Native human serum samples from self-reported healthy individuals
Clinical samples were collected to establish reference range values for the Elecsys Cortisol II assay in healthy males and females.
Reference range establishment; Healthy donor cohort; Clinical performance evaluation
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Reference Range Establishment Study; Observational cohort study; Follow-up/Duration: 10 days
Self-reported healthy males and females; Sample Size: 596 total (296 for 6-10 am; 300 for 4-8 pm); Number of Sites: 1 site (St. Louis, Missouri)
Not applicable for this study
Reference range values (median, 5th-95th, and 2.5th-97.5th percentiles)
Indications for Use
Immunoassay for the in vitro quantitative determination of cortisol in human serum, and plasma. The determination of cortisol is used for the recognition and treatment of functional disorders of the adrenal gland. The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay “ECLIA” is intended for use on Elecsys and cobas e immunoassay analyzers. Cortisol II CalSet is used for calibrating the quantitative Elecsys Cortisol II assay on the Elecsys and cobas e immunoassay analyzers
Device Story
Elecsys Cortisol II is an in vitro diagnostic immunoassay for quantitative cortisol measurement in human serum and plasma. It utilizes a competitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) principle on Elecsys and cobas e analyzers. The assay uses a monoclonal antibody specific to cortisol; endogenous cortisol is liberated from binding proteins via danazol and competes with a ruthenium-labeled exogenous cortisol derivative for binding sites on biotinylated antibodies. The device is operated by laboratory technicians in clinical settings. Results are calculated via a calibration curve generated by 2-point calibration and a master curve provided via reagent barcode. Healthcare providers use these results in conjunction with patient history and clinical examination to diagnose and manage adrenal gland disorders. The device benefits patients by providing accurate cortisol levels to support clinical decision-making for endocrine conditions.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Precision evaluated per CLSI EP5-A2 (n=84, CVs 1.4-12.7%). Linearity confirmed 2.85-1898 nmol/L (R²=0.9995). LoB=1.0 nmol/L, LoD=1.5 nmol/L, LoQ=3.0 nmol/L. Interference testing showed no significant interference (≤10%) for common endogenous/exogenous substances. Cross-reactivity assessed for 16 compounds; limitations noted for prednisolone, 6-α-Methylprednisolone, prednisone, 11-deoxycortisol, and 21-deoxycortisol. Method comparison (n=536) vs predicate showed bias; comparison vs ID-GC-MS (n=208) showed good agreement (Slope 1.022, r=0.993). Reference ranges established from 300 healthy individuals.
Indicated for the in vitro quantitative determination of cortisol in human serum and plasma to assist in the recognition and treatment of functional disorders of the adrenal gland. Intended for use on Elecsys and cobas e immunoassay analyzers.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A cortisol (hydrocortisone and hydroxycorticosterone) test system is a device intended to measure the cortisol hormones secreted by the adrenal gland in plasma and urine. Measurements of cortisol are used in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the adrenal gland.
Predicate Devices
Roche Elecsys Cortisol and CalSet (k070788)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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1
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
k152227
B. Purpose for Submission:
Modification of traceability for standardized against the IRMM (Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements)/IFCC-451 panel
C. Measurand:
Cortisol
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative, Enzyme Immunoassay
E. Applicant:
Roche Diagnostics
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
Elecsys Cortisol II
Cortisol II CalSet
G. Regulatory Information:
| Product Code | Regulation Name | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| JFT | Cortisol (hydrocortisone and hydroxycorticosterone) test system | Class II | 21 CFR § 862.1205 | Chemistry 75 |
| JIT | Calibrator, secondary | Class II | 21 CFR§ 862.1150 | Chemistry 75 |
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H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See Indications for use below.
2. Indication(s) for use:
Immunoassay for the in vitro quantitative determination of cortisol in human serum, and plasma. The determination of cortisol is used for the recognition and treatment of functional disorders of the adrenal gland.
The electrochemiluminescence immunoassay “ECLIA” is intended for use on Elecsys and cobas e immunoassay analyzers.
Cortisol II CalSet is used for calibrating the quantitative Elecsys Cortisol II assay on the Elecsys and cobas e immunoassay analyzers
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
Prescription use only
4. Special instrument requirements:
cobas e 411 immunoassay analyzer
I. Device Description:
The Elecsys Cortisol II Immunoassay reagent working solutions contains the following:
- The reagent rack pack labeled as CORT II.
- Streptavidin-coated microparticles and preservative; 1 bottle, 6.5 mL.
- Reagent 1 (Anti-cortisol-Ab~bioti) Biotinylated monoclonal anti-cortisol antibody (ovine), danazol, MES buffer, and preservative; 1 bottle, 10 mL.
- Reagent 2 (Cortisol-peptide~Ru (bpy)²⁺ ₃) Cortisol derivatives (synthetic), labeled with ruthenium complex, danazol, MES buffer, and preservatives; 1 bottle, 10 mL.
The Cortisol II CalSet is a lyophilized human serum with added cortisol in two concentration range. The two concentration ranges approximately 12.5 nmol/L or 0.45 µg/dL and approximately 1000 nmol/L or 36 µg/dL. All products derived from human blood are prepared exclusively from the blood of donors tested individually and shown to be free from HBsAg and antibodies to HCV and HIV. The testing methods applied were FDA-approved or cleared in compliance with the European Directive 98/79/EC, Annex II, List A.
- CORT II Cal 1: 2 bottles, 1.0 mL
- CORT II Cal 2: 2 bottles, 1.0 mL
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J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
Roche Elecsys Cortisol and CalSet
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
k070788
3. Comparison with predicate:
Cortisol Assay
| Similarities / Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Candidate Device Elecsys Cortisol II (k152227) | Predicate Device Elecsys Cortisol (k070788) |
| Intended Use | For the in vitro quantitative determination of cortisol in human serum, and plasma | Same |
| Test principle | Utilizes a competition test principle using a monoclonal antibody which is specifically directed against cortisol. | Utilizes a competition test principle using a polyclonal antibody which is specifically directed against cortisol. |
| Detection Method | Electrochemiluminescent Assay | Same |
| Instrument Platform | Elecsys and cobas e immunoassay analyzers | Same |
| Sample Type | Human serum and plasma | Human serum, plasma, urine and saliva |
| Sample volume | 10 μL | 20 μL |
| Measuring range | 3.0 – 1750 nmol/L | 0.5-1750 nmol/L |
Cortisol Calibrator
| | Candidate Device Cortisol II CalSet (k152227) | Predicate Device Elecsys Cortisol CalSet (k070788) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Intended Use | For calibrating the Cortisol assay on the Elecsys and cobas e immunoassay analyzers | Same |
| Format | Lyophilized | Same |
| Traceability | IRMM (Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements)/IFCC-451 panel | Enzymun-Test Cortisol method |
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| | Candidate Device
Cortisol II CalSet
(k152227) | Predicate Device
Elecsys Cortisol CalSet
(k070788) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Levels | 2 | Same |
| Target Ranges | Cal 1: 12.5 nmol/L
Cal 2: 1000 nmol/L | Same |
| Calibration Intervals | Calibration must be performed once per reagent lot using fresh reagent.
Renewed calibration is recommended as follows:
• After 8 weeks when using the same reagent lot.
• After 7 days (when using the same reagent kit on the analyzer).
• As required: e.g. quality control findings outside the defined limits | Same |
K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
CLSI EP05-A2: Evaluation of Precision of Quantitative measurements Procedure; Approved Guideline
CLSI EP09-A: Evaluation of Linearity of Quantitative measurements procedure: a Statistical Approach; Approved Guideline
CLSI EP09-A3: Measurement Procedure Comparison, and Bias Estimation using Patient Samples; Approved Guideline
CLSI EP17-A2: Evaluation of Detection Capability for Clinical laboratory Measurement procedures; Approved Guideline
L. Test Principle:
The Elecsys Cortisol II assay is a competition test principle using a monoclonal antibody which is specifically directed against cortisol. Endogenous cortisol which has been liberated from binding proteins with danazol competes with exogenous cortisol derivative in the test which has been labeled with ruthenium complex for the binding sites on the biotinylated antibody. Results are determined via a calibration curve which is instrument-specifically generated by 2-point calibration and a master curve provided via the reagent barcode.
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M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Precision of the Elecsys Cortisol II assay for serum was evaluated according to CLSI EP5-A2 guideline using one cobas e 411 immunoassay analyzer, one lot of Elecsys Cortisol II Immunoassay reagent, 5 human sera and two controls. The protocol consisted of testing 2 runs per day in duplicate for 21 days (n=84). The following precision results were obtained:
| | | Repeatability (Within-run) | | Intermediate precision (Within-Laboratory) | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sample | Mean nmol/L (μg/dL) | SD nmol/L (μg/dL) | CV % | SD nmol/L (μg/dL) | CV % |
| Human Serum 1 | 3.09 (0.112) | 0.219 (0.008) | 7.1 | 0.392 (0.014) | 12.7 |
| Human Serum 2 | 35.8 (1.30) | 0.718 (0.026) | 2.0 | 1.36 (0.049) | 3.8 |
| Human Serum 3 | 283 (10.3) | 7.29 (0.264) | 2.6 | 9.39 (0.340) | 3.3 |
| Human Serum 4 | 548 (19.9) | 10.4 (0.377) | 1.9 | 17.4 (0.631) | 3.2 |
| Human Serum 5 | 1592 (57.7) | 29.3 (1.06) | 1.8 | 42.7 (1.55) | 2.7 |
| PreciControl Universal 1 | 308 (11.2) | 4.33 (0.157) | 1.4 | 8.35 (0.303) | 2.7 |
| PreciControl Universal 2 | 719 (26.1) | 10.4 (0.377) | 1.4 | 18.0 (0.653) | 2.5 |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
i.) Linearity of serum using the Elecsys Cortisol II assay was evaluated following CLSI guideline EP6-A on the cobas e 411 immunoassay analyzer. A high serum pooled cortisol sample was diluted with Diluent Universal (protein matrix). A total of 19 levels of cortisol concentrations were tested. The cortisol concentrations range from 1.66-1898 nmol/L. Samples were assayed in triplicate within a single run.
Statistical evaluation using linear regression showed that the assay is linear from 2.854 -1898 nmol/L, yielding a linear regression result of $y = 1.014x - 1.41$ with a correlation coefficient of $R^2 = 0.9995$
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ii.) Linearity of Lithium Heparin plasma using the Elecsys Cortisol II assay was evaluated following CLSI guidelines EP6-A on the cobas e 411 immunoassay. A high plasma pooled cortisol sample was diluted with Diluent Universal (protein matrix). A total of 19 concentrations were tested. The cortisol concentrations range from $1.71 - 1959\mathrm{nmol / L}$ . Samples were assayed in triplicate within a single run.
Statistical evaluation using linear regression showed that the assay is linear from $2.94 - 1959\mathrm{nmol / L}$ , yielding a linear regression result of $\mathrm{y} = 1.004\mathrm{x} - 1.75$ with a correlation coefficient of $\mathbb{R}^2 = 0.9982$ .
The results of the linearity study support the sponsors claim that the assay is linear throughout the claimed measuring range of 3 to $1750\mathrm{nmol / L}$ .
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
# Traceability/Standardization
The Elecsys Cortisol II assay has been standardized against the reference materials (IRMM/IFCC-451 panel) which were value assigned by the reference measurement procedure (ID-GC/MS (isotope dilution-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). Ghent University's ID-GC/MS is a recognized reference method procedure used to assign the reference materials.
# Stability
The shelf-life, accelerated, and open-vial stability testing protocols for the Cortisol II CalSet calibrators and the acceptance criteria were described and found to be acceptable.
Cortisol II CalSet calibrator are stable until expiration date (3 months) when stored at $-20^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ . The Cortisol CalSet calibrator open vial on the analyzer at $20 - 25^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ is stable for 4 hours and should only be used once.
# Value Assignment of Calibrators
For each Cortisol II CalSet manufactured, the calibrators are run in duplicate on at least three (3) cobas e 411 analyzers and at least three (3) Modular Analytics E170/cobas e 601/cobas e 602 analyzers with all Cortisol II reagent lots available. The assigned value of each calibrator is defined as the mean value obtained over at least six (6) runs on at least three (3) analyzers of the respective calibrator. The exact lot-specific calibrator values are encoded on the calibrator bottle label as well as printed on the calibrator barcode sheet provided or electronically available.
Target values for Cortisol II CalSet
| Level | Target Value (nmol/L) | Target Range (nmol/L) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Calibrator 1 | 10 | 5-15 |
| Calibrator 2 | 1000 | 900-1100 |
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# d. Detection limit:
The limit of Blank (LoB) of the Elecsys Cortisol II assay on the cobas e 411 Immunoassay analyzer was determined according to CLSI EP17-A2. Two reagent lots, two cobas e 411 instruments, five blank samples, one replicate per sample per run, two runs per day for three days for a total of 60 determinations were performed. The zero-level (blank) samples used were prepared by diluting the native human serum pool with the Universal Diluent. The LoB was defined as the $95^{\text{th}}$ percentile of measurements of blank samples. The linear interpolation between the $57^{\text{th}}$ and $58^{\text{th}}$ replicate yields a LoB of the following:
| Reagent Lot | LoB (nmol/L) |
| --- | --- |
| 1 | 0.5270 |
| 2 | 0.6645 |
The LoB was determined to be $= 1.0\mathrm{nmol / L}$
The limit of Detection (LoD) of the Elecsys Cortisol II assay on the cobas e 411 Immunoassay analyzer was determined according to CLSI EP17-A2. LoD was defined as the lowest amount of cortisol in a sample that can be detected with $95\%$ probability. Two reagent lots, two cobas e 411 instruments, five low cortisol level samples, one replicate per sample per run, two runs per day, for 3 days for a total of 60 replicates per sample per reagent lot were performed. A low-level sample set of 5 human serum samples (diluted human serum pools) of known cortisol concentration was evaluated for each reagent lot, with the results obtained as follows.
$\mathrm{LoD} = \mathrm{LoB} + 1.653 \times \mathrm{SD}$ total (of low cortisol samples)
| Reagent Lot | LoD |
| --- | --- |
| 1 | 1.1227 |
| 2 | 1.2846 |
LoD was determined to be $= 1.5\mathrm{nmol / L}$
The limit of Quantitation (LoQ) of the Elecsys Cortisol II assay on the cobas e 411 Immunoassay analyzer was determined according to CLSI EP17-A2. Three reagent lots, two cobas e 411 instruments, nine low level serum samples, two replicate per sample per run, two runs per day for three days were performed. A low-level sample set of 9 human serum samples (diluted human serum pools) of known cortisol concentration was evaluated for each reagent lot. For each reagent lot, the sample with the lowest cortisol concentration that meets the specifications for precision is taken as the LoQ, with the results obtained as follows. The LoQ is set to $3.0\mathrm{nmol / L}$ with a precision of $\leq 20\%$ CV.
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| Reagent Lot | LoQ (nmol/L) |
| --- | --- |
| 1 | 1.94 |
| 2 | 2.85 |
| 3 | 2.99 |
The Cortisol II assay has a measuring range of 3.0 to $1750\mathrm{nmol / L}$ (0.109 to 63.4 $\mu \mathrm{g} / \mathrm{dL}$ ).
# e. Analytical specificity:
Interference Study Protocol:
An interference study was performed following the CLSI Guideline EP7-A2 guideline using human serum samples with cortisol concentrations 24.2, 476, and $1314\mathrm{nmol / L}$ . Interference substances were spiked into the serum samples and the results were measured and compared between the spiked and unspiked samples.
The interference from the following compounds was observed to be $\leq 10\%$ (non-significant interference) at the levels indicated.
| Potential Interferent | Highest Concentration of substance tested which demonstrated no significant interference |
| --- | --- |
| Biotin | 30 ng/mL |
| Hemoglobin | 500 mg/dL |
| Intralipid (Lipemia) | 1500 mg/dL |
| Bilirubin | 25 mg/dL |
| Rheumatoid Factor (RF) | 600 IU/mL |
| IgG | 50 g/L |
| IgM | 10 g/L |
| IgA | 10 g/L |
The package insert contains the following limitations:
"Pregnancy, contraceptives and estrogen therapy give rise to elevated cortisol concentrations."
"In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to analyte-specific antibodies, streptavidin or ruthenium can occur. These effects are minimized by suitable test design."
# Exogenous Drug Interference:
16 pharmaceutical compounds were spiked into two human serum samples with cortisol concentrations of approximately 170 and $750\mathrm{nmol / L}$ . The two sample pools were divided into aliquots and spiked with the potential interferents. The cortisol
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concentration of the spiked aliquots was run in triplicate and compared to the cortisol concentration of the reference aliquot also run in triplicate on one cobas e 411 Immunoassay analyzers.
The interference from the following was observed to be ≤ 10% (non-significant interference) at the levels indicated.
The below compounds at the indicated concentrations do not cause significant interference with the assay.
| Drug | Highest Concentration of substance tested which demonstrated no significant interference |
| --- | --- |
| Acetylcystein | 1663 mg/L |
| Ampicillin-Na | 1000 mg/L |
| Ascorbic acid | 300 mg/L |
| Cyclosporine | 5 mg/L |
| Cefoxitin | 2500 mg/L |
| Heparin | 5000 U |
| Levodopa | 20 mg/L |
| Methyldopa | 20 mg/L |
| Metronidazole | 200 mg/L |
| Phenylbutazone | 400 mg/L |
| Doxycycline | 50 mg/L |
| Acetylsalicylic acid | 1000 mg/L |
| Rifampicin | 60 mg/L |
| Acetaminophen | 200 mg/L |
| Ibuprofen | 500 mg/L |
| Theophylline | 100 mg/L |
The effects of the presence of human anti-sheep antibodies (HASA) on the Elecsys Cortisol II assay was conducted using the cobas e 411 analyzer and two serum samples with cortisol concentrations of 172 and 789 nmol/L. Both samples were divided into two aliquots each. One aliquot was spiked with 20 µg/mL of donkey anti-sheep polyclonal antibodies (DASA) and then diluted with the unspiked aliquot of the serum in 10% increments. The recovery for each sample was calculated by comparison to the unspiked reference samples.
No effect of DASA up to 20µg/mL on the Cortisol result has been observed.
## Cross reactivity Study Protocol:
The specificity of the Elecsys Cortisol assay was determined using two human serum sample pools (diluted and spiked) with potential cross-reactant compounds. The analyte concentration of the samples was approximately 60 and 300 µg/L of cortisol.
9
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The spiked and non-spiked samples were tested in duplicate on the cobas e 411 Immunoassay analyzer. The percentage of cross reactivity was calculated using the following formula:
Percent cross reactivity = $\frac{\text{analyte concentration} \times 100}{\text{Concentration of cross-reactant spiked}}$
| Cross reactant tested | Concentration Tested (μg/mL) | Highest cross-reactivity observed (%) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cortisone | 10 | 6.58 |
| 11-Deoxy-cortisol | 10 | 4.90 |
| Corticosterone | 10 | 2.48 |
| Progesterone | 10 | 0.035 |
| 17-α-OH-Progesterone | 10 | 0.080 |
| 21-Deoxy-cortisol | 1 | 2.40 |
| Fludrocortisone | 10 | 0.200 |
| 6-α-MethylPrednisolone | 0.1 | 12.0 |
| Prednisone | 10 | 2.23 |
| Prednisolone | 0.1 | 7.98 |
| Dexamethasone | 10 | Not detectable |
| 11-Deoxycorticosterone | 10 | 0.640 |
| Androstendione | 10 | 0.1 |
| Estradiol | 10 | 0.2 |
| Estriol | 10 | Not detectable |
| Estrone | 10 | 0.8 |
The package insert states the following in the Limitation-interference section:
"In samples from patients who have been treated with prednisolone, 6-α-Methylprednisolone or prednisone, falsely elevated cortisol values may be determined due to cross reactions."
"During metyrapon tests, 11-deoxycortisol levels are elevated. Falsely elevated cortisol values may be determined due to cross reactions."
"Patients suffering from 21-hydroxylase deficiency exhibit elevated 21-deoxycortisol levels and this can also give rise to falsely elevated cortisol results."
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable
2. Comparison studies:
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# a. Method comparison with predicate device:
A method comparison study was performed to compare the Elecsys Cortisol II assay (candidate device) to the current Elecsys Cortisol assay (predicate device). A total of 536 human serum samples (all native single donors) with cortisol values ranged between 10.55-1735 nmol/L were assayed in singlcate on the cobas e 411. The regression analysis results are summarized below:
| N | 536 | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Range (nmol/L) | 9.21-1680 | |
| | Passing/Bablok | Deming |
| Slope | 0.758 | 0.806 |
| intercept (nmol/L) | 10.2 | -10.31 |
| Correlation coefficient (r) | | 0.9676 |
The slope showed a significant bias and shift between the candidate device and the predicate device, however this shift is expected because the purpose of the device modification was to standardize against the IRMM (Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements)/IFCC-451 panel to both improve the specificity (cross-reactivity) and the accuracy of the assay. Therefore, test results from the candidate device do not, and are not expected to, directly correlate with test results from the predicate device. Laboratories that use the Roche Elecsys Cortisol assay should be aware of the significantly different performance of the modified assay.
An additional method comparison study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy between the candidate device and a recognized reference measurement procedure, University of Ghent's ID- GC-MS method (RMP). The method comparison against the RMP was the basis of the substantial equivalency determination.
A total of 208 human serum samples (all native single donors) were measured in order to cover the entire measuring range. Cortisol values ranged between 10.9-1599 nmol/L for the LC-MS and between 10.6 - 1711 nmol/L for the Elecsys Cortisol II assay.
| N | 208 | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Range (nmol/L) | 10.9 - 1599 | |
| | Passing/Bablok | Deming Regression |
| Slope | 1.022 (1.002,1.044)* | 1.055 (1.026-1.084)* |
| intercept (nmol/L) | 2.92 (-1.81, 8.82)* | -6.10 (-15.8/3.63)* |
| Correlation coefficient (r) | | 0.993 |
| *Lower/Upper Confidence (95%) | | |
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b. Matrix comparison:
A matrix comparison study using different tube type was performed to demonstrate equivalency of the specimen types. The effect on quantitation of analyte in the presence of anticoagulants with the Elecsys Cortisol II Immunoassay was determined by comparing values obtained from samples drawn into serum, Li-heparin plasma (with and without gel), K2-and K3-EDTA plasma primary tubes.
| Specimen Type | n | Slope | Range (nmol/L) | Intercept | Correlation Coefficient ( r ) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Serum / Li-Heparin Plasma | 48 | 0.987 | 5.22 - 1729 | -0.418 | 0.987 |
| Serum / Li-Heparin (Gel) Plasma | 48 | 0.991 | 5.22 - 1729 | -1.02 | 0.973 |
| Serum / K2-EDTA Plasma | 48 | 0.985 | 5.22 - 1729 | -0.564 | 0.980 |
| Serum / K3-EDTA Plasma | 58 | 0.966 | 4.49 - 1729 | -0.882 | 0.966 |
Sponsor claimed that Lithium heparin plasma, K2 EDTA plasma, and K3 EDTA plasma are acceptable sample type for the Cortisol II assay.
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:
In the reference range studies with the Elecsys Cortisol II assay, the following values were determined using samples from 300 self-reported healthy individuals, aged 21 years or older. Exclusion criteria were: pregnancy, lactation, use of oral contraceptives and medication with cortisone/cortisol. No statistical difference was observed between males and females.
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Cortisol in serum:
5th-95th percentile:
Morning hours 6-10 a.m.: 166-507 nmol/L (6.02-18.4 μg/dL), n = 296*
Afternoon hours 4-8 p.m.: 73.8-291 nmol/L (2.68-10.5 μg/dL), n = 300
2.5th-97.5th percentile:
Morning hours 6-10 a.m.: 133-537 nmol/L (4.82-19.5 μg/dL), n = 296*
Afternoon hours 4-8 p.m.: 68.2-327 nmol/L (2.47-11.9 μg/dL), n = 300
* Four samples were excluded from data analysis because samples were drawn outside the time of 6-10 am.
The sponsor states in the package insert each laboratory should investigate the transferability of the expected values to its own patient population and if necessary determine its own reference ranges.
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.
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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.
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.