The Rotor-Gene Q MDx instrument with Rotor-Gene Q software version 2.1.0 or higher is a real-time nucleic acid amplification and detection system which measures nucleic acid signals from amplified DNA using fluorescent detection. The Rotor-Gene Q MDx instrument is intended for in vitro diagnostic use with FDA cleared or approved nucleic acid tests in clinical laboratories.
Device Story
Rotor-Gene Q MDx is a real-time PCR analyzer for thermal cycling and detection of nucleic acid amplicons. Device uses centrifugal rotary design; samples spin at 400 rpm in a low-mass-forced air oven to ensure thermal uniformity, prevent condensation, and remove air bubbles. During rotation, tubes pass an optical excitation source (LED) and detection zone; fluorescence is excited and collected by a photomultiplier. Device operates via assay-specific locked analysis templates that restrict the GUI to required workflow parameters. Used in clinical laboratories by trained personnel. Output consists of quantitative or qualitative nucleic acid detection data. Benefits include automated, standardized amplification and detection for IVD assays. Instrument supports six excitation/emission channels. Calibration is verified via Optical Temperature Verification (OTV) using thermochromatic liquid crystals.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided for the instrument itself. Performance is assessed per specific assay run on the system. Analytical and clinical performance (LOD, LOB, reactivity, cross-reactivity, interference, precision, carry-over, reproducibility) is established via the specific artus Infl A/B RG RT-PCR assay 510(k) submission.
Indicated for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical laboratories for real-time nucleic acid amplification and detection of amplified DNA using fluorescent detection, in conjunction with FDA cleared or approved nucleic acid tests.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Instrumentation for clinical multiplex test systems is a device intended to measure and sort multiple signals generated by an assay from a clinical sample. This instrumentation is used with a specific assay to measure multiple similar analytes that establish a single indicator to aid in diagnosis. Such instrumentation may be compatible with more than one specific assay. The device includes a signal reader unit, and may also integrate reagent handling, hybridization, washing, dedicated instrument control, and other hardware components, as well as raw data storage mechanisms, data acquisition software, and software to process detected signals.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 862.9. The special control is FDA's guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Instrumentation for Clinical Multiplex Test Systems.” See § 862.1(d) for the availability of this guidance document.
The special control is FDA's guidance document entitled "Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Instrumentation for Clinical Multiplex Test Systems."
{0}
1
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY
A. 510(k) Number:
k113319
B. Purpose for Submission:
Clearance of Rotor-Gene Q MDx
C. Manufacturer and Instrument Name:
QIAGEN GmbH
Rotor-Gene Q MDx
D. Type of Test or Tests Performed:
Real-Time PCR
E. System Descriptions:
1. Device Description:
The Rotor-Gene Q MDx is a real-time PCR analyzer designed for thermal cycling and real-time detection of PCR amplicons. The Rotor-Gene Q MDx ("RGQ") uses a centrifugal rotary design for thermal cycling where each tube spins in a chamber of moving air, intended to keep samples at a uniform temperature. Detection is performed as each tube aligns with the detection optics, where the sample is optically excited and the resulting fluorescent signal is collected from a single optical pathway. Software version 2.1.0 or higher has been validated for use with the artus® Infl A/B RG RT-PCR assay.
The artus® Infl A/B RG RT-PCR assay is being submitted separately, but concurrent with this RGQ instrument submission. Please refer to the artus® Infl A/B RG RT-PCR assay 510(k) submission (k113323) for the artus® Infl A/B RG RT-PCR assay analytical and clinical testing which includes limit of detection, limit of blank, reactivity, cross-reactivity, interference, precision, carry-over / cross-contamination, multi-center reproducibility, and testing of prospectively collected and banked specimens. The instrument has six sets of excitation and emission channels available to induce and measure fluorescence at specified wavelengths. Only excitation and emission channels referred to as "red" "crimson" and "green" have been validated for in vitro diagnostic use.
{1}
2
2. Principles of Operation:
Samples tubes are provided in groups of connected tubes and caps. Capped and hand labeled tubes are placed into a position labeled ring shaped holder which fits onto a spindle inside the instrument. The inside of the instrument acts as a low-mass-forced air oven. Heating is achieved by a nickel-chrome element in the lid and the chamber is cooled by venting the air out through the top of the chamber while ambient air is blown up through the base. The RGQ rotary format employs a centrifugal process where samples spin continually at 400 rpm during a run. Centrifugation promotes thermal uniformity between samples, prevents condensation and removes air bubbles, but does not pellet DNA.
During centrifugation each tube passes by an optical excitation source and detection zone where a fluorescence signal is simultaneously excited and detected. Samples are excited from the bottom of the chamber by a light-emitting diode. Energy is transmitted through the thin walls at the base of the tube. Emitted fluorescence passes through emission filters on the side of the chamber and is then collected by a photomultiplier. There are six excitation sources and six detection filters which require no calibration or compensation. Each assay specified dye is compatible with only one set of excitation/emission filter pairs. The optical path length is fixed for all excitation wavelengths; this precludes the use of an internal reference dye.
3. Modes of Operation:
The RGQ software utilizes assay packages to control the in vitro diagnostic workflow. Selecting an assay specific locked analysis template switches the software to an assay specific mode. This forces the loading of a restricted graphical user interface (GUI), which removes access to menus, menu items, quick launch buttons, etc. that are not required for the assay specific workflow. The assay specific locked analysis template includes, as applicable to the individual assay, the required parameters for cycling, data acquisition, data analysis, quantitation standards, acceptance of controls, reporting, etc. The assay package also includes a report template that specifies the format of the assay report. Each in vitro diagnostic application using the RGQ will require at least one assay specific locked analysis template file.
The RGQ instrument is also capable of performing laboratory-defined (user-validated) applications including high-resolution melting analysis, end-point thermal cycling, protein analysis, and enzyme kinetics. The FDA is not reviewing, clearing or approving any of the open-mode/laboratory-defined functionalities and requires documentation and evidence that these functionalities do not interfere with IVD functionalities.
4. Specimen Identification:
Samples are manually transferred into samples tubes; each tube has a cap with
{2}
sufficient space to include a hand written unique identifier or barcode. Tubes are placed in a ring shaped holder that locks the caps in place and has uniquely identified locations. In the software, the user matches the unique sample ID with the holder location ID. The keyed ring containing the sample tubes is placed into the instrument and the run is started. If the lid is opened at anytime during a run, results are not reported.
5. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
Specimen sampling and handling is performed manually following user laboratory SOPs and the artus® Infl A/B RG RT-PCR user manual.
6. Calibration:
Optical Temperature Verification (OTV) is a method that verifies the in-tube temperature in the Rotor-Gene Q MDx. While it is not required for the Rotor-Gene Q MDx, calibration of in-tube temperature can be a laboratory requirement. The OTV procedure provides a means for users to comply with potential site specific calibration interval requirements. OTV is performed using a Rotor-Disc® OTV Kit.
OTV uses the optical properties of three thermochromatic liquid crystals (TLC) as absolute temperature references. When heated, TLCs change from opaque to transparent at very precise temperatures (50°C, 75°C, and 90°C). TLCs are not inherently fluorescent; therefore, it is necessary to cover the excitation source with a fluorescent insert so that the TLC transition points can be detected by the Rotor-Gene Q MDx optical system. TLCs that are below their transition temperature are opaque and reflect light. A portion of the reflected light scatters towards the detector and is measured as an increase in fluorescence. When the in-tube temperature reaches the TLC transition point, the TLC becomes transparent, and light passes through the sample rather than being reflected toward the detector, resulting in a decrease in fluorescence. The change in fluorescence is used to determine the precise transition temperature of each TLC. The transition temperature is compared with the temperature reported by the factory calibration file for the OTV Rotor-Disc to verify whether the Rotor-Gene Q MDx is within temperature specification.
7. Quality Control:
Assay quality control is addressed for each separately cleared specific assay to be run on the instrument. The quality system used during software and hardware development was adequately described. The quality system documents which were reviewed include:
- Design history file including design verification plans, reports, and deviations
- Software requirements specifications
- Software and firmware design specifications
{3}
- Software architecture design, development and maintenance plan
- Software test case analysis
- Risk and hazard analysis
- Traceability matrix
The electromagnetic compatibility and safety verification of the Rotor-Gene Q instrument, which encompasses the Rotor-Gene Q MDx model, was found to be in conformance with the following standards:
CAN/CSA – C22.2 No. 61010-1-4 – Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use, Part I: General Requirements
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-010-04 – Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use – Part 2-010: Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of materials
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-081-04 – Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use – Part 2-081: Particular requirements for automatic and semi-automatic laboratory equipment for analysis and other purposes
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-101-04 – Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use – Part 2-101: Particular requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical equipment
UL Std. No. 61010-1 (2nd Edition) - Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use, Part I: General Requirements
8. Software:
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and Software Development processes for this line of product types:
Yes ☐ X ☐ or No ☐
F. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR 862.2570 Instrumentation for clinical multiplex test system.
2. Classification:
Class II
{4}
3. Product code:
OOI
4. Panel:
Clinical Chemistry (75)
G. Intended Use:
1. Indication(s) for Use:
The Rotor-Gene Q MDx instrument with Rotor-Gene Q software version 2.1.0 or higher is a real-time nucleic acid amplification and detection system which measures nucleic acid signals from amplified DNA using fluorescent detection.
The Rotor-Gene Q MDx instrument is intended for in vitro diagnostic use with FDA cleared or approved nucleic acid tests in clinical laboratories.
2. Special Conditions for Use Statement(s): None
H. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate Device Name(s) and 510(k) numbers:
Abbott Molecular Inc. m2000rt™ System (k092705)
2. Comparison with Predicate Device:
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Intended Use | The Rotor-Gene Q MDx instrument with Rotor-Gene Q software version 2.1.0 or higher is a real-time nucleic acid amplification and detection system which measures nucleic acid signals from amplified DNA using fluorescent detection.
The Rotor-Gene Q MDx instrument is intended for | The Abbott m2000 system is intended for in vitro diagnostic use in performing FDA cleared and approved nucleic acid testing in clinical laboratories. It comprises the Abbott m2000sp and the Abbott m2000rt instruments.
...
The Abbott m2000rt is an automated system for performing fluorescence- |
5
{5}
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| | in vitro diagnostic use with FDA cleared or approved nucleic acid tests in clinical laboratories. | based PCR to provide quantitative and qualitative detection of nucleic acid sequences. |
| Assay Format | Homogeneous, closed tube PCR | Homogeneous, closed tube PCR |
| Degree of Automation | Automated control of amplification, detection, and data analysis | Automated control of amplification, detection, and data analysis |
| Primary Operational Amplification and Detection | Integrated thermocycler and microvolume fluorimeter for walk away PCR amplification and detection | Integrated thermocycler and microvolume fluorimeter for walk away PCR amplification and detection |
| Detection Chemistries | Fluorescence labeled, target-specific probes | Fluorescence labeled, target-specific probes |
| User Interface | PC with instrument-specific software | PC with instrument-specific software |
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Heating Method for Amplification | Air (low-mass-forced air oven) with rotor | Peltier device with sample block |
| Amplification Reaction Volume | 10-50 μL in 0.1 ml tubes with 72-well rotor | 25–100 μL in 96-well PCR plates |
| Sample preparation | No automated sample processing instrument offered in conjunction with the Rotor-Gene Q MDx | Pairing with the m2000sp instrument provides automated sample processing |
# I. Special Control/Guidance Document Referenced:
Class II Special controls guidance document: Instrumentation for Clinical Multiplex Test Systems:
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm077819.htm
{6}
J. Performance Characteristics:
1. Analytical Performance:
a. Accuracy:
Accuracy was assessed during clearance of the assay (k113323) and will be addressed for each assay to be run on the system.
b. Precision/Reproducibility:
Precision and reproducibility was assessed during clearance of the assay (K113323) and will be addressed for each assay to be run on the system.
c. Linearity:
Not applicable.
d. Carryover:
Carryover was assessed during clearance of the assay (k113323) and will be addressed for each assay to be run on the system.
e. Interfering Substances:
Interfering substances were assessed during clearance of the assay (k113323) and will be addressed for each assay to be run on the system.
2. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Data Not Covered Above:
Optical detection verification
Performance requirements for optical detection are stated in the verification report (VER-0000002-B). These requirements include:
LED spot size of 3mm +/- 1mm sufficient for optical excitation covering the reaction volume. (PS-TCH-11)
Optical cross talk of <4% in adjacent Yellow on Green channel. (PS-TCH-020)
Optical cross talk of <10% in adjacent Green on Yellow channel. (PS-TCH-021)
Optical cross talk of <15% in adjacent Red on Orange channel. (PS-TCH-022)
Optical cross talk of <1% in adjacent Crimson on Orange channel. (PS-TCH-023)
Optical cross talk of <10% in adjacent Orange on Red channel. (PS-TCH-024)
7
{7}
Optical cross talk of <8% in adjacent Crimson on Red channel. (PS-TCH-025)
Optical cross talk of <1% in adjacent Orange on IR channel. (PS-TCH-026)
Optical cross talk of <8% in adjacent Red on IR channel. (PS-TCH-027)
All emission and detection wavelengths are specified. (PS-PHY-003 to PS-PHY-009)
Lens materials compatible with cleaning solutions listed in the User Manual. (PS-ENV-001 and PS-ENV-002)
Satisfaction of these requirements was demonstrated by performance testing and documented in the submitted verification test reports.
## Environmental and transport simulation
Environment and transport simulation studies were performed and results were in accordance with the following standards.
Climatic Stationary Use: EN 60721-3-3 - Class 3K2
15 - 30°C, 10 - 75% RH
Climatic Transport Conditions: EN 60721-3-2 - Class 2K2
Temperature ramped from -25°C to 60°C and from 60°C to -25°C, <75% RH
Mechanical Transport Conditions: EN 60721-3-2 - Class 2M2
Vibration - 3 mm, 2-500 Hz; Random 10-2000 Hz
Shock – positive & negative half sinus 100 m/s² impulse, 11 ms duration, 3 axes, 3 repetitions for a total of 18 shocks
Climatic Longtime Storage: EN 60721-3-1 - Class 1K2
5 - 40°C, 5 - 85% RH, 4 days
## Endurance testing
The endurance of the RGQ instrument was assessed by subjecting an instrument to repetitive simulated use were each use cycle consists of opening the lid, closing the lid, running a model PCR cycle, acquiring fluorescence data during the run (fluorescent beads are loaded in the tubes), opening the lid, closing the lid, and waiting five minutes to allow the instrument to cool. The cycle was repeated at least 2250 times, which is the estimated number of cycles expected in a five year period assuming 225 work days and two runs per day. The endurance testing was executed and successfully completed (VER-00000024).
## Thermal cycler performance testing
Functional design verification testing demonstrated that the Rotor-Gene Q MDx
8
{8}
design satisfies its design input requirements for the required ramp rate of 1.25°C/s and 1.38°C/s for thermal ramp-up and ramp-down rates respectively. The input requirement for temperature uniformity can not be measured in a specific test setup due to physical limitations. Thermal accuracy and uniformity will be validated during assay specific testing. The centrifuge speed was verified to meet the design input requirement of 400 RPM within the specified tolerance.
K. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
L. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
9
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.