K123197 · Nanosphere, Inc. · OZN · Dec 5, 2012 · Microbiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K123197
Device Name
VERIGENE C. DIFFICILE NUCLEIC ACID TEST (CDF)
Applicant
Nanosphere, Inc.
Product Code
OZN · Microbiology
Decision Date
Dec 5, 2012
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 866.3130
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K123197 · Dec 5, 2012
VERIGENE C. DIFFICILE NUCLEIC ACID TEST (CDF)
Nanosphere, Inc.
Leftover unformed stool specimens from patients undergoing routine clinical care
The device performance was evaluated in a multi-site prospective clinical study by comparing the Verigene CDF Test results against reference culture and strain typing methods using clinical specimens collected during routine diagnostic testing.
Prospective clinical investigation; Routine clinical care specimens; Method comparison
Individuals whose routine care called for C. difficile testing; Sample Size: 1875; Number of Sites: 5
Reference culture (direct and enriched) followed by cell cytotoxicity testing and PCR Ribotyping/Bi-Directional Sequencing
Sensitivity, Specificity, Accuracy, PPV, NPV for detection of toxigenic C. difficile and 027 strain
Indications for Use
The Verigene® Clostridium difficile Nucleic Acid Test (CDF) is a qualitative, multiplexed in vitro diagnostic test for the rapid detection of toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB), and tcdC gene sequences of toxigenic strains Clostridium difficile and for presumptive identification of PCR ribotype 027 strains from unformed (liquid or soft) stool specimens collected from patients suspected of having C. difficile infection (CDI). Presumptive identification of the PCR ribotype 027 strain of C. difficile is by detection of the binary toxin (cdt) gene sequence and the single base pair deletion at nucleotide 117 in the tcdC gene. The tcdC gene encodes for a negative regulator in C. difficile toxin production. The test is performed on the Verigene System and utilizes automated specimen preparation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, combined with a nanoparticle-based array hybridization assay to detect the toxin gene sequences associated with toxin-producing C. difficile. The CDF Test is indicated for use as an aid in the diagnosis of CDI. Detection of PCR ribotype 027 strains of C. difficile by the CDF Test is solely for epidemiological purposes and is not intended to guide or monitor treatment for C. difficile infections. Concomitant culture is necessary only if further typing or organism recovery is required.
Device Story
Verigene System is a bench-top molecular diagnostics workstation; performs automated sample-to-result testing on unformed stool specimens. Input: stool sample; process: automated cell lysis, magnetic bead-based DNA isolation, PCR amplification, and nanoparticle-based array hybridization. Output: qualitative detection of tcdA, tcdB, and tcdC gene sequences; presumptive identification of PCR ribotype 027 strains. Operated by laboratory personnel in clinical settings. Reader unit images light scatter from microarray capture spots; software algorithm determines presence/absence of analytes. Results aid in CDI diagnosis; ribotype 027 identification used for epidemiological purposes only. Benefits: rapid detection of toxigenic C. difficile.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective multi-site study (n=1,875). Compared to reference culture/cytotoxicity and PCR ribotyping/sequencing. Sensitivity 98.7% (vs. direct culture) and 91.8% (vs. enriched culture). Specificity 87.6% (vs. direct culture) and 92.5% (vs. enriched culture). Positive agreement for 027 strain 97.5% (vs. direct culture) and 91.4% (vs. enriched culture).
Technological Characteristics
Molecular assay using microarray format; gold nanoparticle probe-based endpoint detection with silver enhancement. System components: Verigene Reader (user interface, imaging) and Verigene Processor SP (automated extraction, PCR, hybridization). Connectivity: barcode scanner, touch-screen. Consumables: single-use disposable test cartridges.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients suspected of having C. difficile infection (CDI). Uses unformed (liquid or soft) stool specimens for qualitative detection of tcdA, tcdB, and tcdC gene sequences of toxigenic C. difficile and presumptive identification of PCR ribotype 027 strains.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A Clostridium difficile toxin gene amplification assay is a device that consists of reagents for the amplification and detection of target sequences in Clostridium difficile toxin genes in fecal specimens from patients suspected of having Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The detection of clostridial toxin genes, in conjunction with other laboratory tests, aids in the clinical laboratory diagnosis of CDI caused by Clostridium difficile.
Special Controls
In combination with the general controls of the FD&C Act, the Portrait Toxigenic C. difficile Assay is subject to the following special controls: 1. The special controls for the Clostridium difficile toxin gene amplification assay are contained in the guidance document: "Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Toxin Gene Amplification Assays for the Detection of Clostridium difficile."
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special controls are set forth in FDA's guideline document entitled: “Class II Special Controls Guideline: Toxin Gene Amplification Assays for the Detection of*Clostridium difficile;* Guideline for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff.” See § 866.1(e) for information on obtaining this document.
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION
A. 510(k) Number:
K123197
B. Purpose for Submission:
Substantial equivalence determination of the Verigene® Clostridium difficile Nucleic Acid Test (CDF) on the Verigene® System.
C. Measurand:
Targets DNA sequences of the toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB) and tcdC genes within the PaLoc of toxigenic strains of C. difficile; presumptive identification of the PCR ribotype 027 strain of C. difficile is via detection of the binary toxin (cdt) gene sequence and the single base pair deletion at nucleotide 117 in the tcdC gene (which encodes a negative regulator of toxin production).
D. Type of Test:
Qualitative, in vitro diagnostic test using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of tcdA, tcdB, tcdC, and cdt gene sequences, as well as detection of the single base pair deletion at nucleotide 117 in the tcdC gene combined with a nanoparticle-based array hybridization detection assay.
E. Applicant:
Nanosphere, Inc
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Verigene® Clostridium difficile Nucleic Acid Test (CDF)
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR 866.3130 - C. Difficile Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Assay
2. Classification:
Class II
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3. Product code:
OZN - Amplification assay for the detection of *Clostridium difficile* toxin genes from stool specimens of symptomatic patients
4. Panel:
Microbiology (83)
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
The Verigene® *Clostridium difficile* Nucleic Acid Test (CDF) is a qualitative, multiplexed *in vitro* diagnostic test for the rapid detection of toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB), and tcdC gene sequences of toxigenic strains *Clostridium difficile* and for presumptive identification of PCR ribotype 027 strains from unformed (liquid or soft) stool specimens collected from patients suspected of having *C. difficile* infection (CDI). Presumptive identification of the PCR ribotype 027 strain of *C. difficile* is by detection of the binary toxin (cdt) gene sequence and the single base pair deletion at nucleotide 117 in the tcdC gene. The tcdC gene encodes for a negative regulator in *C. difficile* toxin production. The test is performed on the Verigene System and utilizes automated specimen preparation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, combined with a nanoparticle-based array hybridization assay to detect the toxin gene sequences associated with toxin-producing *C. difficile*.
The CDF Test is indicated for use as an aid in the diagnosis of CDI. Detection of PCR ribotype 027 strains of *C. difficile* by the CDF Test is solely for epidemiological purposes and is not intended to guide or monitor treatment for *C. difficile* infections. Concomitant culture is necessary only if further typing or organism recovery is required.
2. Indication(s) for use:
The Verigene® *Clostridium difficile* Nucleic Acid Test (CDF) is a qualitative, multiplexed *in vitro* diagnostic test for the rapid detection of toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB), and tcdC gene sequences of toxigenic strains *Clostridium difficile* and for presumptive identification of PCR ribotype 027 strains from unformed (liquid or soft) stool specimens collected from patients suspected of having *C. difficile* infection (CDI). Presumptive identification of the PCR ribotype 027 strain of *C. difficile* is by detection of the binary toxin (cdt) gene sequence and the single base pair deletion at nucleotide 117 in the tcdC gene. The tcdC gene encodes for a negative regulator in *C. difficile* toxin production. The test is performed on the Verigene System and utilizes automated specimen preparation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, combined with a nanoparticle-based array hybridization assay to detect the toxin gene sequences associated with toxin-producing *C. difficile*.
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The CDF Test is indicated for use as an aid in the diagnosis of CDI. Detection of PCR ribotype 027 strains of *C. difficile* by the CDF Test is solely for epidemiological purposes and is not intended to guide or monitor treatment for *C. difficile* infections. Concomitant culture is necessary only if further typing or organism recovery is required.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For prescription use only.
4. Special instrument requirements:
To be used with the Verigene® System
I. Device Description:
The Verigene® *C. difficile* Nucleic Acid Test (CDF) is a molecular assay which relies on detection of specific nucleic acid targets in a microarray format. For each of the bacterial nucleic acid sequences detected by the CDF test, the assay utilizes unique Capture and Mediator oligonucleotides, followed by gold nanoparticle probe-based endpoint detection. The Capture oligonucleotides are covalently bound to the microarray substrate and hybridize to a specific portion of the nucleic acid targets. The Mediator oligonucleotides have a region which binds to a different portion of the same nucleic acid targets and also have a sequence which allows binding of a gold nanoparticle probe. Specific silver enhancement of the bound gold nanoparticle probes at the capture sites results in gold-silver aggregates that scatter light with high efficiency and provide accurate detection of target capture.
The CDF Test is performed on the Verigene System, a “sample-to-result,” fully automated, bench-top molecular diagnostics workstation. The System enables automated nucleic acid extraction from unformed stool specimens (liquid or soft) and detection of specific bacterial target DNA. The Verigene System consists of two components: the Verigene Reader and the Verigene Processor *SP*.
The Reader is the Verigene System’s user interface, which serves as the central control unit for all aspects of test processing, automated imaging, and result generation using a touchscreen control panel and a barcode scanner. The Verigene Processor *SP* executes the test procedure, automating the steps of (1) Sample Preparation and Target Amplification (i.e., cell lysis and magnetic bead-based bacterial DNA isolation and nucleic acid amplification), and (2) Hybridization (i.e., detection and identification of bacterial-specific DNA in a microarray format by using gold nanoparticle probe-based technology). Once the specimen is loaded by the operator, all other fluid transfer steps are performed by an automated pipette that transfers reagents between wells of the trays and finally loads the specimen into the Test Cartridge for hybridization. Single-use disposable test consumables and a self-contained Verigene Test Cartridge are utilized for each sample tested with the CDF assay.
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To obtain the test results after test processing is complete the user removes the Test Cartridge from the Processor $SP$ and inserts the substrate holder into the Reader for analysis. Light scatter from the capture spots is imaged by the Reader and intensities from the microarray spots are used to make a determination regarding the presence (Detected) or absence (Not Detected) of a bacterial nucleic acid sequence/analyte. This determination is made by means of software-based decision algorithm resident in the Verigene Reader.
To prevent reagent dispensing errors, all reagents are prepackaged in single-use disposables, including Stool Lysis Buffer (SLB) Tubes, reagent trays, and cartridges. Several layers of controls built into the CDF test ensure that failures at any step are identified during the procedure or in the end-point image analysis of the Test Cartridge.
An artificial DNA construct serves as an amplification or PCR control (i.e., Internal Processing Control 1 [IC1]) and is included within the Amplification Tray. Bacillus subtilis serves as a specimen preparation & amplification control (i.e., Internal Processing Control 2 [IC2]) and is automatically added by the Verigene SP to each specimen prior to the extraction step. Additional positive controls are immobilized on the Test Slide and are used to determine that hybridization was performed correctly. The CDF algorithm requires that these controls be valid before decisions regarding the presence or absence of any other target on the panel can be determined.
The Verigene® CDF Test Kit contains sufficient reagents to process 20 specimens or quality control samples. The kit contains the following:
## Verigene® CDF Test Kit
- 20 Verigene® CDF Test Cartridges: Each Test Cartridge comes preloaded with all required reaction solutions, including wash solutions, oligonucleotide probe solutions and signal amplification solutions required to generate a test result.
- 20 Verigene® CDF Extraction Trays (with Tip Holder Assemblies): Each Extraction Tray comes preloaded with all required solutions, including lysis/binding buffer, wash solutions, and buffer solutions necessary to extract nucleic acids and generate a test result.
- 20 Verigene® CDF Stool Lysis Buffer (SLB) tubes and sterile swabs.
## Verigene® CDF Test Amplification Kit
- 20 Verigene® CDF Amplification Trays: Each Amplification Tray comes preloaded with all required solutions, including enzymes and buffers necessary to amplify nucleic acids and generate a test result.
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J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
Portrait Toxigenic C. Difficile Assay - Great Basin Scientific
Xpert C. difficile/Epi Assay - Cepheid
Verigene RVNATSP Test - Nanosphere
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
Portrait Toxigenic C. Difficile Assay - K113358
Xpert C. difficile/Epi Assay - K110203
Verigene RVNATSP Test - K092566
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3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Item | New Device: Nanosphere Verigene C. difficile Assay K123197 | Predicate 1: Great Basin Portrait Toxigenic C. difficile Assay K113358 | Predicate 2: Cepheid Xpert C. difficile/Epi Assay K110203 |
| Intended Use | The Verigene® Clostridium difficile Nucleic Acid Test (CDF) is a qualitative, multiplexed in vitro diagnostic test for the rapid detection of toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB), and tcdC gene sequences of toxigenic strains Clostridium difficile and for presumptive identification of PCR ribotype 027 strains from unformed (liquid or soft) stool specimens collected from patients suspected of having C. difficile infection (CDI). Presumptive identification of the PCR ribotype 027 strain of C. difficile is by detection of the binary toxin (cdt) gene sequence and the single base pair deletion at nucleotide 117 in the tcdC gene. The tcdC gene encodes for a negative regulator in C. difficile toxin production. The test is performed on the Verigene System and utilizes automated specimen preparation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, combined with a nanoparticle-based array hybridization assay to detect the toxin gene sequences associated with toxin-producing C. difficile. The CDF Test is indicated for use as an aid in the diagnosis of CDI. Detection of PCR ribotype 027 strains of C. difficile by the CDF Test is solely for epidemiological purposes and is not intended to guide or monitor treatment for C. difficile infections. Concomitant culture is necessary only if further typing or organism recovery is required. | Portrait Toxigenic C. difficile Assay, a prescription device under 21 CFR Part 801.109 that is indicated for the detection of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in human fecal samples collected from patients suspected of having Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The test utilizes automated blocked primer enabled helicase-dependent amplification (bpHDA) to detect toxin gene sequences associated with toxin producing C. difficile. The Portrait Toxigenic C. difficile Assay is intended as an aid in the diagnosis of CDI. | The Cepheid Xpert® C. difficile/Epi Assay is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for rapid detection of toxin B gene sequences and for presumptive identification of 027/NAP1/BI strains of toxigenic Clostridium difficile from unformed (liquid or soft) stool specimens collected from patients suspected of having C. difficile infection (CDI). Presumptive identification of 027/NAP1/BI strains of C. difficile is by detection of binary toxin (CDT) gene sequences and the single base pair deletion at nucleotide 117 in the tcdC gene. The tcdC gene encodes for a negative regulator in C. difficile toxin production. The test is performed on the Cepheid GeneXpert® Dx System and utilizes automated real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect toxin gene sequences associated with toxin producing C. difficile. The Xpert C. difficile/Epi Assay is intended as an aid in the diagnosis of CDI. Detection of 027/NAP1/BI strains of C. difficile by the Xpert C. difficile/Epi Assay is presumptive and is solely for epidemiological purposes and is not intended to guide or monitor treatment for C. difficile infections. Concomitant culture is necessary only if further typing or organism recovery is required. |
| Technological | Fully-automated nucleic acid amplification | Same | Same |
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| Differences | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Item | New Device:Nanosphere Verigene C. difficile AssayK123197 | Predicate 1:Great Basin Portrait ToxigenicC. difficile AssayK113358 | Predicate 2:Cepheid Xpert C. difficile/Epi AssayK110203 |
| Principle | DNA: PCR | DNA: Isothermal, helicase-dependent nucleic acid amplification | DNA: real-time PCR |
| DNA TargetSequences | C. difficile toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB),tcdC, binary toxin (cdt) and the tcdC deletion at nt 117 (tcdCΔ117) | C. difficile toxin B (tcdB) | C. difficile toxin B (tcdB), binary toxin and the tcdC deletion nt 117 (tcdCΔ117) |
| InstrumentSystem | Verigene ReaderVerigene Processor SP | Great BasinPortrait Analyzer | Cepheid GeneXpert Dx System |
| SampleExtraction | Self-contained cartridge with magnetic bead-based bacterial DNA extraction after elution from prepared stool specimens. | Self-contained and automated lysis and extraction after swab elution and filtration. | Self-contained and automated after swab elution and two single-dose reagent additions. |
| Probes | Capture/Mediator oligonucleotides, followed by gold nanoparticle probe-based endpoint detection. Specific silver enhancement of the bound gold nanoparticle probes at the capture sites results in gold-silver aggregates that scatter light with high efficiency. Light scattering is detected by the Verigene reader. | Amplification primers are biotin-labeled primers and hybridized to an array of probes immobilized on the silicon chip. Incubation with anti-biotin antibody conjugated to the horseradish peroxidase with tetramethylbenzidine development is visualized by Portrait Analyzer | TaqMan® Probes – real-time fluorescence detection by GeneXpert Dx System |
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K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
Establishing the Performance Characteristics of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices for the Detection of Clostridium difficile – Draft Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff (FDA document 1715, issued on November 29, 2010)
L. Test Principle:
The Verigene® Clostridium difficile Nucleic Acid Test (CDF Test) is a rapid, automated in vitro diagnostic test for the qualitative detection of C. difficile DNA directly from unformed (liquid or soft) stool specimens of patients suspected of having C. difficile infection (CDI).
The CDF Test detects toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB), and tcdC gene sequences of toxigenic strains of C. difficile. Presumptive identification of the PCR ribotype 027 strain of C. difficile is by detection of the binary toxin (cdt) gene sequence and the single base pair deletion at nucleotide 117 in the tcdC gene. The tcdC gene encodes for a negative regulator in C. difficile toxin production. The test is performed on the Verigene® System and utilizes automated specimen preparation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, combined with a nanoparticle-based array hybridization assay to detect the toxin gene sequences associated with toxin-producing C. difficile.
Prior to initiating a test on the Verigene Processor SP, the Extraction Tray, the Amplification Tray and Tip Holder are loaded into the Verigene Processor SP. The barcode located on the CDF Test Cartridge is entered via the scanner attached to the Reader, and the associated sample information is entered either using the barcode-scanner or the Reader touch-screen interface (this links specific patient information to a specific Test Cartridge number). The CDF Test Cartridge is then inserted into the Processor SP. Once the consumables are loaded, 150 μL of liquid stool sample is added to Stool Lysis Buffer, vortexed, and then centrifuged. A 100 μL aliquot of this Stool Lysis Buffer is then pipetted into the designated Sample Well within the Extraction Tray and the Drawer Assembly is closed to initiate the test. The Processor SP identifies the Test Cartridge via an internal barcode scanner and communicates with the Reader to receive test instructions. Once the Processor SP module completes processing (approximately 2.0 hours), the CDF Test Cartridge is removed and inserted into the Reader for automated identification of the gene-specific DNA amplification products by nanoparticle-based array hybridization detection.
M. Performance Characteristics:
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
The inter-laboratory reproducibility of the CDF Test was determined by conducting a reproducibility study at three external sites. A seven sample panel for the reproducibility study was comprised of two different strains at three different
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concentrations (six positive samples) and one (1) negative sample. Each of the seven samples in the panel was tested daily in triplicate by two operators for five non-consecutive days at three sites for a total of 90 tests per sample (3 sites x 2 operators/site x 3 replicates/operator x 5 days = 90 tests per sample). The study tested a total of 630 samples. Positive and negative controls were run by each site once per combination of consumable lots received
The results of the Reproducibility Study are provided in the table below. The results indicate the Verigene CDF Test was reproducible in this multi-center study.
| Panel Member | Strain | Level | Expected Occurrence | Total Agreement with Expected Result* (95% CI) | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | Site 1 | Site 2 | Site 3 | Total |
| 1 | CDF Negative Stool Matrix | Negative | ~100% Negative | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 90/90 (96.0–100) |
| 2 | Toxigenic Wild Type C. difficile | Moderate Positive (MP) | ~100% Positive | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 90/90 (96.0–100) |
| 3 | | Low Positive (LP) | ~95% Positive | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 90/90 (96.0–100) |
| 4 | | High Negative (HN) | ~20-80% Negative | 30% 9/30 (14.7–49.4) | 33.30% 10/30 (17.3–52.8) | 16.70% 5/30 (5.6–34.7) | 26.70% 24/90 (17.9–37.0) |
| 5 | Toxigenic Hypervirulent C. difficile | Moderate Positive (MP) | ~100% Positive | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 100% 90/90 (96.0–100) |
| 6 | | Low Positive (LP) | ~95% Positive | 96.70% 29/30 (82.8–99.9) | 96.70% 29/30 (82.8–99.9) | 100% 30/30 (88.4–100) | 97.80% 88/90 (92.2–99.7) |
| 7 | | High Negative (HN) | ~20-80% Negative | 36.70% 11/30 (19.9–56.1) | 40.00% 12/30 (22.7–59.4) | 30.00% 9/30 (14.7–49.4) | 35.60% 32/90 (25.7–46.4) |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Not applicable.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Internal Control: An artificial DNA construct serves as an amplification or PCR control and is referred to as the Internal Processing Control 1 (IC1). This control
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material along with the primers and detection oligonucleotides are included within the Amplification Tray. If the process control is not valid a No Call result will be obtained and the test should be repeated.
Processing Control: Bacillus subtilis serves as a specimen preparation & amplification control and is referred to as the Internal Processing Control 2 (IC2). This control is automatically added by the Verigene SP to each specimen prior to the extraction step. If the process control is not valid a No Call result will be obtained and the test should be repeated.
Additional positive controls are immobilized on the Test Slide. These are used to determine that hybridization was performed correctly. CDF algorithm requires that these controls be valid before decisions regarding the presence or absence of any other target on the panel can be determined. If these controls are not detected a no call result will be obtained and the test should be repeated.
d. Detection limit:
Analytical sensitivity (LoD) of the CDF Test was determined for seven strains of C. difficile, representing all major toxinotypes found in North America and including two PCR Ribotype 027 strains. The LoD was defined as the concentration at which the test produces a positive result greater than 95% of the time. Serial dilutions of the strains were tested and the putative LoD confirmed with 20 replicates. The LoDs for the seven strains are shown in the table below and ranged from 63 to 1250 CFU/ml of stool. This study established the overall limit of detection of the CDF Test to be 1250 CFU/ml of organism present in stool.
| Strain Designation (Source ID) | Toxinotype | Calculated CFU/ml Stool at LoD | CFU per CDF Test at LoD | LoD Confirmation Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ATCC BAA-1805 | III | 250 | 5 | 20/20 |
| ATCC 43255 (VPI 10463) | 0 | 63 | 1.25 | 20/20 |
| ATCC BAA-1875 (5325) | V | 500 | 10 | 20/20 |
| CDC 2007858 | IX/XXIII | 1250 | 25 | 20/20 |
| CDC 2009087 | 0 | 1250 | 25 | 20/20 |
| CDC 2009292 | III | 1250 | 25 | 20/20 |
| ATCC 43598 (1470) | VIII | 250 | 5 | 20/20 |
e. Analytical Reactivity:
Analytical reactivity of the CDF Test was demonstrated with a comprehensive panel of 63 C. difficile strains, tested in triplicate at three times the LoD (i.e. 3,750 CFU/mL). The panel was comprised of a wide range of toxinotypes, including
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toxinotypes 0, I, IV, V, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XXI, XXII, IX/XXIII, XIV/XV, and six PCR ribotype 027 strains (toxinotype III).
| No. | Strain | Toxinotype | No. | Strain | Toxinotype |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | ATCC 9689 | 0 | 33 | CDC 2005088 | V |
| 2 | ATCC 17857 | 0 | 34 | CDC 2005283 | 0 |
| 3 | ATCC 17858 | 0 | 35 | CDC 2005325 | V |
| 4 | ATCC 43255 | 0 | 36 | CDC 2005359 | III |
| 5 | ATCC 43594 | 0 | 37 | CDC 2006017 | 0 |
| 6 | ATCC 43596 | 0 | 38 | CDC 2006062 | I |
| 7 | ATCC 43597 | 0 | 39 | CDC 2006376 | VIII |
| 8 | ATCC 43598 | VIII | 40 | CDC 2007070 | 0 |
| 9 | ATCC 43599 | 0 | 41 | CDC 2007217 | V |
| 10 | ATCC 43600 | 0 | 42 | CDC 2007302 | 0 |
| 11 | ATCC 51695 | 0 | 43 | CDC 2007435 | XII |
| 12 | ATCC 700792 | 0 | 44 | CDC 2007816 | V |
| 13 | ATCC BAA-1382 | 0 | 45 | CDC 2007838 | V |
| 14 | ATCC BAA-1803 | III | 46 | CDC 2007858 | IX/XXIII |
| 15 | ATCC BAA-1804 | 0 | 47 | CDC 2007886 | IX/XXIII |
| 16 | ATCC BAA-1805 | III | 48 | CDC 2008222 | 0 |
| 17 | ATCC BAA-1806 | 0 | 49 | CDC 2009048 | XIV/XV |
| 18 | ATCC BAA-1808 | 0 | 50 | CDC 2009078 | 0 |
| 19 | ATCC BAA-1811 | 0 | 51 | CDC 2009087 | 0 |
| 20 | ATCC BAA-1812 | XII | 52 | CDC 2009141 | 0 |
| 21 | ATCC BAA-1813 | 0 | 53 | CDC 2009287 | XXI |
| 22 | ATCC BAA-1814 | XXII | 54 | CDC 2009292 | III |
| 23 | ATCC BAA-1815 | 0 | 55 | CDC 2009363 | XXII |
| 24 | ATCC BAA-1874 | 0 | 56 | CDC 20100276 | VIII |
| 25 | ATCC BAA-2155 | XXII | 57 | CDC 20100286* | XI |
| 26 | ATCC BAA-2156 | 0 | 58 | CDC 20100304 | IV |
| 27 | CDC 2004013 | III | 59 | CDC 20100307 | IV |
| 28 | CDC 2004111 | 0 | 60 | CDC 20100375 | IX |
| 29 | CDC 2004118 | III | 61 | CDC 20100378 | IX |
| 30 | CDC 2004205 | 0 | 62 | CDC 20100381 | IX |
| 31 | CDC 2004206 | 0 | 63 | CCUG 8864/20309 | X |
| 32 | CDC 2005022 | 0 | | | |
*Per information provided by the CDC, this strain was tentatively identified as toxinotype XI
All tests correctly reported the expected results for the detection of gene sequences for toxigenic C. difficile and for presumptive PCR ribotype 027, with one exception: Strain CDC 2009048 strain, classified by the CDC as Toxinotype XIV/XV, is associated with non-027 strains (Ribotypes 111/122). However, the Verigene CDF Test reported detection of the $tcdA$ , $tcdB$ , binary and $tcdC$ -MUT targets as would be expected for a PCR ribotype 027 strain. Subsequent sequencing of the $tcdC$ gene verified the presence of the $\Delta 117$ deletion.
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# f. Analytical specificity:
Ninety-four (94) microorganisms, including two (2) non-toxigenic C. difficile strains and fourteen (14) non C. difficile Clostridium species, seventy-seven (77) other microorganisms, and one (1) human cell line, were tested with the CDF Test to determine analytical specificity. In addition, the cross-reactivity of Clostridium botulinum was evaluated by in silico analysis.
Each bacterial strain was prepared in Negative Stool Matrix and tested in triplicate in concentrations of $5 \times 10^{6}$ CFU/mL stool. Two (2) organisms, Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia, were tested using genomic DNA at a concentration of $1 \times 10^{6}$ copies of gDNA. For the viruses, Echovirus 11 and Coxsackievirus were tested at $5 \times 10^{5}$ PFU/mL stool. Adenovirus, Enterovirus, Cytomegalovirus and Rotavirus were also tested using genomic DNA or RNA at a concentration of $1 \times 10^{6}$ copies per reaction. Noroviruses were tested as clinical samples.
| No. | Organism/Cross-Reactant | Strain ID | No. | Organism/Cross-Reactant | Strain ID |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Clostridium difficile (non-toxigenic) | 43601 | 49 | Klebsiella oxytoca | 13182 |
| 2 | Clostridium difficile (non-toxigenic) | 43593 | 50 | Klebsiella pneumonia ssp. pneumonia | 13883 |
| 3 | Abiotrophia defective | 49176 | 51 | Lactobacillus acidophilus | 4356 |
| 4 | Acinetobacter baumanii | 19606 | 52 | Lactobacillus reuteri | 23272 |
| 5 | Aeromonas hydrophila | 7966 | 53 | Lactobacillus rhamnosus | 53103 |
| 6 | Alcaligenes faecalis ssp. faecalis | 15554 | 54 | Lactococcus lactis | 11454 |
| 7 | Bacillus cereus | 10702 | 55 | Leminorella grimontii | 33999 |
| 8 | Bacteroides caccae | 43185 | 56 | Listeria grayi | 19120 |
| 9 | Bacteroides fragilis | 25285 | 57 | Listeria monocytogenes | 7644 |
| 10 | Bacteroides merdae | 43184 | 58 | Peptostreptococcus anaerobius | 27337 |
| 11 | Bacteroides stercoris | 43183 | 59 | Plesiomonas shigelloides | 14029 |
| 12 | Campylobacter coli | 43479 | 60 | Porphyromonas asaccharolyticus | 25260 |
| 13 | Campylobacter jejuni ssp. jejuni | 33292 | 61 | Prevotella melaninogenica | 25845 |
| 14 | Candida albicans | 10231 | 62 | Proteus mirabilis | 43071 |
| 15 | Cedecea davisae | 33431 | 63 | Proteus penneri | 35198 |
| 16 | Citrobacter amalonaticus | 25407 | 64 | Providencia alcalifaciens | 9886 |
| 17 | Citrobacter freundii | 8090 | 65 | Providencia rettgeri | 9250 |
| 18 | Citrobacter sedlakii | 51115 | 66 | Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 27853 |
| 19 | Clostridium bifermentans | 638 | 67 | Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 35554 |
| 20 | Clostridium bolteae | BAA-613 | 68 | Ruminococcus bromii | 27255 |
| 21 | Clostridium butyricum | 19398 | 69 | Salmonella choleraesuis (typhimurium) | 14028 |
| 22 | Clostridium haemolyticum | 9650 | 70 | Salmonella enterica ssp. arizonae | 13314 |
| 23 | Clostridium methylpentosum | 43829 | 71 | Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica | 7001 |
| 24 | Clostridium nexile | 27757 | 72 | Serratia liquefacias | 27592 |
| 25 | Clostridium noyvi | 19402 | 73 | Serratia marcescens | 13880 |
| 26 | Clostridium orbiscindens | 49531 | 74 | Shigella boydii | 9207 |
| 27 | Clostridium perfringens | 13124 | 75 | Shigella dysenteriae | 11835 |
| 28 | Clostridium scindens | 35704 | 76 | Shigella sonnei | 29531 |
| 29 | Clostridium septicum | 12464 | 77 | Staphylococcus aureus | 43300 |
| 30 | Clostridium sordellii | 9714 | 78 | Staphylococcus epidermidis | 14990 |
| 31 | Clostridium spiroforme | 29899 | 79 | Streptococcus agalactiae | 49446 |
| 32 | Clostridium sporogenes | 15579 | 80 | Streptococcus agalactiae | 12386 |
| 33 | Collinsella aerofaciens | 25986 | 81 | Vibrio Cholerae | 25870 |
| 34 | Cryptosporidium parvum | PRA-67-D | 82 | Vibrio parahaemolyticus | 17802 |
{12}
In addition, the cross-reactivity of Clostridium botulinum was evaluated by in silico analysis, which assessed the specificity of the CDF Capture, Mediator and primer oligos to GenBank sequence information for C. botulinum. Analytical specificity was observed to be $100\%$ , including that determined by in silico analysis.
# g. Microbial Interference:
The CDF Test was tested against the same ninety-five (95) organisms/cell line that were used for analytical specificity, at the same medically relevant concentrations, using two strains of toxigenic C. difficile (ATCC BAA-1805 [toxinotype III] and ATCC 43255 [toxinotype 0]) at $1.5\mathrm{x}$ LoD and $3\mathrm{x}$ LoD, respectively, to evaluate the potential for microbial interference. No interference was observed with the CDF Test for any of the samples tested.
# h. Interfering Substances:
Thirty-four products/exogenous substances (shown in the table below) that are possibly encountered in stool samples were evaluated for potential inhibitory effects. Each interfering substance was evaluated at its "worst case" concentration, against two C. difficile strains (ATCC BAA-1805, ATCC 43255). Additionally, Cary-Blair media was tested. None of the 34 substances or the Cary-Blair media tested in this study showed any inhibitory effect on the detection of C. difficile when using the CDF Test.
| No. | Product | Active Ingredient | Concentration (w/w %) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1. | Stearic Acid, Grade I | Steric Acid | 40% |
| 2. | Palmitic Acid Free Acid Sigma Grade | Palmitic Acid | 40% |
| 3. | Whole Blood | Glucose, Hormones, Enzymes, Ions, Iron, etc | 40% |
| 4. | Nasopharyngeal Swab Sample in Universal Transport Media (UTM) | Immunoglobulins, Lysozyme, Polymers, etc | 40% |
| 5. | Nystatin Suspension | Nystatin | 30% |
| 6. | Monistat® 3 | Miconazole | 30% |
| 7. | Preparation H® Medicated Wipes | Witch Hazel | 30% |
| 8. | Vagisil Anti-Itch Crème Maximum Strength | Benzocaine, Resorcinol | 30% |
{13}
| 9. | Preparation H® Anti-Itch Hydrocortisone 1% | Hydrocortisone | 30% |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 10. | Desitin Maximum Strength Original Paste | Zinc Oxide | 30% |
| 11. | Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion, Sensitive | Pramoxine HCl | 30% |
| 12. | Preparation H® Hemorrhoidal Ointment | Phenylephrine | 30% |
| 13. | Walgreens Ready to Use Enema Mineral Oil Laxative | Mineral Oil | 30% |
| 14. | Options Conceptrol® Vaginal Contraceptive Gel | Nonoxynol-9 | 30% |
| 15. | Dulcolax® Laxative Suppositories | Bisacodyl | 30% |
| 16. | Dimenhydrinate | Dimenhydrinate | 30% |
| 17. | Neosporin® First Aid Antibiotic Ointment | Bacitracin, Neomycin, Polymyxin | 30% |
| 18. | Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes | Benzalkonium Chloride, Ethanol | 30% |
| 19. | K-Y® Personal Lubricant Jelly | Glycerin | 30% |
| 20. | Vaseline Original 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly | Petroleum | 30% |
| 21. | Bile, bovine, dried, unfractioned | Bile | 20% |
| 22. | Tums® Antacid with Calcium Extra Strength 750 | Calcium Carbonate | 10% |
| 23. | Gaviscon® Extra Strength Liquid Antacid | Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide | 10% |
| 24. | Phillips® Genuine Milk of Magnesia Saline Laxative | Magnesium Hydroxide | 10% |
| 25. | Aluminum Hydroxide, Reagent Grade | Aluminum Hydroxide | 10% |
| 26. | Mesalazine | Mesalazine | 10% |
| 27. | Immodium® AD Anti-Diarrheal | Loperamide Hydrochloride | 10% |
| 28. | Pepto-Bismol Max Strength | Bismuth Subsalicylate | 10% |
| 29. | Ex·lax® Maximum Strength Stimulant Laxative | Sennosides | 10% |
| 30. | Vancomycin | Vancomycin | 10% |
| 31. | Metronidazole Topical Cream (0.75%) | Metronidazole | 10% |
| 32. | Naproxen Sodium | Naproxen Sodium | 10% |
| 33. | Mucin from bovine submaxillary glands, Type I-S (Dehydrated) | Mucin | 10% |
| 34. | Barium Sulfate | Barium Sulfate | 10% |
| 35. | Cary-Blair Medium | Salts, Agar, thioglycollate | 300% |
i. Assay cut-off:
The presence or absence of each target analyte was determined by the mean intensity of target capture spots relative to the Signal Detection Threshold (filter 1). With PCR amplification of the extracted sample DNA, a significant difference was expected in the signal intensity from toxigenic C. difficile bacteria-containing samples versus that obtained from negative samples. The capture, mediator, and PCR primer oligonucleotides in the CDF Test were designed to eliminate sequence-related cross-reactivity, thereby ensuring that the non-specific target signal intensities at capture spots are similar to the microarray background signal. In contrast, amplicon hybridization to complementary capture and mediator probes were expected to give high positive signals, well-separated from negative capture spots. When reading a test slide, multiple images of each array were taken at increasing exposures times and the final target group mean intensity value for an analyte was assigned at the shortest exposure at which the value exceeds the Signal Detection Threshold. If the target signal did not exceed the threshold for any exposure, the mean spot intensity was
{14}
evaluated at the longest exposure taken.
The $tcdC$ target was identified by unique captures that detect the $tcdC$ -wild type (WT) and $tcdC$ -mutant ( $\Delta 117$ ) (MUT) genotypes. If one of the captures exceeded the Signal Detection Threshold then $tcdC$ was "Detected." A second filter, the $tcdC$ Genotype Threshold, then distinguished between the $tcdC$ -wild type and $tcdC$ -mutant ( $\Delta 117$ ). A $tcdC$ genotype ratio was calculated from the individual $tcdC$ -WT and - MUT group mean intensities.
In order to demonstrate the appropriateness of the cut-off values for these two thresholds, the target mean intensity values were examined for a panel of 59 C. difficile strains in Negative Stool Matrix at a concentration of $3750\mathrm{CFU / mL} - 5000$ CFU/mL stool. Each strain was tested twice and the six probes on the microarray (tcdA, tcdB, binary, tcdC, and the internal controls IC1, IC2) were compiled to generate a set of 708 data points (118 tests x 6 targets per test).
| # | Sample | Expected Result | | | | # | Sample | Expected Result | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | tcdA | tcdB | binary | tcdC | | | tcdA | tcdB | binary | tcdC |
| 1 | ATCC 9689 | + | + | - | WT | 31 | CDC 2007217 | + | + | + | WT |
| 2 | ATCC 17857 | + | + | - | WT | 32 | CDC 2007302 | + | + | - | WT |
| 3 | ATCC 17858 | + | + | - | WT | 33 | CDC 2007816 | + | + | + | WT |
| 4 | ATCC 43255 | + | + | - | WT | 34 | CDC 2007838 | + | + | + | WT |
| 5 | ATCC 43593 | - | - | - | - | 35 | CDC 2007858 | + | + | + | WT |
| 6 | ATCC 43594 | + | + | - | WT | 36 | CDC 2007886 | + | + | + | WT |
| 7 | ATCC 43596 | + | + | - | WT | 37 | CDC 2008222 | + | + | - | WT |
| 8 | ATCC 43597 | + | + | - | WT | 38 | CDC 2009078 | + | + | - | WT |
| 9 | ATCC 43598 | + | + | - | WT | 39 | CDC 2009087 | + | + | - | WT |
| 10 | ATCC 43599 | + | + | - | WT | 40 | CDC 2009141 | + | + | - | WT |
| 11 | ATCC 43600 | + | + | - | WT | 41 | CDC 2009292 | + | + | + | MUT |
| 12 | ATCC 43601 | - | - | - | - | 42 | ATCC BAA-1382 | + | + | - | WT |
| 13 | ATCC 43602 | - | - | - | - | 43 | ATCC BAA-1801 | - | - | - | - |
| 14 | ATCC 43603 | - | - | - | - | 44 | ATCC BAA-1803 | + | + | + | MUT |
| 15 | ATCC 51695 | + | + | - | WT | 45 | ATCC BAA-1804 | + | + | - | WT |
| 16 | ATCC 700057 | - | - | - | - | 46 | ATCC BAA-1805 | + | + | + | MUT |
| 17 | ATCC 700792 | + | + | - | WT | 47 | ATCC BAA-1806 | + | + | - | WT |
| 18 | CDC 2004013 | + | + | + | MUT | 48 | ATCC BAA-1807 | - | - | - | - |
{15}
| 19 | CDC 2004111 | + | + | - | WT | 49 | ATCC BAA-1808 | + | + | - | WT |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 20 | CDC 2004118 | + | + | + | MUT | 50 | ATCC BAA-1809 | - | - | - | - |
| 21 | CDC 2004205 | + | + | - | WT | 51 | ATCC BAA-1810 | - | - | - | - |
| 22 | CDC 2004206 | + | + | - | WT | 52 | ATCC BAA-1811 | + | + | - | WT |
| 23 | CDC 2005022 | + | + | - | WT | 53 | ATCC BAA-1812 | + | + | - | WT |
| 24 | CDC 2005088 | + | + | + | WT | 54 | ATCC BAA-1813 | + | + | - | WT |
| 25 | CDC 2005283 | + | + | - | WT | 55 | ATCC BAA-1814 | + | + | + | WT |
| 26 | CDC 2005325 | + | + | + | WT | 56 | ATCC BAA-1815 | + | + | - | WT |
| 27 | CDC 2005359 | + | + | + | MUT | 57 | ATCC BAA-1874 | + | + | - | WT |
| 28 | CDC 2006017 | + | + | - | WT | 58 | ATCC BAA-2155 | + | + | + | WT |
| 29 | CDC 2006376 | + | + | - | WT | 59 | ATCC BAA-2156 | + | + | - | WT |
| 30 | CDC 2007070 | + | + | - | WT | | | | | | |
Positive signals were well separated from the negative target signals, and the threshold value distinguished the "True Positives" from the "True Negatives."
# j. Carry-Over & Cross-Contamination Study:
The potential for carry-over and cross-contamination to occur with the CDF Test on the Verigene system was assessed by testing $C$ difficile negative samples after running high positive (HP) samples. The toxigenic PCR ribotype 027 $C$ difficile strain BAA-1805 was used for the study, and was added at a high titer of $5 \times 10^{6}$ CFU/mL stool into the Negative Stool Matrix to prepare the high positive sample. The same Negative Stool Matrix was utilized as the $C$ difficile negative sample. In the execution of the study, the high-titer sample was alternated with the negative sample three times on three unique Verigene SP Processors, for a total of eighteen individual tests.
CDF target analytes were not detected by the CDF Test in any of the nine negative samples run immediately following the high-titer sample on three separate SP Processors. Additionally, all nine high-titer samples accurately detected the expected $tcdA$ , $tcdB$ , binary, and $tcdC$ MUT targets. The study demonstrated that the CDF assay does not exhibit carry-over or cross-contamination that could result in a false positive test result.
{16}
17
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Clinical performance was determined by comparing the CDF Test results to reference culture (i.e., direct toxigenic culture or enriched toxigenic culture) followed by cell cytotoxicity testing on the isolates. Subsequent strain typing of the toxigenic strains by PCR Ribotyping and bi-directional sequencing methods was used to confirm toxigenic strains of *C. difficile*.
b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable
3. Clinical studies:
Clinical performance characteristics of the CDF Test were determined in a multi-site prospective investigational study at five U.S. institutions using 1,877 unformed stool specimens from subjects whose routine care called for *C. difficile* testing. A portion of each leftover residual unformed stool specimen was obtained for testing. The clinical evaluation was carried out by comparing the CDF Test results to reference culture followed by cell cytotoxicity testing on the isolates. Subsequent strain typing on toxigenic strains by PCR ribotyping and bi-directional sequencing methods was used to confirm toxigenic strains of *C. difficile*.
In parallel to Verigene CDF Testing, an aliquot of the same specimen was sent to a reference laboratory for the reference culture and cytotoxin isolate testing. Each stool specimen was inoculated onto pre-reduced CCFA-D (cycloserine-cefoxitin-fructose agar-direct plate; “direct culture”) and CCMB-Tal (cycloserine cefoxitin mannitol broth with taurocholate lysozyme cysteine). After 24 hours the CCMB-TAL was sub-cultured onto a second CCFA-E plate (CCFA-Enriched; “enriched culture”).
If *C. difficile* was isolated from the CCFA-D plate and the isolate was positive by the cell cytotoxicity assay, the specimen was classified as “toxigenic *C. difficile* positive” and the CCFA-E plate was not further analyzed. If no *C. difficile* was isolated from the CCFA-D plate or if the isolate was negative by the cell cytotoxicity assay, the CCFA-E plate was further analyzed. If CCFA-E was positive for *C. difficile* and the isolate was positive for cell cytotoxicity assay, the specimen was classified as “toxigenic *C. difficile* positive.” The specimen was reported as “negative” if CCFA-E was negative for *C. difficile* or the isolate was tested negative by the cell cytotoxicity assay.
After central reference laboratory culture testing, the toxigenic *C. difficile* positive isolates were sent for strain identification by PCR Ribotyping to an external third-party
{17}
site. In parallel, Verigene CDF Test extracted DNA from the culture-confirmed C. difficile positive isolates were sent for tcdC bi-directional sequencing.
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
# Assay Performance vs. Direct Culture & PCR Ribotyping
Relative to direct culture with PCR ribotyping, the CDF Test demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity for toxigenic C. difficile of $98.7\%$ and $87.6\%$ , respectively. The CDF Test also demonstrated a $97.5\%$ positive agreement and $97.8\%$ agreement for the hypervirulent C. difficile strain 027 by PCR ribotyping. The results are summarized in the table below (this data combines all investigational sites).
Verigene CDF Test Performance vs. Direct Culture & PCR Ribotyping
| | | Direct Culture & PCR Ribotyping | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Verigene CDF Test | | Tox C. difficile + 027 + | Tox C. difficile + 027 - | NEG | Totala |
| | Tox C. difficile + 027 + | 39 | 2 | 40 | 81 |
| | Tox C. difficile + 027 - | 0 | 113 | 173 | 286 |
| | NEG | 1 | 1 | 1500 | 1502 |
| | Total | 40 | 116 | 1713 | 1869b |
| | Toxigenic C. difficile | | Toxigenic C. difficile/027 | | |
| | | Sensitivity: 98.7% (154/156) (95.5%-99.8%) | Pos Agreement: 97.5% (39/40) (86.8%-99.9%) | | |
| | | Specificity: 87.6% (1500/1713) (85.9%-89.1%) | Neg Agreement: 97.8% (1787/1828) (97.0%-98.4%) | | |
| | | Accuracy: 88.5% (1654/1869) (87.0%-89.9%) | Total Agreement: 97.7% (1827/1869) (96.9%-98.3%) | | |
| | | PPV: 42.0% (154/367) (36.9%-47.2%) | PPV: 48.2% (39/81) (36.9%-59.5%) | | |
| | | NPV: 99.9% (1500/1502) (99.5%-99.9%) | NPV: 99.9% (1787/1788) (99.7%-100%) | | |
aThere were 1,877 evaluable specimens enrolled in the clinical trial; 71 specimens $(3.8\%)$ required repeat testing: 46 specimens $(2.4\%)$ had an initial "No Call" result due to assay internal control errors; 17 specimens $(1.0\%)$ had an initial "Indeterminate" call (No Call-IND), and 8 specimens $(0.4\%)$ had preanalytical errors (four motor stalls, two tip failures, one cracked slide and one cartridge not detected). The eight specimens that experienced pre-analytical errors, and the 46 No Call specimens, were called upon repeat testing; however, two of the No Call specimens required a second repeat test before being called. Repeat testing of the 17 No Call-IND specimens called all but two specimens (five specimens required a second repeat test before calling). Therefore, two specimens had a final "Indeterminate" call and were not included in the clinical data analysis of evaluable results. Thus, 1,875 specimens were analyzed in this clinical evaluation.
bOf the 1,875 specimens evaluated, six specimens were culture positive but were not PCR-ribotyped because the isolate was either not sent or the result was inconclusive. These six specimens were not included in the performance characteristics above.
{18}
# Assay Performance vs. Enriched Culture & PCR Ribotyping
Relative to enriched culture with PCR Ribotyping, the Verigene CDF Test demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity for toxigenic C. difficile of 91.8% and 92.5%, respectively. The CDF Test also demonstrated a 91.4% positive agreement and 98.5% agreement for the hypervirulent C. difficile strain 027 by PCR Ribotyping. The results are summarized in the table below (this data combines all investigational sites).
## Verigene CDF Test Performance vs. Enriched Culture & PCR Ribotyping
| | | Enriched Culture & PCR Ribotyping | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Verigene CDF Test | | Tox C. difficile + 027 + | Tox C. difficile + 027 - | NEG | Total^{a} |
| | Tox C. difficile + 027 + | 53 | 5 | 23 | 81 |
| | Tox C. difficile + 027 - | 1 | 188 | 97 | 286 |
| | NEG | 4 | 18 | 1480 | 1502 |
| | Total | 58 | 211 | 1600 | 1869^{b} |
| | Toxigenic C. difficile | | Toxigenic C. difficile/027 | | |
| | | Sensitivity: | 91.8% (247/269)
(87.9%-94.8%) | Pos Agreement: | 91.4% (53/58)
(81.0%-97.1%) |
| | | Specificity: | 92.5% (1480/1600)
(91.1%-93.7%) | Neg Agreement: | 98.5% (1783/1811)
(97.8%-99.0%) |
| | | Accuracy: | 92.4% (1727/1869)
(91.1%-93.6%) | Total Agreement: | 98.2% (1836/1869)
(97.5%-98.8%) |
| | | PPV: | 67.3% (247/367)
(62.2%-72.1%) | PPV: | 65.4% (53/81)
(54.0%-75.7%) |
| | | NPV: | 98.5% (1480/1502)
(97.8%-99.1%) | NPV: | 99.7% (1783/1788)
(99.4%-99.9%) |
a There were 1,877 evaluable specimens enrolled in the clinical trial; 71 specimens (3.8%) required repeat testing; 46 specimens (2.4%) had an initial “No Call” result due to assay internal control errors; 17 specimens (1.0%) had an initial “Indeterminate” call (No Call-IND), and 8 specimens (0.4%) had pre-analytical errors (four motor stalls, two tip failures, one cracked slide and one cartridge not detected). The eight specimens that experienced pre-analytical errors, and the 46 No Call specimens, were called upon repeat testing; however, two of the No Call specimens required a second repeat test before being called. Repeat testing of the 17 No Call-IND specimens called all but two specimens (five specimens required a second repeat test before calling). Therefore, two specimens had a final “Indeterminate” call and were not included in the clinical data analysis of evaluable results. Thus, 1,875 specimens were analyzed in this clinical evaluation.
b Of the 1,875 specimens evaluated, six specimens were culture positive but were not PCR-ribotyped because the isolate was either not sent or the result was inconclusive. These six specimens were not included in the performance characteristics above.
19
{19}
# Assay Performance vs. Direct Culture & Bi-Directional Sequencing
Relative to direct culture with bi-directional sequencing, the Verigene CDF Test demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity for toxigenic C. difficile of $98.7\%$ and $87.5\%$ , respectively. The CDF Test also demonstrated a $97.7\%$ positive agreement and $97.8\%$ agreement for the hypervirulent C. difficile strain 027 by bi-directional sequencing. The results are summarized in the table below (this data combines all investigational sites).
Verigene CDF Test Performance vs. Direct Culture & Sequencing
| | | Direct Culture & Sequencing | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Verigene CDF Test | | Tox C. difficile + 027 + | Tox C. difficile + 027 - | NEG | Totala |
| | Tox C. difficile + 027 + | 42 | 0 | 40 | 82 |
| | Tox C. difficile + 027 - | 0 | 114 | 175 | 289 |
| | NEG | 1 | 1 | 1500 | 1502 |
| | Total | 43 | 115 | 1715 | 1873b |
| | Toxigenic C. difficile | | Toxigenic C. difficile/027 | | |
| | | Sensitivity: | 98.7% (156/158) (95.5%-99.9%) | Pos Agreement: | 97.7% (42/43) (87.7%-99.9%) |
| | | Specificity: | 87.5% (1500/1715) (85.8%-89.0%) | Neg Agreement: | 97.8% (1790/1830) (97.0%-98.4%) |
| | | Accuracy: | 88.4% (1656/1873) (86.9%-89.8%) | Total Agreement: | 97.8% (1832/1873) (97.0%-98.4%) |
| | | PPV: | 42.1% (156/371) (37.0%-47.3%) | PPV: | 51.2% (42/82) (39.9%-62.4%) |
| | | NPV: | 99.9% (1500/1502) (99.5%-100%) | NPV: | 99.9% (1790/1791) (99.7%-100%) |
a There were 1,877 evaluable specimens enrolled in the clinical trial; 71 specimens $(3.8\%)$ required repeat testing: 46 specimens $(2.4\%)$ had an initial "No Call" result due to assay internal control errors; 17 specimens $(1.0\%)$ had an initial "Indeterminate" call (No Call-IND), and 8 specimens $(0.4\%)$ had preanalytical errors (four motor stalls, two tip failures, one cracked slide and one cartridge not detected). The eight specimens that experienced pre-analytical errors, and the 46 No Call specimens, were called upon repeat testing; however, two of the No Call specimens required a second repeat test before being called. Repeat testing of the 17 No Call-IND specimens called all but two specimens (five specimens required a second repeat test before calling). Therefore, two specimens had a final "Indeterminate" call and were not included in the clinical data analysis of evaluable results. Thus, 1,875 specimens were analyzed in this clinical evaluation.
bOf the 1,875 specimens evaluated, two specimens were culture positive but were not sequenced because the isolate was either not sent or the result was inconclusive. These two specimens were not included in the performance characteristics above.
{20}
Assay Performance vs. Enriched Culture & Bi-Directional Sequencing
Relative to enriched culture with bi-directional sequencing, the Verigene CDF Test demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity for toxigenic C. difficile of 91.9% and 92.5%, respectively. The CDF Test also demonstrated a 93.7% positive agreement and 98.7% agreement for the hypervirulent C. difficile strain 027 by bi-directional sequencing. The results are summarized in the table below (this data combines all investigational sites).
Verigene CDF Test Performance vs. Enriched Culture & Sequencing
| | | Enriched Culture & Sequencing | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Verigene CDF Test | | Tox C. difficile + 027 + | Tox C. difficile + 027 - | NEG | Totala |
| | Tox C. difficile + 027 + | 59 | 0 | 23 | 82 |
| | Tox C. difficile + 027 - | 1 | 191 | 97 | 289 |
| | NEG | 3 | 19 | 1480 | 1502 |
| | Total | 63 | 210 | 1600 | 1873b |
| | Toxigenic C. difficile | | Toxigenic C. difficile/027 | | |
| | | Sensitivity: 91.9% (251/273) (88.1%-94.9%) | Pos Agreement: 93.7% (59/63) (84.5%-98.2%) | | |
| | | Specificity: 92.5% (1480/1600) (91.1%-93.7%) | Neg Agreement: 98.7% (1787/1810) (98.1%-99.2%) | | |
| | | Accuracy: 92.4% (1731/1873) (91.1%-93.6%) | Total Agreement: 98.6% (1846/1873) (97.9%-99.1%) | | |
| | | PPV: 67.7% (251/371) (62.6%-72.4%) | PPV: 72.0% (59/82) (60.9%-81.3%) | | |
| | | NPV: 98.5% (1480/1502) (97.8%-99.1%) | NPV: 99.8% (1787/1791) (99.4%-99.9%) | | |
a There were 1,877 evaluable specimens enrolled in the clinical trial; 71 specimens (3.8%) required repeat testing; 46 specimens (2.4%) had an initial "No Call" result due to assay internal control errors; 17 specimens (1.0%) had an initial "Indeterminate" call (No Call-IND), and 8 specimens (0.4%) had pre-analytical errors (four motor stalls, two tip failures, one cracked slide and one cartridge not detected). The eight specimens that experienced pre-analytical errors, and the 46 No Call specimens, were called upon repeat testing; however, two of the No Call specimens required a second repeat test before being called. Repeat testing of the 17 No Call-IND specimens called all but two specimens (five specimens required a second repeat test before calling). Therefore, two specimens had a final "Indeterminate" call and were not included in the clinical data analysis of evaluable results. Thus, 1,875 specimens were analyzed in this clinical evaluation.
b Of the 1,875 specimens evaluated, two specimens were culture positive but were not sequenced because the isolate was either not sent or the result was inconclusive. These two specimens were not included in the performance characteristics above.
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable.
{21}
# 5. Expected values/Reference range:
For the CDF Test clinical study, the prevalence rate for the clinical dataset of 1,875 prospectively-collected unformed stool specimens was determined; this study obtained specimens from five large hospitals geographically distributed across the United States. The number and percentage of toxigenic $C$ difficile positive cases by culture, stratified by age, are presented in the table below.
| Age Group (years) | Number | Toxigenic C. difficile Prevalencea(includes 027) | 027 Prevalencea |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Infant (<2 years old) | 0 | 0% (0/0) | 0% (0/0) |
| Child (≥2 - <12 years old) | 23 | 13.0% (3/23) | 0% (0/23) |
| Adolescent (≥12 - <18 years old) | 14 | 0% (0/14) | 0% (0/0) |
| Transitional Adolescent (≥18 - ≤21) | 42 | 38.1% (16/42) | 4.8% (2/42) |
| Adults: >21 - 59 Years of Age | 913 | 16.2% (148/913) | 2.7% (25/913) |
| Sr. Adults: ≥60 Years of Age | 883 | 23.1% (204/883) | 6.2% (55/883) |
| All | 1875 | 19.8% (371/1875) | 4.4% (82/1875) |
aPrevalence based on the CDF test results.
# N. Instrument Name:
Verigene® System (Verigene Processor SP and Verigene Reader)
# O. System Descriptions:
# 1. Modes of Operation:
The Verigene System allows random access, fully automated 'sample to result' operation. The Verigene System is comprised of two components: a Reader (user interface, central control unit, optics for reading the absence or presence of bacterial DNA on the microarray) and the Processor SP. The CDF test, performed on the Verigene System, involves two steps:
- Sample preparation-Cell lysis and magnetic bead-based bacterial DNA isolation from prepared Stool Lysis Buffer (SLB) samples, and
- Verigene Hybridization Test-Hybridization of bacterial-specific DNA to capture oligonucleotides on a microarray, using gold nanoparticles probe-based technology to aid detection.
Operationally, single use disposables (Extraction Tray, Utility Tray, and Test Cartridge) are loaded into separate modules within the Processor SP. The only 'user-performed' pipetting step required to perform the assay is the addition of the prepared SLB sample into the extraction tray. The sample preparation occurs within the Processor SP's Extraction Tray and is also aided by reagents present in the Utility Tray, while the Verigene Hybridization Test occurs within the Test Cartridge. An automated pipette
{22}
using disposable pipette tips delivers and transfers reagents during the assay.
2. Software:
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and software development processes for this line of product types:
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
The results of the validation and verification testing of the result mask and other general updates were provided for version 1.9.0 of the Verigene Reader software, and for version 4.1 of the Verigene Processor SP software.
3. Specimen Identification:
Specimens are labeled with a Barcode. The Processor SP and Reader detect the specimen ID, the results are printed with this specimen identifier.
4. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
Automated Verigene System
5. Calibration:
Not required
6. Quality Control:
A series of internal controls used in conjunction with procedural checks monitors instrument functionality, performance, fluidics, reagent integrity, and result determination, based on a pre-defined decision algorithm.
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.
23
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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.