UNICEL DXC 600 SYNCHRON SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 5.0 AND UNICEL DXC 800 SYNCHRON SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 5.0
Applicant
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Product Code
CGA · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Apr 27, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1345
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The UniCel DxC 800 System Software Version 5.0 is a fully automated, computercontrolled clinical chemistry analyzers intended for the in vitro determination of a variety of cleared clinical laboratory assays, such as glucose. GLUCm reagent is intended for the quantitative determination of glucose concentration in human serum, plasma, urine or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Glucose measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of carbohydrate metabolism disorders including diabetes mellitus, neonatal hypoglycemia, idiopathic hypoglycemia, and pancreatic islet cell carcinoma.
Device Story
UniCel DxC 800 SYNCHRON System is a fully automated, computer-controlled clinical chemistry analyzer for in vitro diagnostic testing. It processes human serum, plasma, urine, or CSF samples. The system utilizes an oxygen rate electrode method where samples are injected into a reaction cup containing glucose oxidase; the peak rate of oxygen consumption is measured, which is directly proportional to glucose concentration. The system features bar code identification, closed tube sampling, and obstruction detection. It is operated by laboratory personnel in a clinical setting. Software version 5.0 introduces USB data storage, network printer support, patient name-based result retrieval, and modified stirrer bar operation during reagent fill. Output is provided as quantitative glucose concentration values, which clinicians use to diagnose and manage carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Validation testing performed on a representative chemistry menu to demonstrate performance characteristics equivalent to predicate systems.
Technological Characteristics
Fully automated clinical chemistry analyzer; oxygen rate electrode sensing principle; random access operation. Software version 5.0 runs on QNX 6.4 operating system. Connectivity includes USB and network printing. System components include bar code readers, modular chemistry sections, and reagent storage. Sterilization is not applicable to the software/instrument system.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring glucose concentration determination in serum, plasma, urine, or CSF to diagnose/treat carbohydrate metabolism disorders, including diabetes mellitus, neonatal hypoglycemia, idiopathic hypoglycemia, and pancreatic islet cell carcinoma.
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
UniCel® DxC 600/800 SYNCHRON® System Software Version(s) 1.0 (K042291)
UniCel® DxC 600/800 SYNCHRON® System Software Version(s) 1.4 (K060256)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k103842
B. Purpose for Submission:
Beckman Coulter is seeking clearance for UniCel® DxC 800 SYNCHRON® Clinical Systems Software Version 5.0, a modification to an existing device. Totality of changes since the original submission for, DxC 600 & DxC 800 SYNCHRON software in k060256 was assessed, and the applicant determined changes after software version 4.9 needed a new 510(k) submission.
C. Measurand:
Glucose
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative – oxygen rate electrode measurement
E. Applicant:
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
UniCel DxC 800 SYNCHRON System Software Version 5.0
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21CFR Sec.- 862.1345 Glucose test system.
21CFR Sec.- 862.2160-Discrete photometric chemistry analyzer for clinical use.
2. Classification:
II, I respectively
3. Product code:
CGA - Glucose Oxidase, Glucose
JJE - Analyzer, Chemistry (Photometric, Discrete), For Clinical Use
4. Panel:
CH
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See Indication(s) for use below
2. Indication(s) for use:
The UniCel DxC 800 System Software Version 5.0 is a fully automated, computer-controlled clinical chemistry analyzer intended for the in vitro determination of a variety of cleared clinical laboratory assays, such as glucose.
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SYNCHRON Systems Glucose (GLUCm) Reagent is intended for the quantitative determination of glucose concentration in human serum, plasma, urine or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Glucose measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of carbohydrate metabolism disorders including diabetes mellitus, neonatal hypoglycemia, idiopathic hypoglycemia, and pancreatic islet cell carcinoma.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
Prescription use
4. Special instrument requirements:
UniCel DxC 800 System Software Version 5.0
I. Device Description:
The 800 SYNCHRON® System equipped with Software Version 5.0 is a member of the SYNCHRON family of clinical chemistry analyzers, manufactured and distributed by Beckman Coulter, Inc. The SYNCHRON instrument family includes the SYNCHRON CX Clinical Chemistry Systems and the SYNCHRON LX Clinical Chemistry Systems. The UniCel DxC Systems feature bar code identification of samples and reagents, Closed Tube Sampling, Obstruction Detection and Correction, and a dual carousel reagent storage compartment. Major system components include sample and reagent handling systems, bar code readers, modular chemistry sections, cartridge chemistry systems, and reagent storage compartment, supported by power and hydropneumatic utilities.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
DXC 600 & DXC 800 Synchron software version 1.4
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
k060256
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device
UniCel DxC 800
SYNCHRON System
Software Version 5.0 | Predicate
k060256 |
| Indication for use | System is a fully automated, computer-controlled clinical chemistry analyzers intended for the in vitro | Same |
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| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device UniCel DxC 800 SYNCHRON System Software Version 5.0 | Predicate k060256 |
| | determination of a variety of cleared clinical laboratory assays | |
| ·Fundamental Technologies ·Operational Environment ·System Architecture ·Optics/Reaction Subsystem ·Sample Handling Subsystem ·Chemistry Databases ·Reagents and Consumables | Same | Same |
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device UniCel DxC SYNCHRON Systems Software Version 5.0 | Predicate k060256 |
| Data download and storage | Incorporate the use of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) to allow flexible Media download and storage capability. | No USB |
| Printing lab report | Allow more than one lab report to be printed per page. | One report per page |
| Result query | Results can now be retrieved by Patient Name. | No Patient Name look up |
| Printer options | Add Network printer capability. | Only local printer |
| Glucose Cup Module | The Glucose Cup Module stirrer bar is turned on during the reagent fill | Stirrer bar off during reagent fill |
| User Interface | DxC Console (User Interface) operating system QNX 6.4 | DxC Console (User Interface) operating system from QNX 6.3 |
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K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
CLSI - Evaluation of Precision Performance of Clinical Chemistry Devices - EP05-A2
CLSI - Evaluation of the Linearity of Quantitative Analytical Methods - EP06-A
CLSI - Method Comparison and Bias Estimation Using Patient Samples - EP09-A2
L. Test Principle:
Glucose concentration is measured by an oxygen rate method employing a Beckman Coulter Oxygen electrode. A sample is injected in a reaction cup containing a glucose oxidase solution. The ratio used is one part sample to 76 parts reagent. The peak rate of oxygen consumption is directly proportional to the concentration of glucose in the sample. Oxygen is consumed at the same rate as glucose reacts to form gluconic acid.
M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Within-run and total imprecision studies were designed from CLSI Guideline EP5-A2, "Evaluation of Precision Performance of Quantitative Measurement Methods; Approved Guideline – Second Edition." The experimental design utilized duplicate sample analysis, twice daily, over the course of twenty working days.
The objective of this testing was to verify the DxC v5.0 software changes at system level has not induced inadvertent harm to the functioning of the DxC system. This was assessed via an EP5 Random Access Precision performance evaluation with a representative chemistry, Glucose running on DxC 800 System with the v5.0 software.
Results of the within run and total precision evaluation for the SYNCHRON System Glucose (GLUCm) Reagent.
| Sample | Mean (mg/dL) | S.D. (mg/dL) | %C.V. | N |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Within-Run Imprecision | | | | |
| Serum/Plasma Level 1 | 41.7 | 0.8 | 2.0 | 80 |
| Serum/Plasma Level 2 | 376.9 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 80 |
| Urine Level 1 | 28.6 | 0.8 | 2.9 | 80 |
| Urine Level 2 | 290.9 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 80 |
| CSF Level 1 | 58.0 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 80 |
| CSF Level 2 | 27.6 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 80 |
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| Total Imprecision | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serum/Plasma Level 1 | 41.7 | 0.8 | 2.0 | 80 |
| Serum/Plasma Level 2 | 376.9 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 80 |
| Urine Level 1 | 28.6 | 1.1 | 3.7 | 80 |
| Urine Level 2 | 290.9 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 80 |
| CSF Level 1 | 58.0 | 1.2 | 2.1 | 80 |
| CSF Level 2 | 27.6 | 1.1 | 4.0 | 80 |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Linearity (analytical range) studies were designed in accordance with CLSI Guideline EP6-A. “Evaluation of the Linearity of Quantitative Measurement Procedures: A Statistical Approach.”
The objective of this testing was to verify the DxC v5.0 software changes at system level has not induced inadvertent harm to the functioning of the DxC system. This was assessed via a linearity verification using a representative chemistry, Glucose running on DxC 800 System with the v5.0 software.
Results of linearity for the SYNCHRON System Glucose (GLUCm) Reagent:
| Analyte | Sample Type | Measuring Range | Linear Regression Analysis |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GLUCm | Serum/ Plasma | 3 – 600 mg/dL | Y = 1.005X + 1.7305 R_{2} = 1.0000 |
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods): Refer to k060256
d. Detection limit: Refer to k060256
e. Analytical specificity: Refer to k060256
f. Assay cut-off: Not Applicable
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Method comparison experiments were designed using CLSI Procedure EP9-A2: “Method Comparison and Bias Estimation Using Patients Samples” and employed Deming regression analysis to assess the data.
The objective of this testing was to verify the DxC 800 System v5.0 software changes at system level has not induced inadvertent harm to the functioning of the DxC system. This was assessed via a serum method comparison study on DxC systems with the v5.0 software and comparing sample recoveries to DxC
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800 System with the v4.9 software.
Results of the method comparison study for the SYNCHRON System Glucose (GLUCm) Reagent:
| Candidate | Analyte | Slope | Intercept | R | N | Predicate Method |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| UniCel DxC System with v5.0 Software | GLUCm | 0.987 | 0.629 | 1.000 | 120 | UniCel DxC System with v4.9 Software |

b. Matrix comparison: Refer to k060256
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:
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In the labeling the sponsor states that each laboratory should establish its own reference intervals based upon its patient population. The reference intervals listed below were taken from literature and a study performed on SYNCHRON Systems*
| INTERVALS | SAMPLE TYPE | CONVENTIONAL UNITS | S.I. UNITS |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Literature | Serum or Plasma | 74 – 106 mg/dL | 4.1 – 5.9 mmol/L |
| | Urine* | 1 – 15 mg/dL | 0.06 – 0.83 mmol/L |
| | Urine (timed)* | < 0.5 g/24 hrs | < 2.8 mmol/24 hrs |
| | CSF | 40 – 70 mg/dL | 2.2 – 3.9 mmol/L |
| SYNCHRON | Serum or Plasma | 74 – 118 mg/dL | 4.1 – 6.6 mmol/L |
a In a healthy patient, the normal urine glucose value is zero.
* Tietz, N. W., Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd Edition, W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA (1995).
N. Instrument Name:
UniCel DxC 800 SYNCHRON System
O. System Descriptions:
1. Modes of Operation:
Random access
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 ☐ or No ☐ X
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:
Bar coded
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4. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
Standard components (probes, mixers, wash cups, racks, shuttle, bar code readers) plus Cap Piercing and Obstruction Detection assemblies.
5. Calibration:
Calibration chemistries include endpoint, first order rate, nonlinear, and qualitative cutoff reactions. Zero-order rate chemistries include enzymes which use extinction coefficients (of coenzymes or chromophore, of either substrate or end product), and require no routine calibration.
6. Quality Control:
Has a built in quality control program
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
Not Applicable
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.