucose monitoring system operates at 10 to 40°C and relative humidity below 85%. Temperature exposure limits of the system were determined to be -20°C to 60°C, and humidity exposure limits of 5 to 95% relative humidity (see previously cleared k090187). Drop tests and vibration tests were performed on the FORA G31b/TD 4256B Blood glucose monitoring system. These tests support an operating and limit exposure temperature and humidity ranges.
5. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing was performed/passed and a certificate to Taidoc Technology Corporation was provided.
Q. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
11
{11}
R. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
12
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.