HITACHI S TEST REAGENT CARTRIDGE TOTAL PROTEIN (TP) AND ALBUMIN (ALB)
K131051 · Hitachi Chemical Diagnostics, Inc. · JGQ · Jun 7, 2013 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K131051
Device Name
HITACHI S TEST REAGENT CARTRIDGE TOTAL PROTEIN (TP) AND ALBUMIN (ALB)
Applicant
Hitachi Chemical Diagnostics, Inc.
Product Code
JGQ · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Jun 7, 2013
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1635
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The S TEST Reagent Cartridge Total Protein (TP) is intended for the quantitative determination of TP in serum, lithium heparinized plasma, K3 EDTA plasma and sodium citrate plasma using the HITACHI Clinical Analyzer E40. The S TEST Reagent Cartridge TP is intended for use in clinical laboratories or physician office laboratories. For in vitro diagnostic use only. Total protein measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases involving the liver, kidney, or bone marrow as well as other metabolic or nutritional disorders. The S TEST Reagent Cartridge Albumin (ALB) is intended for the quantitative determination of ALB in serum, lithium heparinized plasma, K3 EDTA plasma and sodium citrate plasma using the HITACHI Clinical Analyzer E40. The S TEST Reagent Cartridge ALB is intended for use in the clinical laboratories or physician office laboratories. For in vitro diagnostic use only. Albumin measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases involving primarily the liver and kidneys.
Device Story
The Hitachi Clinical Analyzer is an automatic, bench-top, wet chemistry system for clinical or physician office laboratories. It utilizes single-use plastic reagent cartridges containing two reservoirs (R1, R2) and a reaction cell/photometric cuvette. Operation involves automated pipetting of patient samples and reagents into the cuvette, mixing, and incubation. The system uses a multi-wavelength photometer to measure absorbance of the reaction product. For TP, biuret reagent forms a purple-red complex; for ALB, bromcresol green forms a blue-green dye conjugate. The analyzer calculates analyte concentration based on absorbance. Reagent cartridges include a dot code label with chemistry parameters and calibration factors. Results are available in approximately 15 minutes. Healthcare providers use these quantitative results to diagnose and monitor liver, kidney, and metabolic conditions.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical performance was evaluated at three physician office laboratory (POL) sites. Precision studies (n=30 replicates per sample) showed total precision %CVs ranging from 0.7% to 4.4% for TP and 0.0% to 4.8% for ALB. Method comparison studies (n=52-87 specimens per site) against a reference method yielded Deming regression slopes between 0.91 and 1.00 and correlation coefficients (r) between 0.975 and 0.996, confirming accuracy across the dynamic range.
Technological Characteristics
Photometric assay; Total Protein: biuret reagent (citric acid buffer, nonionic surfactant, copper sulfate pentahydrate); Albumin: bromcresol green dye-binding (citric acid buffer, nonionic surfactant); ready-to-use cartridge with 2D barcode for automated identification; standalone operation on Hitachi Clinical Analyzer E40; traceable to NIST SRM 927 (TP) and IRMM CRM470 (ALB).
Indications for Use
Indicated for quantitative determination of total protein and albumin in serum, lithium heparinized plasma, K3 EDTA plasma, and sodium citrate plasma for patients requiring diagnostic assessment of liver, kidney, bone marrow, or metabolic/nutritional disorders. For prescription use only in clinical or physician office laboratories.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A total protein test system is a device intended to measure total protein(s) in serum or plasma. Measurements obtained by this device are used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases involving the liver, kidney, or bone marrow as well as other metabolic or nutritional disorders.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 862.9.
Predicate Devices
Roche cobas c systems (k100853)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
1
510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION
DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k131051
B. Purpose for Submission:
New device
C. Measurand:
Total Protein
Albumin
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative, Photometry
E. Applicant:
Hitachi Chemical Diagnostics, Inc
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Hitachi S TEST Reagent Cartridge Total Protein (TP)
Hitachi S TEST Reagent Cartridge Albumin (ALB)
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR 862.1635, Total Protein test system
21 CFR 862.1035, Albumin test system
2. Classification:
Class II, Exempt, meets limitations of exemptions per 862.9(c)(9), for Total Protein test
Class II, for Albumin test
3. Product code:
JGQ, turbidimetric, total protein
CIX, bromcresol green dye-binding, albumin
{1}
4. Panel:
Clinical Chemistry (75)
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See indications for use below.
2. Indication(s) for use:
The S TEST Reagent Cartridge Total Protein (TP) is intended for the quantitative determination of TP in serum, lithium heparinized plasma, K3 EDTA plasma and sodium citrate plasma using the HITACHI Clinical Analyzer E40. The S TEST Reagent Cartridge TP is intended for use in clinical laboratories or physician office laboratories. For in vitro diagnostic use only.
Total protein measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases involving the liver, kidney, or bone marrow as well as other metabolic or nutritional disorders.
The S TEST Reagent Cartridge Albumin (ALB) is intended for the quantitative determination of ALB in serum, lithium heparinized plasma, K3 EDTA plasma and sodium citrate plasma using the HITACHI Clinical Analyzer E40. The S TEST Reagent Cartridge ALB is intended for use in the clinical laboratories or physician office laboratories. For in vitro diagnostic use only.
Albumin measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases involving primarily the liver and kidneys.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For prescription use only.
4. Special instrument requirements:
HITACHI Clinical Analyzer E40 (k111753)
I. Device Description:
The S TEST Reagent Cartridge Total Protein (TP) consists of the following: TP Reagent 1-citric acid buffer and nonionic surface active agent and TP Reagent 2- copper sulfate pentahydrate. The S TEST Reagent Cartridge Total Protein (TP) is provided in a ready-to-use cartridge. The 2D code label on the front of each cartridge automatically identifies the reagent to the system.
2
{2}
The S TEST Reagent Cartridge Albumin (ALB) consists of the following: ALB Reagent 1-bromocresol green, citric acid buffer and nonionic surface-active agent. The S TEST Reagent Cartridge Albumin (ALB) is provided in a ready-to-use cartridge. The 2D code label on the front of each cartridge automatically identifies the reagent to the system.
## J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s): Roche cobas c systems
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s): k100853
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities and Differences Total Protein (TP) | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Candidate Device | Predicate Device |
| Intended Use | For the quantitative determination of Total Protein in human serum | Same |
| Testing environment | Physician office or clinical lab | Clinical lab |
| Specimen type | Human serum or plasma | Same |
| Detection wavelength | 546/700 | Same |
| Measuring range | 0.2 to 11.0 g/dL | 0.2 to 12.0 g/dL |
| Instrument platform | Hitachi Clinical Analyzer | Roche cobas c systems |
| Similarities and Differences Albumin (ALB) | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Intended Use | For the quantitative determination of Albumin in human serum | Same |
| Testing environment | Physician office or clinical lab | Clinical lab |
| Specimen type | Human serum or plasma | Same |
| Detection wavelength | 660/700 | 570/505 |
| Measuring range | 0.5 to 7.1 g/dL | 0.2 to 6.0 g/dL |
| Instrument platform | Hitachi Clinical Analyzer | Roche cobas c systems |
## K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
CLSI EP5-A2: Evaluation of Precision Performance of Quantitative Measurement Methods; Approved Guideline-Second Edition
{3}
CLSI-EP6-A: Evaluation of Linearity of Quantitative Measurement Procedures, A statistical Approach; Approved Guideline
CLSI-EP7-A2: Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry; Approved Guideline
CLSI EP17-A: Protocols for Determination of Limits of Detection and Limits of Quantitation; Approved Guideline
## L. Test Principle:
Total Protein: Proteins in samples react with the biuret reagent to form a purple-red complex. The concentration of total protein can be determined by measuring the absorbance of the purple-red substance.
Albumin: Albumin combines with bromcresol green to form a blue-green dye conjugate. The albumin concentration can be determined by measuring the absorbance of this resulting blue-green color.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### 1. Analytical performance:
#### a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Precision studies for the S TEST Reagent Cartridge TP and ALB were performed following CLSI EP5-A2 with three levels of analytes (low, middle and high) and one instrument. Serum samples were tested in duplicate, twice a day, for 20 days for a total of 80 results per level. The samples were serum based commercial controls (levels 1, 2 and 3). Results for total protein and albumin precision are summarized below:
| Analyte | Sample | Mean (g/dL) | Within Run | | Total | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | SD | %CV | SD | %CV |
| Total Protein | Level 1 | 4.19 | 0.05 | 1.1 | 0.09 | 2.1 |
| | Level 2 | 5.51 | 0.08 | 1.4 | 0.14 | 2.5 |
| | Level 3 | 7.19 | 0.07 | 1.0 | 0.13 | 1.8 |
| Albumin | Level 1 | 2.28 | 0.04 | 1.5 | 0.11 | 4.8 |
| | Level 2 | 4.72 | 0.07 | 1.4 | 0.13 | 2.8 |
| | Level 3 | 6.01 | 0.07 | 1.2 | 0.09 | 1.6 |
### Physician Office Precision
Precision was evaluated at three POL sites. Each site received three blinded serum samples (A, B, C) that were chosen to represent low, intermediate, and high concentrations of the analytes. Each sample was assayed six times per day for 5 days resulting in 30 results per level. The results are listed below:
{4}
Physician Office Precision: Total Protein
| Sample | Site | Mean (g/dL) | Within run Precision | | Total Precision | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | SD (g/dL) | %CV | SD (g/dL) | %CV |
| A | 1 | 4.1 | 0.05 | 1.2 | 0.07 | 1.6 |
| | 2 | 4.1 | 0.05 | 1.1 | 0.07 | 1.6 |
| | 3 | 3.8 | 0.05 | 1.4 | 0.13 | 3.5 |
| B | 1 | 5.5 | 0.05 | 0.8 | 0.06 | 1.1 |
| | 2 | 5.5 | 0.06 | 1.2 | 0.07 | 1.2 |
| | 3 | 5.0 | 0.04 | 0.9 | 0.20 | 4.0 |
| C | 1 | 7.1 | 0.05 | 0.7 | 0.05 | 0.7 |
| | 2 | 7.1 | 0.06 | 0.8 | 0.07 | 0.9 |
| | 3 | 6.5 | 0.07 | 1.1 | 0.28 | 4.4 |
Physician Office Precision: Albumin
| Sample | Site | Mean (g/dL) | Within run Precision | | Total Precision | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | SD (g/dL) | %CV | SD (g/dL) | %CV |
| A | 1 | 0.88 | 0.03 | 3.9 | 0.04 | 4.8 |
| | 2 | 0.80 | 0.00 | 0.0 | 0.00 | 0.0 |
| | 3 | 0.81 | 0.02 | 2.8 | 0.04 | 4.5 |
| B | 1 | 4.67 | 0.05 | 1.0 | 0.04 | 1.3 |
| | 2 | 4.60 | 0.05 | 1.6 | 0.06 | 1.7 |
| | 3 | 4.47 | 0.12 | 2.7 | 0.13 | 2.8 |
| C | 1 | 7.03 | 0.05 | 0.8 | 0.18 | 2.5 |
| | 2 | 6.93 | 0.06 | 0.8 | 0.11 | 1.6 |
| | 3 | 6.72 | 0.08 | 1.2 | 0.16 | 2.3 |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
The claimed measuring range for total protein is 0.2-11 g/dL. The linearity of the total protein assay was assessed following CLSI EP6-A with commercially available linearity sets which include 11 samples (0.19 to 11.46 g/dL). All samples were tested in duplicate on one Hitachi Clinical Analyzer E40. Recoveries were within ±10% or 0.1 g/dL. The summary of the linear regression analysis of the data is below:
$$
y = 1.0158x + 0.0597; R^2 = 0.9986
$$
The linearity studies for total protein support the sponsor's claimed measuring range of 0.2 g/dL to 11.0 g/dL.
The claimed measuring range for albumin is 0.5-7.1 g/dL. The linearity of the albumin assay was assessed following CLSI EP6-A with commercially available linearity sets which include 10 samples (0.06 to 8.8 g/dL). All samples were tested in duplicate on one Hitachi Clinical Analyzer E40. Recoveries were within ±10% or
{5}
0.1 g/dL. The summary of the linear regression analysis of the data is below:
$$
y = 0.9911x + 0.0508; R^2 = 0.9994
$$
The linearity studies for Albumin support the sponsor’s claimed measuring range of 0.5 g/dL to 7.1 g/dL.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
## Traceability
S TEST Reagent Cartridge Total Protein (TP) is calibrated by the manufacturer prior to shipment using material traceable to NIST SRM 927. The barcode printed on each cartridge provides the analyzer with lot-specific calibration data. TP concentration is directly determined by multiplying the change in absorbance of the unknown samples by the calibrator factor on the barcode. No calibration is needed by the user.
Each lot of the S TEST Reagent Cartridge Albumin (ALB) cartridges is calibrated by the manufacturer prior to shipment using material traceable to IRMM Standard Reference Material CRM470. The barcode printed on each cartridge provides the analyzer with lot-specific calibration data. ALB concentration is directly determined by multiplying the change in absorbance of the unknown samples by the calibrator factor on the barcode. No calibration is needed by the user.
Commercially available controls are required and users should follow Federal, state, and local requirements.
## Stability
Real-time shelf life stability studies for the TP reagent cartridge are ongoing. The sponsor states that the TP test cartridge will be launched with 12 month stability. The protocols for stability and acceptance criteria were reviewed and are acceptable.
Real-time shelf-life studies for the Albumin reagent cartridge were performed. A two-level control set was tested in replicates of five with three lots of cartridges across six analyzers. The protocols for stability and acceptance criteria were reviewed and are acceptable and support a stability of at least 12 months when stored at 2-8°C.
d. Detection limit:
The limit of blank (LoB) and limit of detection (LoD) studies for the S TEST Reagent Cartridge TP and Reagent Cartridge ALB were performed in accordance to CLSI EP17-A. The analytical sensitivity was defined as the limit of detection, and the LoD was calculated from the LoB. LoB was determined using a blank sample assayed 20 times per day for three days for a total of 60 replicates. The LoB was estimated as the
{6}
mean of the 57th and 58th highest values for the true blanks. LoD was determined using five low samples assayed four times per day for three days, for a total of 60 replicate results. The LoD was calculated as the LoB + 1.645 x SD of the low samples.
LoQ for the S TEST Reagent Cartridge TP and ALB was assessed by preparing several low samples to cover the lower limit of the analyte range. Each sample was assayed in replicates of six. The mean, standard deviation and percent coefficient of variation were calculated for the six replicates at each sample and a plot (expected values (X) against %CV (Y)) was generated. LoQ was defined at the value of sample where the interassay precision is <20% CV.
The LoB, LoD and LoQ for Total Protein and Albumin are tabulated below:
| Analyte | LoB (g/dL) | LoD (g/dL) | LoQ (g/dL) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Total Protein (TP) | 0.07 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Albumin (ALB) | 0.02 | 0.09 | 0.1 |
The sponsor's claimed measuring range of Total protein is 0.2 to 11.0 g/dL and Albumin is 0.5 g/dL to 7.1 g/dL.
e. Analytical specificity:
An interference study was performed in accordance with CLSI EP7-A. Two levels of commercial control sera containing approximately 4g/dL and 6.5g/dL total protein and 2.5g/dL and 4.0g/dL albumin were spiked to six levels with each interferent (ascorbic acid, unconjugated bilirubin, hemoglobin and lipids) and all seven samples were tested in replicates of three by the Hitachi Clinical Analyzer E40. The spiked sample results mean was compared to its neat control mean result and recoveries were calculated. The sponsor defines non-interference as the mean results from the testing of the spiked samples within 10% of the mean of the neat samples. Recoveries were between 90% and 110% of the neat value. The highest level tested with non significant interference is listed below.
| Substance | Total Protein (TP) | Albumin (ALB) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | Highest level tested with no interference | Highest level tested with no interference |
| Ascorbic acid | 50mg/dL | 50mg/dL |
| Bilirubin (unconjugated) | 50mg/dL | 12.5mg/dL |
| Hemoglobin | 1000mg/dL | 250mg/dL |
| Lipids (Intralipid) | 500mg/dL | 500mg/dL |
The sponsor states that hemolyzed specimens should not be used for albumin in the labeling.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable
{7}
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
A total of 115 (for total protein) and 118 (for albumin) clinical specimens, spanning the dynamic range were assayed in singleton and blinded using the Hitachi system and the predicate device. The specimens were previously collected serum samples. The total protein study set included four diluted samples and the albumin study set included three spiked and eight diluted samples to ensure the dynamic range was fully evaluated. Results obtained were analyzed by Deming regression and resulted the following:
| Analyte | Comparative Methods | N | Range of Samples g/dL | Deming Regression | | r |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | Slope (95% CI) | y-Intercept (95% CI) | |
| Total Protein (TP) | Hitachi vs Roche | 115 | 0.8 – 10.9 | 1.02 (1.01 to 1.04) | 0.01 (-0.13 to 0.15) | 0.989 |
| Albumin (ALB) | Hitachi vs Roche | 118 | 0.5 – 6.4 | 1.01 (0.96 to 1.06) | 0.24 (0.06 to 0.41) | 0.985 |
Physician office accuracy (Method Comparison): Total Protein
Method comparison was performed at three POL sites plus the Site 1 central laboratory. Each site received approximately 50 blinded serum samples (ranging 0.6 to 10.8 g/dL) that were chosen to represent as full range of total protein concentrations and the central laboratory received every serum sample. Each sample was assayed by the Hitachi Analyzer E40 at the POL sites, and an aliquot of each sample was assayed by the central laboratory using the predicate device. The data was analyzed by Deming regression and is summarized below.
| Site | N | Range of Samples | Deming Regression | | r |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | Slope (95% CI) | y-Intercept (95% CI) | |
| 1 | 52 | 0.8 to 10.8 | 0.98 (0.96 to 1.01) | 0.14 (0.00 to 0.29) | 0.996 |
| 2 | 52 | 0.8 to 10.9 | 1.00 (0.97 to 1.03) | -0.07 (-0.31 to 0.16) | 0.994 |
| 3 | 53 | 0.6 to 10.5 | 0.96 (0.93 to 0.98) | 0.03 (-0.14 to 0.19) | 0.996 |
Physician office accuracy (Method Comparison): Albumin
Method comparison was performed at three POL sites plus the Site 1 central laboratory. Each site received approximately 90 blinded serum samples (ranging 0.5 to 6.7 g/dL) that were chosen to represent as full range of albumin concentrations and the central laboratory received every serum sample. Each sample was assayed by the
{8}
Hitachi Analyzer E40 at the POL sites, and an aliquot of each sample was assayed by the central laboratory using the predicate device. Additionally the study included four samples were diluted and eight spiked samples in order to satisfy the dynamic range. The data was analyzed by Deming regression and is summarized below:
| Site | N | Range of Samples g/dL | Deming Regression | | r |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | Slope (95% CI) | y-Intercept (95% CI) | |
| 1 | 87 | 0.5 to 6.7 | 0.99 (0.92 to 1.06) | 0.24 (-0.06 to 0.53) | 0.982 |
| 2 | 81 | 0.5 to 6.6 | 0.95 (0.88 to 1.02) | 0.30 (0.00 to 0.61) | 0.979 |
| 3 | 81 | 0.9 to 6.1 | 0.91 (0.85 to 0.97) | 0.35 (0.10 to 0.60) | 0.985 |
# b. Matrix comparison:
Lithium heparinized plasma, EDTA plasma and sodium citrate plasma was analyzed as a secondary sample matrix to serum. Forty-five (45) matched clinical specimens (serum and each plasma type) with total protein concentrations spanning the dynamic range (including 10 diluted samples) were assayed in singleton and in a blinded fashion on one analyzer and S TEST Reagent Cartridge TP. Forty-three (41) matched clinical specimens (serum and each plasma type) with albumin concentrations spanning the dynamic range (including 4 diluted and 7 spiked samples) were assayed in singleton and in a blinded fashion on one analyzer and S TEST Reagent Cartridge ALB. The results were analyzed by least-squares linear regression and are summarized below:
| Analyte | Comparative Matrices | Serum Range (g/dL) | N | Least-Squares Linear Regression | | r |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | Slope (95% CI) | y-Intercept (95% CI) | |
| Total Protein (TP) | Serum (x) vs. Heparinized Plasma (y) | 0.5 -10.5 | 45 | 1.00 (0.96 to 1.04) | -0.11 (-0.43 to -0.21) | 0.989 |
| | Serum (x) vs EDTA Plasma (y) | | 45 | 1.00 (0.96 to 1.04) | -0.06 (-0.33 to 0.22) | 0.992 |
| | Serum (x) vs Na Citrate Plasma (y) | | 45 | 0.98 (0.93 to 1.03) | -0.09 (-0.45 to 0.26) | 0.987 |
| Albumin (ALB) | Serum (x) vs. Heparinized Plasma (y) | 1.0 – 7.1 | 41 | 0.99 (0.95 to 1.03) | -0.01 (-0.20 to 0.18) | 0.992 |
| | Serum (x) vs EDTA Plasma (y) | | 41 | 0.95 (0.92 to 0.98) | 0.22 (0.08 to 0.36) | 0.995 |
| | Serum (x) vs Na Citrate Plasma (y) | | 41 | 1.00 (0.94 to 1.05) | -0.22 (-0.48 to -0.03) | 0.986 |
{9}
10
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 expected values are stated within the labeling based on the literature. The manufacturer recommends each laboratory determine the expected values for its particular population.
Total Protein: Reference range: 6.4 – 8.3g/dL¹
Albumin: Reference range: 3.4 – 4.8g/dL¹
1. Tietz, Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry, 4th Edition, WB Saunders Company, 1996.
N. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
O. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.