EASYRA ALBUMIN, CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM AND INORGANIC PHOSPHOROUS REAGENT
Applicant
Medica Corp.
Product Code
CIX · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Apr 4, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1035
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The EasyRA albumin reagent is intended for the quantitative determination of Albumin (ALB) in human serum and plasma, using the MEDICA "EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer" in clinical laboratories. Albumin measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases involving primarily the liver or kidneys. For in vitro diagnostic use only. The EasyRA total calcium reagent is intended for the quantitative measurement of Total Calcium (Ca) in human serum and plasma, using the MEDICA "EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer" in clinical laboratories. Calcium measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid disease, a variety if bone diseases, chronic renal disease and tetany. For in vitro diagnostic use only. The EasyRA magnesium reagent is intended for the quantitative measurement of Magnesium (Mg) in human serum and plasma, using the MEDICA "EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer" in clinical laboratories. Magnesium measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of: Hypermagnesemia occuring during renal failure, acute diabetic acidosis, dehydration or in Addison's disease. Hypomagnesemia observed in cases of chronic alcoholism, malabsorption, acute pancreatitis and kidney disorders. This reagent is intended for the quantitative measurement of Inorganic Phosphorous (PHOS) in human serum and plasma. Phosphorus measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid gland, kidney diseases, and vitamin D imbalance.
Device Story
Ready-to-use liquid reagents for EasyRA clinical chemistry analyzer; measure albumin, calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus in human serum and plasma. Albumin uses bromocresol green binding (600/700 nm); Calcium uses Arsenazo III (650 nm) with 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid to eliminate magnesium interference; Magnesium uses xylidyl blue-1 (520 nm); Phosphorus uses ammonium molybdate (340 nm). Analyzer performs quantitative colorimetric/AZO dye analysis; results displayed to clinicians for diagnostic decision-making regarding liver, kidney, and metabolic health. Intended for clinical laboratory use.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; substantial equivalence is based on bench testing and performance characteristics of the reagents on the EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer.
Indicated for quantitative measurement of albumin, calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus in human serum and plasma for clinical laboratory diagnosis and treatment of liver, kidney, parathyroid, and bone diseases, as well as metabolic disorders like tetany, acidosis, and dehydration.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An albumin test system is a device intended to measure the albumin concentration in serum and plasma. Albumin measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases involving primarily the liver or kidneys.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
1
510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION
DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k101088
B. Purpose for Submission:
Albumin: Addition of plasma to the already cleared device (k080874)
Calcium: Addition of plasma to the already cleared device (k072249)
Magnesium: Addition of plasma to the already cleared device (k092737)
Phosphorus: Addition of plasma to the already cleared device (k080810)
C. Measurand:
Albumin, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus
D. Type of Test:
Albumin, Magnesium, Phosphorus: Quantitative colorimetric chemistry tests
Calcium: AZO method
E. Applicant:
Medica Corp
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
EasyRA ALB Reagent
Easy RA Calcium Reagent
Easy RA Magnesium Reagent
Easy RA Inorganic Phosphorus Reagent
G. Regulatory Information:
{1}
| Measurand | Regulation Section | Classification | Product Code | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Albumin | 21CFR862.1035 | 2 | CIX-Colorimetric | Clinical Chemistry |
| Calcium | 21CFR862.1145 | 2 | CJY–Azo Dye | Clinical Chemistry |
| Magnesium | 21CFR862.1495 | 2 | JGJ-Photometric | Clinical Chemistry |
| Phosphorus-Inorganic | 21CFR862.1580 | 2 | CEO – Colorimetric | Clinical Chemistry |
# H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See Indications for use below.
2. Indication(s) for use:
EasyRA Albumin Reagent: The EasyRA albumin reagent is intended for the quantitative determination of albumin (ALB) in human serum and plasma, using the MEDICA "EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer" in clinical laboratories. Albumin measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases involving primarily the liver or kidneys. For in vitro diagnostic use only.
EasyRA Calcium Reagent: The EasyRA total calcium reagent is intended for the quantitative measurement of total calcium (Ca) in human serum and plasma, using the MEDICA "EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer" in clinical laboratories. Calcium measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid disease, a variety if bone diseases, chronic renal disease and tetany. For in vitro diagnostic use only.
EasyRA Magnesium Reagent: The EasyRA magnesium reagent is intended for the quantitative measurement of magnesium in human serum and plasma, using the MEDICA "EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer" in clinical laboratories. Magnesium measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of: Hypermagnesemia occurring during renal failure, acute diabetic acidosis, dehydration or in Addison's disease. Hypomagnesemia observed in cases of chronic alcoholism, malabsorption, acute pancreatitis and kidney disorders.
EasyRA Inorganic Phosphorus Reagent: This reagent is intended for the quantitative measurement of inorganic phosphours (PHOS) in human serum and
{2}
plasma. Phosphorus measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid gland, kidney diseases, and vitamin D imbalance.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
Prescription use
4. Special instrument requirements:
EasyRA Clinical Chemistry Analyzer
I. Device Description:
The EasyRA albumin (ALB), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and inorganic phosphorus reagents are in vitro diagnostic reagents in ready-for use liquid form. They are designed for use on the Easy RA clinical chemistry analyzer for the measurement of their respective analytes in human serum and plasma.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate Device Name(s):
EasyRA Albumin Reagent
EasyRA Calcium Reagent
EasyRA Magnesium Reagent
EasyRA Phosphorus Inorganic Reagent
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
k080874, k080810, k072249, k092737
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities and Differences for Albumin | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Candidate Device
EasyRA Albumin Reagent | Predicate Device
(k080874)
EasyRA Albumin
Reagent |
| Intended Use | The EasyRA albumin reagent is intended for the quantitative determination of albumin (ALB) in human serum and plasma, using the MEDICA “EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer” in clinical laboratories. Albumin measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases involving primarily the liver or kidneys. For in vitro diagnostic use only. | Same |
{3}
| Similarities and Differences for Calcium | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Candidate Device
EasyRA Calcium Reagent | Predicate Device
(k072249)
EasyRA Calcium Reagent |
| Intended Use | The EasyRA total calcium reagent is intended for the quantitative measurement of total calcium (Ca) in human serum and plasma, using the MEDICA “EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer” in clinical laboratories. Calcium measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid disease, a variety if bone diseases, chronic renal disease and tetany. For in vitro diagnostic use only. | Same |
| Specimen Type | Serum and plasma | Serum |
| Reagent Type | Liquid ready-for-use | Same |
| Assay Principle | AZO dye | Same |
| Analytical Range | 1.0 to 15 mg/dL | Same |
| Similarities and Differences for Magnesium | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Candidate Device
EasyRA Magnesium Reagent | Predicate Device
(k092737)
EasyRA
Magnesium
Reagent |
| Intended Use | The EasyRA total calcium reagent is intended for the quantitative measurement of total calcium (Ca) in human serum and plasma, using the MEDICA “EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer” in clinical laboratories. Calcium measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid disease, a variety if bone diseases, chronic renal disease and | Same |
{4}
5
| Similarities and Differences for Phosphorus-Inorganic | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Candidate Device
EasyRA Inorganic Phosphorus Reagent | Predicate Device
(k092737)
EasyRA
Phosphorus
Inorganic Reagent |
| Intended Use | The EasyRA total calcium reagent is intended for the quantitative measurement of total calcium (Ca) in human serum and plasma, using the MEDICA “EasyRA Chemistry Analyzer” in clinical laboratories. Calcium measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid disease, a variety if bone diseases, chronic renal disease and tetany. For in vitro diagnostic use only. | Same |
| Specimen Type | Serum and plasma | Serum |
| Reagent Type | Liquid ready-for-use | Same |
| Assay Principle | Colorimetric | Same |
| Analytical Range | 0.11 to 20.0 mg/dL | Same |
K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
- CLSI Guideline, EP5-A2 Evaluation of Precision Performance of Clinical Chemistry Devices – Second Edition
- CLSI Guideline, EP9-A2 Method Comparison and Bias Estimation Using Patient Samples – Second Edition
L. Test Principle:
Easy RA Albumin
This method involves the binding of albumin with bromocresol green to produce a
{5}
blue-green color. This color is measured at 600 nm with a blanking wavelength of 700 nm. The color intensity is proportional to the concentration of Albumin in the sample.
## EasyRA Calcium
This method utilizes Arsenazo III, which has a high affinity for calcium at neutral pH. Interference from magnesium is eliminated by the addition of 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid. Arsenazo III reacts with calcium to form a 1:1 blue complex with an absorption maximum at 650 nm. The concentration of calcium is proportional to the intensity of the blue color.
## EasyRA Magnesium
This method involves the binding of xylidyl blue-1 dye to magnesium to form the Mg-xylidyl blue complex. The increase of absorbance of the complex at 520 nm is directly proportional to the concentration of magnesium in the sample.
The absorbance decrease at 600 nm is directly proportional to the Magnesium in the serum combining with the complex.
## EasyRA Phosphorus-Inorganic
This method involves the reaction of inorganic phosphorus with ammonium molybdate in an acidic medium to form a phosphomolybdate complex with a yellow color.
The increase in absorbance at 340 nm is directly proportional to the concentration of inorganic phosphorus in the sample.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### 1. Analytical performance:
#### a. Precision/Reproducibility:
**Serum and Plasma**- Precision studies were performed in conjunction with the matrix comparison study with lithium heparin tubes. Duplicate plasma and serum samples from the method studies were calculated for average SD for 3 partitioned bins covering the ranges tested. The average SD in each of the 3 bins for both plasma and serum are comparable.
Albumin
| | Low | Medium | High |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Analytical Range(g/dL) | 0.4 – 4.75 | 4.75 – 4.99 | 5.0 – 7.0 |
{6}
| No. of Samples | 24 | 25 | 22 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| No. of Replicates | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| | | | |
| Serum Mean | 3.72 | 4.86 | 5.25 |
| Serum SD | 0.060 | 0.051 | 0.056 |
| Serum % CV | 1.60 | 1.00 | 1.10 |
| | | | |
| Plasma Mean | 3.57 | 4.87 | 5.27 |
| Plasma SD | 0.050 | 0.062 | 0.054 |
| Plasma % CV | 1.40 | 1.30 | 1.00 |
Calcium
| | Low | Medium | High |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Analytical Range(mg/dL) | 1.0 – 9.5 | 9.5 – 10.0 | 10.0 – 15.0 |
| No. of Samples | 19 | 31 | 20 |
| No. of Replicates | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| | | | |
| Serum Mean | 7.89 | 9.79 | 10.80 |
| Serum SD | 0.15 | 0.14 | 0.14 |
| Serum % CV | 1.90 | 1.40 | 1.30 |
| | | | |
| Plasma Mean | 7.78 | 9.58 | 10.60 |
| Plasma SD | 0.11 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Plasma % CV | 1.40 | 1.60 | 1.40 |
Magnesium
| | Low | Medium | High |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Analytical Range(mg/dL) | 0.03 – 1.8 | 1.8 – 1.95 | 1.95 – 6.1 |
| No. of Samples | 16 | 27 | 29 |
| No. of Replicates | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| | | | |
| Serum Mean | 1.45 | 1.88 | 2.81 |
| Serum SD | 0.023 | 0.020 | 0.036 |
| Serum % CV | 1.60 | 1.10 | 1.30 |
| | | | |
| Plasma Mean | 1.42 | 1.86 | 2.80 |
| Plasma SD | 0.020 | 0.026 | 0.041 |
| Plasma % CV | 1.40 | 1.40 | 1.50 |
{7}
Phosphorus
| | Low | Medium | High |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Analytical Range(mg/dL) | 0.11 – 3.25 | 3.25 – 3.75 | 3.75 – 20.0 |
| No. of Samples | 22 | 29 | 26 |
| No. of Replicates | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| | | | |
| Serum Mean | 2.67 | 3.52 | 8.19 |
| Serum SD | 0.041 | 0.049 | 0.078 |
| Serum % CV | 1.50 | 1.40 | 1.00 |
| | | | |
| Plasma Mean | 2.46 | 3.26 | 8.04 |
| Plasma SD | 0.044 | 0.046 | 0.094 |
| Plasma % CV | 1.80 | 1.40 | 1.20 |
In addition a simplified within-run precision study was performed on the EasyRA analyzer by analyzing 3 plasma patient samples, 20 consecutive times. The within-run precision data is summarized in the table below:
| | Mean | SD | %CV |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Albumin (g/dL) | Level 1 - 3.21 | Level 1 - 0.03 | Level 1 - 0.96 |
| | Level 2 - 4.82 | Level 2 - 0.09 | Level 2 - 1.82 |
| | Level 3 - 6.38 | Level 3 - 0.06 | Level 3 - 0.86 |
| Calcium (mg/dL) | Level 1 - 5.68 | Level 1 - 0.09 | Level 1 - 1.56 |
| | Level 2 - 10.66 | Level 2 - 0.13 | Level 2 - 1.26 |
| | Level 3 - 11.82 | Level 3 - 0.10 | Level 3 - 0.88 |
| Magnesium (mg/dL) | Level 1 - 1.21 | Level 1 - 0.01 | Level 1 - 0.99 |
| | Level 2 - 2.02 | Level 2 - 0.03 | Level 2 - 1.68 |
| | Level 3 - 4.92 | Level 3 - 0.07 | Level 3 - 1.40 |
| Phosphorus (mg/dL) | Level 1 - 2.11 | Level 1 - 0.02 | Level 1 - 0.98 |
| | Level 2 - 3.26 | Level 2 - 0.04 | Level 2 - 1.22 |
| | Level 3 - 15.06 | Level 3 - 0.12 | Level 3 - 0.77 |
# b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Plasma - Linearity studies were not conducted in plasma. See previously cleared linearity data in k080810 (ALB), k072249 (Ca), k092737 (Mg), and k080810 (PHOS) for serum samples. The linear reportable ranges for each assay are summarized below.
| | Albumin | Calcium | Magnesium | Phosphorus |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Linear Reportable Range | 0.4 to 7.0 g/dL | 1.0 to 15.0 mg/dL | 0.04 to 6.1 mg/dL | 0.11 to 20.0 mg/dL |
{8}
An extended linearity study was performed for all analytes with the MEDICA EasyRA analyzer to evaluate accuracy and precision. The sponsor recommends a dilution of 1:2 when the patient albumin, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus results in plasma fall outside the upper measuring range of 7.0 g/dL, 15.0 mg/dL, 6.1 mg/dL, and 20.0 mg/dL, respectively. A dilution study was performed for albumin on 3 different patient plasma samples spiked with standard albumin stock solution to increase the albumin level in the range of 7.5 to 13.5 g/dL, for calcium 5 different patient plasma samples were spiked with standard calcium stock solution to increase the calcium level in the range of 17.0 to 27.0 mg/dL, for magnesium 5 different patient plasma samples were spiked with standard magnesium stock solution to increase the magnesium level in the range of 6.5 to 11.7 mg/dL, and for phosphorus 5 different patient plasma samples were spiked with standard phosphorus stock solution to increase the phosphorus level in the range of 22.0 to 37.0 mg/dL. Each sample was then diluted with saline at 1:2 dilution by the analyzer or manually. Each diluted sample was run in triplicate on two MEDICA EasyRA analyzers. The % recovery range of the system for each analyte is provided in the table below:
| | EasyRA % Recovery |
| --- | --- |
| Albumin | 101.1 to 102.6 |
| Calcium | 99.3. to 102.6 |
| Magnesium | 100.7 to 104.0 |
| Phosphorus | 96.8 to 104.5 |
In addition a simplified within-run precision study was performed in the extended linearity range for all analytes by analyzing 3 plasma samples, 20 consecutive times. The within-run precision data is summarized in the table below:
| | Mean | SD | CV |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Albumin | Level 1 - 7.73 | Level 1 - 0.08 | Level 1 - 1.04 |
| | Level 2 - 9.75 | Level 2 - 0.18 | Level 2 - 1.84 |
| | Level 3 - 12.69 | Level 3 - 0.23 | Level 3 - 1.78 |
| Calcium | Level 1 - 18.73 | Level 1 - 0.18 | Level 1 - 0.95 |
| | Level 2 - 24.65 | Level 2 - 0.25 | Level 2 - 1.00 |
| | Level 3 - 26.64 | Level 3 - 0.32 | Level 3 - 1.20 |
| Magnesium | Level 1 - 6.77 | Level 1 - 0.08 | Level 1 - 1.15 |
| | Level 2 - 8.20 | Level 2 - 0.11 | Level 2 - 1.29 |
| | Level 3 - 9.90 | Level 3 - 0.13 | Level 3 - 1.34 |
| Phosphorus | Level 1 - 26.14 | Level 1 - 0.30 | Level 1 - 1.14 |
{9}
10
| | Level 2 – 30.35
Level 3 – 33.66 | Level 2 – 0.19
Level 3 – 0.47 | Level 2 – 0.62
Level 3 – 1.39 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Calibrators were previously cleared under k080810 (ALB), k072249 (Ca), k092737 (Mg), and k080810 (PHOS).
d. Detection limit:
Limit of detection studies were not conducted for plasma. See cleared serum data under k080810 (Albumin), k072249 (Calcium), k092737 (Magnesium), and k080810 (Phosphorus).
e. Analytical specificity:
Plasma interference studies were not performed. See previously cleared interference data in k080810 (Albumin), k072249 (Calcium), k092737 (Magnesium), and k080810 (Phosphorus) for serum samples.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable.
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Plasma – See previously cleared method comparison data in k080810 (Albumin), k072249 (Calcium), k092737 (Magnesium), and k080810 (Phosphorus) for serum samples. Plasma matrix comparison data is provided below in part (b) of this section.
b. Matrix comparison:
Plasma Lithium Heparin- A matrix comparison study was also performed in conjunction with CLSI EP9-A2 guidelines using lithium heparin tubes. The study was completed with human plasma and serum samples spanning the linear range of each assay. 71 total samples (60 unaltered and 11 altered samples) were analyzed for albumin, 70 total samples (56 unaltered and 14 altered samples) were analyzed for calcium, 72 total samples (59 unaltered and 13 altered) were analyzed for magnesium, and 77 total samples (61 unaltered and 16 altered samples) were analyzed for phosphorus. Each sample was analyzed in duplicate using the MEDICA EasyRA chemistry analyzer.
{10}
One single set of plasma samples were used as test samples, while duplicate serum samples were used as references. Determined linear regression correlations are as follows:
| Analyte | Slope | Intercept | R2 | Conc. Range Tested |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ALB | 1.0056 | -0.0192 | 0.9937 | 0.4 – 6.6 g/dL |
| Ca | 0.9853 | -0.0632 | 0.9891 | 1.6 – 14.7 mg/dL |
| Mg | 1.0184 | -0.0584 | 0.9983 | 0.1 – 6.1 mg/dL |
| PHOS | 1.0070 | -0.2462 | 0.9966 | 0.7 – 19.3 mg/dL |
# 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:
Reference ranges are provided in the labeling from literature as follows:
| | Serum/Plasma |
| --- | --- |
| Albumin | 3.8 – 5.1 g/dL |
| Calcium | 8.8 – 10.2 mg/dL |
| Magnesium | 1.6 – 2.6 mg/dL |
| Phosphorus | 2.7 – 4.5 mg/dL |
Tietz, N.W. Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry, $5^{\text{th}}$ ed., Philadelphia, PA, WB Saunders and Co., p. 961-1027; 2001.
{11}
N. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and does satisfy 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.
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.