Sensititre 18-24 hours MIC or BP Susceptibility System with Ceftolozane/tazobactam (0.03/4- 64/4ug/mL)
Applicant
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Product Code
JWY · Microbiology
Decision Date
Aug 28, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 866.1640
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Sensititre MIC and Breakpoint Susceptibility System is an in vitro diagnostic product for clinical susceptibility testing of non-fastidious Gram-negative isolates, comprising of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other non-Enterobacteriaceae and non-fastidious Gram positive isolates, comprising of Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Beta hemolytic Streptococci other than S. pneumoniae.
Device Story
Sensititre MIC Susceptibility plates are multi-well plastic micro-titer plates containing dried, stabilized antimicrobials; used for quantitative/qualitative antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Device functions as a micro-broth dilution method. Input: bacterial isolates from culture. Process: inoculation of plates, incubation at 34-36°C for 18-24 hours, and detection of bacterial growth. Growth detection via visual inspection or automated fluorescence-based monitoring of surface enzyme activity. Output: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values and interpretative criteria (S, I, R). Used in clinical laboratories; operated by technicians. Results assist healthcare providers in selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapy for patients with non-fastidious Gram-negative infections.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; substantial equivalence established via bench testing of antimicrobial susceptibility performance.
Technological Characteristics
Multi-well plastic micro-titer plates; dried, stabilized antimicrobial agents. Sensing principle: fluorescence detection of bacterial surface enzyme activity (cleavage of fluorogenic substrate). Energy source: electrical (for readers). Connectivity: standalone or networked (AutoReader/OptiRead/ARIS). Software: automated analysis of fluorescence intensity. Sterilization: not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for clinical susceptibility testing of non-fastidious Gram-negative isolates (Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) using Ceftolozane/Tazobactam in the dilution range of 0.03/4 - 64/4 µg/mL.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An antimicrobial susceptibility test powder is a device that consists of an antimicrobial drug powder packaged in vials in specified amounts and intended for use in clinical laboratories for determining in vitro susceptibility of bacterial pathogens to these therapeutic agents. Test results are used to determine the antimicrobial agent of choice in the treatment of bacterial diseases.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
1
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
K150556
B. Purpose for Submission:
Addition of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam to the Sensititre 18-24 hours MIC or Breakpoint Susceptibility System for non-fastidious gram negative organisms
C. Measurand:
Ceftolozane/Tazobactam 0.03/4 - 64/4 µg/mL
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) growth based
E. Applicant:
ThermoFisher Scientific
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Sensititre Susceptibility plates
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
866.1640 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Powder
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
JWY- Manual Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test System
LRG- Instrument for Auto Reader and Instrumentation of Overnight Susceptibility Systems
LTT- Panels, Test, Susceptibility, Antimicrobial
{1}
4. Panel:
Microbiology
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
The Sensititre MIC and Breakpoint Susceptibility System is an in vitro diagnostic product for clinical susceptibility testing of non-fastidious Gram-negative isolates, comprising of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other non-Enterobacteriaceae and non-fastidious Gram positive isolates, comprising of Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Beta hemolytic Streptococci other than S. pneumoniae.
2. Indication(s) for use:
The Sensititre 18-24 hour MIC or Breakpoint Susceptibility System is an in vitro diagnostic product for clinical susceptibility testing of non-fastidious isolates.
This 510(k) is for Ceftolozane/Tazobactam in the dilution range of 0.03/4 - 64/4 µg/mL for testing non-fastidious gram negative organisms on the Sensititre 18-24 hour MIC panel.
The approved primary "Indications for Use" and clinical significance for non-fastidious Gram negative isolates:
Enterobacter cloacae
Escherichia coli
Klebsiella oxytoca
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Proteus mirabilis
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For prescription use only
The ability of the Sensititre system to detect non-susceptible isolates to Ceftolozane/Tazobactam is unknown because non-susceptible isolates were not available at the time of the comparative testing. If such isolates are observed, they should be submitted to a reference lab.
Enzyme group characterization was not available for some organisms at the time of comparative testing, and therefore the performance of Sensititre Ceftolozane/Tazobactam for non-fastidious gram negative isolates is unknown for the following: Enterobacteriaceae (OXA); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (chromosomal AmpC, loss of OprD, up-regulation of MexXY, and MexAB).
2
{2}
4. Special instrument requirements:
Sensititre Vizion or OptiRead
Sensititre AIM for inoculation
# I. Device Description:
Sensititre MIC Susceptibility plate MIC panels are multi-well plastic micro-titer plates, precision dosed with dried, stabilized antimicrobials. It is a micro-version of the classic broth dilution methods and can provide both qualitative and quantitative susceptibility results. After inoculation, plates are sealed with an adhesive seal, incubated at $34 - 36^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ for 18-24 hours and examined for bacterial growth.
AST results may be read automatically using Sensititre AutoReader/OptiRead /ARIS; manually using the Sensititre manual viewer/Vizion.
# J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
MicroScan Dried Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive MIC/Combo Panels
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
K010159
3. Comparison with predicate:
Table 1: Comparison with Predicate Device
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device Sensititre 18-24 hours MIC or Breakpoint Susceptibility System for non-fastidious Organisms | Predicate MicroScan Dried Gram- Negative and Gram- Positive MIC/Combo Panels (K010159) |
| Intended Use | The Sensititre MIC and Breakpoint Susceptibility System is an in vitro diagnostic product for clinical susceptibility testing of non- fastidious organisms | To determine quantitative and/or qualitative antimicrobial agent susceptibility |
| Test organism | Non-fastidious gram negative isolates from culture | Same |
| Results reported | Report results as Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and interpretative criteria (S, I, R) | Same |
| Type of test | Automated or manual | Same |
{3}
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device | Predicate |
| Antimicrobial | Ceftolozane/Tazobactam | Gatifloxacin |
| Reading Method | Results can be read by two different methods:
1) Automatically on the AutoReader/Optiread using fluorescence
2) On the Vizion Device
3) Using a manual viewer, by visual reading of growth. | Organism turbidity growth visually or by MicroScan instrumentation |
| Incubation | 18-24hours | 16-20 hours |
## K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
1. The FDA guidance document: Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff- Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) Systems
2. CLSI M100-S25: Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; Twenty-fifth Informational Supplement (QC parameters only)
3. CLSI M7-A9: Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria That Grow Aerobically; Approved Standard- Ninth Edition
## L. Test Principle:
The Sensititre 18-24 hour MIC or Breakpoint Susceptibility System are multi-well plastic microtitre plates that contain doubling dilution of antibacterial agents. Each plate includes antimicrobial agents at appropriate dilutions. Results can be read manually by visual reading of growth or automatically on an autoreader via fluorescence.
The Sensititre OptiRead System utilizes fluorescence technology to read the microbroth dilution plates after 18 to 24 hours incubation. The technology involves the detection of bacterial growth by monitoring the activity of specific surface enzymes produced by the test organism. Growth is determined by generating a fluorescent product from a non-fluorescent (fluorogenic) substrate. The non-fluorescent substrate is prepared by conjugating a fluorescent compound to the specific enzyme substrates with a bond which prevents fluorescence. The enzymatic action of the bacterial surface enzymes on the bound non-fluorescent substrate cleaves the bond releasing the fluorescence. The amount of fluorescence detected is directly related to the activity of bacterial growth. The MIC is determined by observing the lowest dilution of antimicrobial agent that inhibits growth of the organism. The non-fluorescent (fluorogenic) substrate can be added to the inoculum broth which is dispensed into the test plate at the same time as the test organism, or, the plates can be prepared with the substrate already added to each micro-well.
{4}
# M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
# 1. Analytical performance:
# a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Reproducibility study was performed using 25 strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sensititre AIM was used for inoculation. The organisms were tested one time at each of three sites for each reading method (Vizion, OptiRead). The mode MIC value was determined and the reproducibility was calculated based on MICs falling within $\pm 1$ dilution of the mode MIC value. The testing resulted in overall reproducibility of greater than $95\%$ for both manual and automated read methods. The results were acceptable.
To specifically address reproducibility using isolates with defined enzyme groups, an additional reproducibility study of ten Enterobacteriaceae spp. was conducted in triplicates for three days at 2 sites. The isolates were $E$ coli, $K$ pneumoniae, $K$ oxytoca, and $P$ mirabilis. There were four ESBLs, three CTX-M, seven TEM, and five SHV enzyme groups from these isolates. Some of these isolates may produce multiple enzymes. OXA was not included in this reproducibility study. The testing resulted in overall reproducibility of greater than $95\%$ for both manual and automated read methods. The results were acceptable.
# b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Not Applicable
# c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Organisms recommended by both the FDA (CDER) and the CLSI, namely Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 were tested against Ceftolozane/Tazobactam. Quality control testing was performed at all study sites using the Sensititre AIM for inoculation, read by Sensititre Vizion and the Sensititre OptiRead. The following table represents the frequency of the results and all results were in acceptable range.
Table 2: Ceftolozane/Tazobactam QC results by Sensititre OptiRead and Vizion
| ORGANISM | Conc. (μg/mL) | Reference | Sensititre OptiRead | Sensititre Vizion |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | |
| E. coli | 0.06/4 | | | |
| ATCC 25922 | 0.12/4 | 24 | 7 | 10 |
| Expected Range | 0.25/4 | 34 | 51 | 45 |
| 0.12/4- 0.5/4μg/mL | 0.5/4 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
{5}
The inoculum density of the quality control organisms was determined each day of testing. A total of 214 inoculum density checks were performed; the average colony counts of each QC strain at each site were within the recommended range.
An additional QC study was conducted during in-house study as part of the additional reproducibility/challenge study. The frequency of results listed below. Results were in acceptable range:
Table 3: Additional Ceftolozane/Tazobactam QC results by Sensititre OptiRead and Vizion
| ORGANISM | Conc. (μg/mL) | Reference | Sensititre OptiRead | Sensititre Vizion |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | |
| E. coli
ATCC 25922
Expected Range
0.12/4- 0.5/4μg/mL | 0.06/4 | | | |
| | 0.12/4 | | | |
| | 0.25/4 | 2 | | |
| | 0.5/4 | | 2 | 2 |
| | 1/4 | | | |
| | | | | |
| E. coli
ATCC 35218
Expected Range
0.06/4- 0.25/4μg/mL | 0.03/4 | | | |
| | 0.06/4 | | | |
| | 0.12/4 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| | 0.25/4 | | | |
| | 0.5/4 | | | |
| | | | | |
{6}
| K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 Expected Range 0.5/4- 2/4μg/mL | 0.25/4 | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | 0.5/4 | | | |
| | 1/4 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| | 2/4 | | | |
| | 4/4 | | | |
| | | | | |
| P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 Expected Range 0.25/4- 1/4μg/mL | 0.12/4 | | | |
| | 0.25/4 | | | |
| | 0.5/4 | 2 | 2 | |
| | 1/4 | | | 2 |
| | 2/4 | | | |
d. Detection limit:
Not Applicable
e. Analytical specificity:
Not Applicable
f. Assay cut-off:
Not Applicable
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
The CLSI recommended broth microdilution reference plate was prepared according to CLSI recommendation. Clinical testing was performed on 230 Enterobacteriaceae (i.e. E. coli, K. pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, Enterobacter cloacae, and Proteus mirabilis), and 70 P. aeruginosa at three sites and Sensititre AIM auto-inoculator was used as the inoculation method. They were fresh clinical isolates and all grew. The challenge set included 65 Enterobacteriaceae and ten P. aeruginosa. An additional challenge study of 23 Enterobacteriaceae isolates with enzyme characterization was conducted. The enzyme groups were distributed as follows: (18) ESBL, (6) CTX-M, (15) TEM, and (12) SHV. Isolates with the following enzyme groups were not available for testing: Enterobacteriaceae isolates with known OXA enzymes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with known chromosomal AmpC, loss of OprD, or up-regulation of MexXY, and MexAB. A limitation was included in labeling.
The performance is shown in the tables 4 and 5.
{7}
Table 4: Performance Summary of Gram Negative Organisms - Read by Vizion
| Ceftolozane/Tazobactam | EA Tot | EA N | EA % | Eval EA Tot | Eval EA N | Eval EA % | CA N | CA% | #R | min | maj | vmj |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Enterobacteriaceae (≤2/4, 4/4, ≥8/4) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Clinical | 230 | 226 | 98.3 | 228 | 224 | 98.2 | 227 | 98.7 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Challenge | 65 | 63 | 97.0 | 62 | 60 | 96.8 | 63 | 97.0 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Additional challenge | 23 | 23 | 100 | 21 | 21 | 100 | 23 | 100 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Subtotal | 318 | 312 | 98.1 | 311 | 305 | 98.1 | 313 | 98.4 | 24 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| | P. aeruginosa (≤4/4, 8/4, ≥16/4) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Clinical | 70 | 70 | 100 | 70 | 70 | 100 | 69 | 98.6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Challenge | 10 | 10 | 100 | 10 | 10 | 100 | 10 | 100 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Subtotal | 80 | 80 | 100 | 80 | 80 | 100 | 79 | 98.8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 398 | 392 | 98.5 | 391 | 385 | 98.5 | 392 | 98.5 | 25 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
EA - Essential Agreement
CA - Category Agreement
R- resistant isolates
maj - major discrepancies
vmj- very major discrepancies
min- minor discrepancies
EA is when there is agreement between the reference method and the Sensititre panel within plus or minus one serial two-fold dilution of antibiotic. Category agreement (CA) is when the Sensititre panel result interpretation agrees exactly with the reference panel result interpretation. Evaluable EA is when the MIC result is on scale for both the Sensititre and the reference and have on-scale EA. The EA% is acceptable when compared to the reference method as described in the FDA guidance document, "Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) Systems; Guidance for Industry and FDA".
Table 5: Performance Summary of Gram Negative Organisms - Read by OptiRead
| Ceftolozane/Tazobactam | EA Tot | EA N | EA % | Eval EA Tot | Eval EA N | Eval EA % | CA N | CA% | #R | min | maj | vmj |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Enterobacteriaceae (≤2/4, 4/4, ≥8/4) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Clinical | 230 | 227 | 98.7 | 228 | 225 | 98.7 | 226 | 98.3 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Challenge | 65 | 64 | 98.5 | 62 | 61 | 98.4 | 64 | 98.5 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Additional challenge | 23 | 23 | 100 | 21 | 21 | 100 | 23 | 100 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Subtotal | 318 | 314 | 98.7 | 311 | 307 | 98.7 | 313 | 98.4 | 24 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| | P. aeruginosa (≤4/4, 8/4, ≥16/4) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Clinical | 70 | 70 | 100 | 70 | 70 | 100 | 69 | 98.6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Challenge | 10 | 10 | 100 | 10 | 10 | 100 | 10 | 100 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Subtotal | 80 | 80 | 100 | 80 | 80 | 100 | 79 | 98.8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 398 | 394 | 99.0 | 391 | 387 | 99.0 | 392 | 98.5 | 25 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Tables 4 and 5 above demonstrated acceptable EA% with both manual and automated reads when comparing to the reference method as described in the FDA guidance document, "Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) Systems; Guidance for Industry and FDA".
Using the data provided by the sponsor in the diagonal table format as recommended in the AST Guidance, an analysis was conducted to evaluate MIC values trending in Table 6 below:
{8}
Table 6: Summary of Trending Evaluation
| Ceftolozane/Tazobactam | Total | 2 dil. lower | 1 dil. lower | Exact | 1 dil. higher | 2 dil. higher |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Enterobacteriaceae | | | | | |
| Vizion | 318 | 0 | 5.0% (16/318) | 34.9% (111/318) | 58.2% (185/318) | 1.9% (6/318) |
| OptiRead | 318 | 0.3% (1/318) | 6.0% (19/318) | 36.8% (117/318) | 56.0% (178/318) | 0.9% (3/318) |
| | P. aeruginosa | | | | | |
| Vizion | 80 | 0 | 2.5% (2/80) | 61.3% (49/80) | 36.3% (29/80) | 0 |
| OptiRead | 80 | 0 | 7.5% (6/80) | 63.8% (51/80) | 28.8% (23/80) | 0 |
The data in Table 6 demonstrated there was no difference between manual and automated read when Vizion and OptiRead were used respectively. However, there was difference between organism groups. For Enterobacteriaceae organisms, it was one doubling dilution higher $55\%$ of the time; for exact agreement, it was below $50\%$ at $35\%$ when comparing to the CLSI reference method. It only caused one major discrepancy since the majority of the susceptible strains were much below the susceptible breakpoints of $\leq 2/4$ (ranged from $0.12/4$ to $0.5/4 \mu \mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mL}$ ). The CA for both reading methods was high at $98.4\%$ . For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, it was in exact agreement about $60\%$ of the time, with $36.3\%$ and $28.8\%$ one doubling-dilution higher for manual and automated read respectively. There were 25 resistant organisms tested, with no very major discrepancies observed. Eleven of the resistant isolates were from $E.$ coli or $K.$ pneumoniae.
b. Matrix comparison:
Not Applicable
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
{9}
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not Applicable
5. Expected values/Reference range:
The FDA susceptibility interpretative criteria (μg/ml) for S, I, R as listed below, were used to evaluate all performance data.
Enterobacteriaceae ≤2/4, 4/4, ≥8/4
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ≤4/4, 8/4, ≥16/4
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.
10
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.