The LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Testing System is designed to quantitatively measure the amount of lead in a whole blood sample. The LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Testing System is intended for in vitro (external) use only. The test kit components are designed for use only with the LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Testing System. This test system is for prescription use only. This system is not intended for point of care use.
Device Story
The LeadCare Ultra Blood Lead Testing System is an in vitro diagnostic device for laboratory use. It utilizes Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) to detect lead in whole blood. The process involves mixing a blood sample with a hydrochloric acid treatment reagent to lyse red blood cells. The analyzer applies an electrical potential to a sensor, causing lead to collect; after three minutes, the analyzer measures the lead amount. The system features a multi-channel analyzer capable of processing six samples simultaneously. An accompanying computer workstation, running Windows 7 Embedded POS Ready, serves as the user interface for patient ID entry, data analysis, and result storage. Calibration is managed via a Calibration Button Reader. Healthcare providers use the system to obtain quantitative lead results (µg/dL), which are stored and can be exported to a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The system aids in clinical decision-making regarding lead exposure management.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical method comparison study conducted at two sites (N=394 samples, 148 within analytical range). Results compared against GFAAS reference method. Regression analysis showed strong linear relationship (R² = 0.978). Bias met acceptance criteria: ±2 µg/dL for 1.9–10 µg/dL range and ±10% for concentrations >10 µg/dL. Non-clinical testing included precision (Total CV 3.1%–10.9%), linearity (R² > 0.996), and LoD (1.9 µg/dL).
Technological Characteristics
In vitro diagnostic system using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV). Sensors consist of screen-printed conductive inks on plastic with colloidal gold active electrode area. Analyzes whole blood (EDTA/Heparin). Multi-channel analyzer (6 channels) with firmware control and external computer workstation. Connectivity via USB to printer/LIMS. Calibration via electronic button. Operating range: 60°–82°F, 12%–80% RH.
Indications for Use
Indicated for quantitative measurement of lead in whole blood samples. For prescription use only. Not intended for point-of-care use.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A lead test system is a device intended to measure lead, a heavy metal, in blood and urine. Measurements obtained by this device are used in the diagnosis and treatment of lead poisoning.
Predicate Devices
LeadCare® II Blood Lead Testing System (k052549)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k123563
B. Purpose for Submission:
New device
C. Measurand:
Lead
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative
E. Applicant:
Magellan DIAGNOSTICS, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Testing System
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR § 862.3550
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
DOF
4. Panel:
Toxicology (91)
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2
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See Indications for Use below
2. Indication(s) for use:
The LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Testing System is designed to quantitatively measure the amount of lead in a whole blood sample. The LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Testing System is intended for in vitro (external) use only. The test kit components are designed for use only with the LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Testing System.
This test system is for prescription use only. This system is not intended for point of care use.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
Prescription use only
4. Special instrument requirements:
LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Analyzer
I. Device Description:
The LeadCare Ultra System Blood Lead Testing System consists of two parts:
1. LeadCare Ultra Blood Lead Test Kit
The kit includes:
| Item | Quantity |
| --- | --- |
| Sensors (8 containers of 24 ea.) | 192 |
| Treatment Reagent Tubes (250 μL of 0.34 M HCl) | 192 |
| Calibration Button | 1 |
| Lead Control Level 1 (2mL) | 1 |
| Lead Control Level 2 (2mL) | 1 |
2. LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Analyzer
The LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Analyzer is a multi-channel LeadCare Ultra Analyzer performing up to six blood lead tests simultaneously and uploads the completed test results to the system Computer. Test results contain unique sample records, along with sample ID, comments, test conditions, Sensor lot number, and user ID. The Analyzer is also featured with a Calibration Button Reader. This Reader allows for the download of all calibration information, analytical test parameters, and date code information for any given Sensor lot.
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J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
LeadCare II Blood Lead Testing System
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
k052549
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Feature | LeadCare® Ultra (Candidate device) | LeadCare® II Blood Lead Testing System (Predicate device) (k052549) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Intended Use | The LeadCare Ultra™ Blood Lead Testing System is designed to quantitatively measure the amount of lead in a whole blood sample. The LeadCare Ultra™ Blood Lead Testing System is intended for in vitro (external) use only. The test kit components are designed for use only with the LeadCare Ultra™ Blood Lead Testing System. | Same |
| Methodology | Anodic Stripping Voltammetry | Same |
| Throughput | 6 samples at a time | 1 sample at a time |
| Sensor (test strip) | Screen printed sensors with conductive inks; plastic spacer and lid; capillary fill | Same |
| Calibration | Electronic calibration button | Same |
| Blood Collection | Fingerstick or venipuncture | Same |
| Sample Matrix | Whole blood collected in EDTA or heparin; up to 72 hours from time of draw | Whole blood collected in EDTA or heparin; fresh up to 24 hours from time of draw |
| Treatment Reagent | Dilute hydrochloric acid solution in water with inert carbon particles | Dilute hydrochloric acid solution in water |
| Sample Handling | Uses pipet to transfer sample from reagent tube to sensor | Uses transfer dropper to transfer sample from reagent tube to sensor |
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| Unit of Measure | Results displayed in micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood (μg/dL) | Same |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reportable Range | 1.9 - 65 μg/dL | 3.3 - 65 μg/dL |
| Controls | 2 levels of external liquid control | Same |
| Power Source | AC Adapter | AC Adapter or 4 AA batteries |
| Test Time | 3 minutes | Same |
| System Operating Range | Temperature range of 60° to 82°F (16° to 28°C); Relative Humidity 12%-80% non- condensing to accommodate typical laboratory use | Temperature range of 54° to 97°F (12° to 36°C); Relative Humidity 12%-80% non- condensing to accommodate field portability |
| Limit of Detection | 1.9 μg/dL | 3.3 μg/dL |
K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
- CEN 13640:2002 Stability Testing of In Vitro Diagnostic Reagents
- CLSI EP17-A2 Protocols for Determination of Limits of Detection and Limits of Quantitation
- CLSI EP14-A2 Evaluation of Matrix Effects
- CLSI EP7-A2 Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry
- CLSI EP9-A2 Method Comparison and Bias Estimation Using Patient Samples
- CLSI EP6-A Evaluation of Linearity of Quantitative Measurement procedures: A Statistical Approach
- CLSI EP5-A2 Evaluation of Precision Predominance of Quantitative Measurement Methods
L. Test Principle:
The LeadCare Ultra System Blood Lead Testing System is an in vitro diagnostic device that relies on electrochemistry (Anodic Stripping Voltammetry or ASV) and a unique sensor to detect lead in whole blood. Most lead is carried within red blood cells. When a sample of whole blood is mixed with Treatment Reagent (a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid), the red blood cells are lysed and the lead becomes available for detection. When a test is run, the analyzer applies an electrical potential that causes the lead to collect on the Sensor. The analyzer measures the amount of lead on the Sensor and displays the result in micrograms per deciliter.
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M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
The LeadCare Ultra Precision Study was performed using bovine blood standards at lead concentrations across the measuring range of the assay. Eighty (80) data points were collected per concentration level over a 20 day period. Samples were prepped two times per day and each sample was run in duplicate on alternating channels such that all (6) channels were used equally during the study. For concentrations around 4.5, 6.4 and 62.1 µg/dL, three sensor lots were utilized. For the remaining concentrations, one representative sensor lot was used. The combined data set is shown below for within-run and total precision:
| Lot | Conc., µg/dL | N | Within Run SD | Within Run %CV | Total SD | Total %CV |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1208A | 4.8 | 80 | 0.25 | 5.2% | 0.34 | 7.1% |
| 1211B | 4.2 | 80 | 0.36 | 8.6% | 0.58 | 13.8% |
| 1301A | 4.6 | 80 | 0.45 | 9.8% | 0.53 | 11.6% |
| 1208A | 6.5 | 80 | 0.57 | 8.8% | 0.58 | 8.9% |
| 1211B | 6.2 | 80 | 0.44 | 7.1% | 0.57 | 9.2% |
| 1301A | 6.4 | 80 | 0.63 | 9.9% | 0.65 | 10.1% |
| 1106B | 10.8 | 79 | 0.80 | 7.4% | 0.90 | 8.3% |
| 1106B | 24.4 | 80 | 1.20 | 4.9% | 1.43 | 5.9% |
| 1106B | 44.2 | 80 | 1.55 | 3.5% | 1.62 | 3.7% |
| 1208A | 60.8 | 80 | 1.92 | 3.2% | 2.53 | 4.2% |
| 1211B | 62.2 | 80 | 2.93 | 4.7% | 4.22 | 6.8% |
| 1301A | 63.4 | 80 | 1.39 | 2.2% | 2.53 | 4.0% |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
A total of seven serially diluted concentrations were tested on three Sensor lots using nine donor blood samples spiked with lead concentrations of 2-5, 5-10, 15-25, 25-35, 35-45, 45-55 & 55-65 µg/dL to examine the linearity of the study.
The following are linear regression results:
Sensor lot 1: Y = 1.04x - 1.17, R² = 0.997
Sensor lot 2: Y = 1.10x - 1.71, R² = 0.996
Sensor lot 3: Y = 1.04x - 0.58, R² = 0.998
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The data provided support the sponsor’s claim that the measuring range of this assay is 1.9 to 65 µg/dL.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
The controls supplied in the Test Kit are the same controls (2 levels of external liquid control) already in use by the predicate device. The controls received FDA clearance under k063398. Please see k063398 for controls information.
LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Analyzer contains a featured Calibration Button Reader. This Reader allows for the download of all calibration information, analytical test parameters, and date code information for any given Sensor lot. The Calibration Button is supplied with each test kit.
d. Detection limit:
The Limit of Blank (LoB), Limit of Detection (LoD) and Limit of Quantitation (LoQ) were calculated based on CLSI EP17-A.
Six sample preps of the blank sample were prepared daily. Replicates of the blank samples were run on the LeadCare Ultra Analyzer over five days using two Sensor lots across all (6) analyzer channels. The limit of blank (LoB) and Limit of Detection (LoD) were determined by measuring 70 replicates of near blank NIST blood samples (0.3 µg/dL).
The LoB was calculated to be 1.5 µg/dL.
For LoD determination, seventy data points of the low sample were used to calculate the LoD based on the following equation:
$$
\mathrm{LoD} = \mathrm{LoB} + 1.645 \times \mathrm{SD} \text{ of low samples}
$$
The LoD was calculated to be 1.9 µg/dL.
To calculate the Limit of Quantitation (LoQ) of the LeadCare Ultra Analyzer, 58 whole blood samples were collected in EDTA Vacutainers with blood lead values at the range (1 – 6 µg/dL). The limit of quantification LoQ was calculated using the Total Error equation:
$$
\text{Total Error LoQ} = \text{absolute (Bias)} + (2 \times \text{SD}).
$$
The bias of 58 samples, according to GFAAS, was calculated to be 0.02 g/dL.
Based upon the results, the sponsor claims the LoQ = LoD (1.9 µg/dL).
e. Analytical specificity:
Each compound was tested for specificity with certain compounds and drug metabolites. Each compound was spiked into drug-free blood.
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Each sample was tested in 3 replicates and was run on 3 sensors. If any positive result was observed, the compound, drug/drug metabolites were further diluted sequentially to different concentrations and tested in triplicates until the highest concentrations that generates negative results were determined. A summary of the interference study is presented in the product package insert. Results are shown below for the tested concentration of each compound that resulted in no interference.
| Analyte or Compound | Tested Concentration (μg/ml) | Analyte or Compound | Tested Concentration (μg/mL) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Amoxicillin | 100 | Valproic Acid | 500 |
| Doxycycline | 100 | Carbamazepine | 100 |
| Cephalexin (Keflex) | 100 | Fexofenadine | 25 |
| Ciprofloxacin | 100 | Indinavir | 100 |
| Erythromycin | 100 | Fluconazole | 100 |
| Piperazine | 100 | Trimethoprim | 100 |
| Amphotericin | 50 | Nicotine | 10 |
| Nystatin | 100 | Sulfamethoxazole | 400 |
| Metronidazole | 50 | Naproxen | 500 |
| Isoniazid | 100 | Acetaminophen | 251 |
| Rifampicin | 100 | Acetylsalicylic | 599 |
| Ganciclovir (AZT) | 100 | Salicylic | 600 |
| Loratadine | 100 | Ibuprofen | 500 |
| Pseudoephedrine | 100 | Uric Acid | 100 |
| Phenylephrine | 100 | Ascorbic Acid | 100 |
| 5,5- | 100 | | |
| Diphenylhydramine | | Copper | 2 |
| Methyl Phenidate HCL | 100 | Zinc | 10 |
| d-Amphetamine | 100 | Arsenic V | 0.005 |
| Hydroxyurea | 250 | Arsenic III | 0.01 |
| Succimer | 100 | Cadmium | 0.05 |
| Penicillamine | 100 | Aluminum | 10 |
| Diphenylhydramine - HCL | 100 | Warfarin (Coumadin) | 100 |
f. Assay cut-off: Not applicable.
## 2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
A study was performed to compare the results of the LeadCare Ultra test to the Reference Method, Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS) using 148 whole blood samples in K2EDTA Vacutainers based on
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CLSI EP9-A2 guidelines. Each blood sample was run once on the LeadCare Ultra and in duplicate on the GFAAS. The range of results observed with the LeadCare Ultra test ranged from 1.9 to 65 µg/dL. Results of linear regression are as follows:
$$
Y = 0.989X + 0.0066, r = 0.978.
$$
## b. Matrix comparison:
A total of 72 micro capillary tubes with K2EDTA samples (fingerstick) with lead concentration of 1.9, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 65 µg/dL, and 39 pairs (EDTA and sodium heparin vacutainer samples) with lead concentration of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 µg/dL were analyzed on the LeadCare Ultra system compared to GFAAS. Samples tested included unaltered native patient samples and spiked samples. Micro capillary tubes with K2EDTA are considered the primary tube type for this assay. Each blood sample was run in duplicate. The results are presented in the table below.
1. K2EDTA micro capillary Linear Regression Results:
$$
Y = 1.04x + 0.01
$$
$$
R^2 = 0.983
$$
2. EDTA Vacutainer Linear Regression Results:
$$
Y = 1.03x - 0.80
$$
$$
R^2 = 0.954
$$
3. Heparin Vacutainer Linear Regression Results:
$$
Y = 1.07x + 0.02
$$
$$
R^2 = 0.968
$$
3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity: Not applicable.
b. Clinical specificity: Not applicable.
c. Other clinical supportive data (when a. and b. are not applicable): Not applicable.
4. Clinical cut-off: Not applicable.
5. Expected values/Reference range:
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports a reference level of 5 micrograms per
8
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deciliter to identify children with blood lead levels.
From CDC Response to Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Recommendations in “Low Level Lead Exposure Harms Children: A Renewed Call of Primary Prevention” (http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead) Information updated on August 26, 2011.
## N. Instrument Name:
LeadCare® Ultra™ Blood Lead Analyzer
## O. System Descriptions:
1. Modes of Operation:
Does the applicant’s device contain the ability to transmit data to a computer, webserver, or mobile device?
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
Does the applicant’s device transmit data to a computer, webserver, or mobile device using wireless transmission?
Yes ☐ or No ☐ X
2. Software:
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and software development processes for this line of product types:
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
3. Specimen Identification:
Specimen identification is based on sample ID, sensor lot number, and user ID.
4. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
The labeling provides instructions on specimen sampling and handling and states the following user instructions:
- Follow laboratory’s procedures and regulations when handling and disposing of biohazardous materials.
- Blood samples can transmit infectious disease. Wear protective clothing and eyewear while collecting and handling blood samples. Follow the procedures established by your institution for meeting federal, state, and local regulations.
5. Calibration:
Calibration is done using the calibration button which is supplied in each test kit. The button is inserted into the calibration reader port of the analyzer.
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6. Quality Control:
Two levels of external liquid controls are supplied with the Test Kit. The labeling states that controls should be tested as follows:
- Tested each day or shift before patient samples are tested for lead concentration.
- Prepared and tested by each analyst who prepares samples.
- Run to test the technique of new users.
- Run at any other time you wish to verify system performance.
- As required by applicable federal, state, and local guidelines to ensure compliance.
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
1) The following documentation related to the software was reviewed and found to be acceptable: level of concern (moderate), software description, device hazard analysis, software requirements specifications, software design specification, revision level history, unresolved anomalies, software development environment description, verification testing, and traceability analysis.
LeadCare Ultra software/firmware: The LeadCare Ultra software/firmware was validated pursuant to the moderate level of concern requirements. Design validation testing confirmed that the LeadCare Ultra device performs according to the stated intended use.
The firm provided documentation to support the device was designed, developed and operates under good software lifecycle processes.
2) Data transmission: Bench testing has been performed on LeadCare Ultra System to verify that the LeadCare Ultra System meets the requirements of transmitting full data memory and memory rollover via USB cable to a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The results showed that all data were transmitted accurately at 100% with no data corruption.
3) The sponsor provided the appropriate documentation certifying that acceptable electromagnetic testing (EMC) had been performed.
Q. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
R. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
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1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
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Exact 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?
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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.
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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.
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Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
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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.
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Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
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Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
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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.
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A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
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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.