FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) for use with FilmArray Torch
Applicant
Biofire Diagnostics, LLC
Product Code
OCC · Microbiology
Decision Date
Feb 8, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 866.3980
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K160068 · Feb 8, 2016
FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) for use with FilmArray Torch
Biofire Diagnostics, LLC
Retrospective clinical specimens
Retrospective clinical specimens were used to establish performance characteristics for multiple organisms due to the low number of positive specimens available during the prospective clinical study.
Individuals suspected of respiratory tract infections
Not applicable for this study
Performance characteristics (detection/identification) for specific viral and bacterial organisms
Indications for Use
The FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) is a multiplexed nucleic acid test intended for use with FilmArray systems for the simultaneous qualitative detection and identification of multiple respiratory viral and bacterial nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) obtained from individuals suspected of respiratory tract infections. The following organism types and subtypes are identified using the FilmArray RP: Adenovirus, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus OC43, Human Metapneumovirus, Influenza A, Influenza A subtype H1, Influenza A subtype H3, Influenza A subtype 2009 H1, Influenza B, Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Parainfluenza Virus 4, Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The detection and identification of specific viral and bacterial nucleic acids from individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection aids in the diagnosis of respiratory infection if used in conjunction with other clinical and epidemiological information. The results of this test should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other management decisions. Negative results in the setting of a respiratory illness may be due to infection with pathogens that are not detected by this test or, lower respiratory tract infection that is not detected by a nasopharyngeal swab specimen. Positive results do not rule out co-infection with other organisms: the agent(s) detected by the Film Array RP may not be the definite cause of disease. Additional laboratory testing (e.g. bacterial and viral culture, immunofluorescence, and radiography) may be necessary when evaluating a patient with possible respiratory tract infection.
Device Story
FilmArray Torch is a reconfigured, high-throughput respiratory diagnostic system. It accepts nasopharyngeal swab samples in assay pouches; performs automated nested multiplex RT-PCR; uses high-resolution melting analysis to confirm amplified product identity. System features stacked instrument modules, integrated computer/touchscreen, and manual barcode scanning. Used in clinical settings by laboratory personnel. Output is automated test report; aids diagnosis of respiratory infections. Benefits include reduced workspace footprint and increased throughput compared to predicate. Clinical decisions rely on integrated clinical/epidemiological data; test results are not sole diagnostic basis.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Reproducibility study performed using contrived samples at 1x LoD across three FilmArray Torch systems (12 modules each) over five days (90 replicates per analyte). Results showed ≥95.6% detection agreement at LoD and 100% agreement for negative samples.
Technological Characteristics
Nested multiplex RT-PCR; high-resolution melting analysis. Reconfigured instrument tower with stacked modules; integrated computer/touchscreen. Automated sample processing in assay pouch. Connectivity via Ethernet. Software-controlled automated test interpretation. Compliant with ISO 14971:2012 for risk management.
Indications for Use
Indicated for individuals suspected of respiratory tract infections; qualitative detection of viral and bacterial nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A respiratory viral panel multiplex nucleic acid assay is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic device intended to simultaneously detect and identify multiple viral nucleic acids extracted from human respiratory specimens or viral culture. The detection and identification of a specific viral nucleic acid from individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms of respiratory infection aids in the diagnosis of respiratory viral infection when used in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings. The device is intended for detection and identification of a combination of the following viruses:(1) Influenza A and Influenza B; (2) Influenza A subtype H1 and Influenza A subtype H3; (3) Respiratory Syncytial Virus subtype A and Respiratory Syncytial Virus subtype B; (4) Parainfluenza 1, Parainfluenza 2, and Parainfluenza 3 virus; (5) Human Metapneumovirus; (6) Rhinovirus; and (7) Adenovirus.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special controls are:(1) FDA's guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Respiratory Viral Panel Multiplex Nucleic Acid Assay;”
(2) For a device that detects and identifies Human Metapneumovirus, FDA's guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Testing for Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) Using Nucleic Acid Assays;” and
(3) For a device that detects and differentiates Influenza A subtype H1 and subtype H3, FDA's guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Testing for Detection and Differentiation of Influenza A Virus Subtypes Using Multiplex Nucleic Acid Assays.” See § 866.1(e) for the availability of these guidance documents.
Predicate Devices
FilmArray Respiratory Panel for Use with Multi-Instrument FilmArray System (FilmArray 2.0) (K143080)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
SPECIAL 510(k): Device Modification OIR Decision Summary
To: Biofire Diagnostics LLC
RE: K160068
This 510(k) submission contains information/data on modifications made to the SUBMITTER'S own Class II device requiring 510(k). The following items are present and acceptable:
1. The name and 510(k) number of the SUBMITTER'S previously cleared device.
Trade Name: FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) for use with Multi-Instrument FilmArray System (2.0) 510(k) Number: K143080
2. Submitter's statement that the INDICATION/INTENDED USE of the modified device, called "FilmArray® Respiratory Panel for use with FilmArray Torch", as described in its labeling HAS NOT CHANGED along with the proposed labeling which includes instructions for use, and package labeling.
Submitter states in the labeling, 510(k) Summary, and in the submission that the intended use of the modified device has not changed from its predicate.
3. A description of the device MODIFICATION(S), including clearly labeled diagrams, engineering drawings, photographs, assay instruction and instrument operations manuals in sufficient detail to demonstrate that the FUNDAMENTAL SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGY of the modified device has not changed.
The modifications of the FilmArrayTorch comprise a reconfigured instrument to increase throughput and reduce workspace. Changes include:
- a reconfigured base instrument tower with optional, stacked, individual, instrument modules,
- workflow altered for a manual read of the assay pouch bar-code by operator instead of automatic read within instrument,
- automatic side-loading and ejection of the assay pouch instead of manual top-loading,
- printer optional instead of printer included,
- computer and touch screen integrated into the base tower instead of a separate computer,
- operation with kiosk-style software,
- labeling appended with additional operation procedure and with statements describing the validation studies; these studies included an intra-laboratory precision study for the modified device.
4. Comparison Information (similarities and differences) to applicant's legally marketed predicate device including, labeling, intended use, physical characteristics, and software is shown in the table below.
{1}
Page 2 of 4
| Element | Modified Device: FilmArray Respiratory Panel for use with FilmArray Torch (K160068) | Predicate: FilmArray Respiratory Panel for use with the Multi-instrument FilmArray System (FilmArray 2.0) (K143080) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Organisms Detected | Influenza A, Influenza A subtype H1, Influenza A subtype H3, Influenza A subtype 2009 H1, Influenza B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza 1, Parainfluenza 2, Parainfluenza virus 3, Parainfluenza 4, Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus OC43, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis. | Same |
| Analyte | RNA/DNA | Same |
| Specimen Types | Nasopharyngeal swabs | Same |
| Technological Principles | Nested multiplex RT-PCR followed by high resolution melting analysis to confirm identity of amplified product. | Same |
| Instrumentation | Single instrument FilmArray system, FilmArray 2.0 system, or FilmArray Torch system | Single instrument FilmArray system or FilmArray 2.0 system |
| Instrument-Software Communication | Communication for multiple FilmArray Torch Modules travels via Ethernet cable/port. | Same (multiple instruments) |
| Time to result | About 1 hour | Same |
| Test Interpretation | Automated test interpretation and report generation. User cannot access raw data. | Same |
| Reagent Hydration and Sample Loading | Syringe-based loading procedure or FilmArray Injection Vial-based loading procedure | Same |
| Sample Preparation Method | Sample Processing is automated in the FilmArray RP pouch. | Same |
| Reagent Storage | Reagents are stored at room temperature. | Same |
| Controls | Two controls are included in each reagent pouch to monitor sample processing and both stages of PCR and melt analysis. | Same |
| User Complexity | Moderate/Low | Same |
2
{2}
Page 3 of 4
The indications for use provided below are identical for both devices.
### FilmArray 2.0 (K143080) Indications for use (same as K160068)
The FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) is a multiplexed nucleic acid test intended for use with FilmArray systems for the simultaneous qualitative detection and identification of multiple respiratory viral and bacterial nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) obtained from individuals suspected of respiratory tract infections. The following organism types and subtypes are identified using the FilmArray RP: Adenovirus, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus OC43, Human Metapneumovirus, Influenza A, Influenza A subtype H1, Influenza A subtype H3, Influenza A subtype 2009 H1, Influenza B, Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Parainfluenza Virus 4, Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The detection and identification of specific viral and bacterial nucleic acids from individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection aids in the diagnosis of respiratory infection if used in conjunction with other clinical and epidemiological information. The results of this test should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other management decisions. Negative results in the setting of a respiratory illness may be due to infection with pathogens that are not detected by this test or, lower respiratory tract infection that is not detected by a nasopharyngeal swab specimen. Positive results do not rule out co-infection with other organisms: the agent(s) detected by the Film Array RP may not be the definite cause of disease. Additional laboratory testing (e.g. bacterial and viral culture, immunofluorescence, and radiography) may be necessary when evaluating a patient with possible respiratory tract infection.
Due to the small number of positive specimens collected for certain organisms during the prospective clinical study, performance characteristics for Bordetella pertussis, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus OC43, Influenza A H1, Influenza A H3, Influenza A H1-2009, Influenza B, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, and Parainfluenza Virus 4 were established primarily with retrospective clinical specimens. Performance characteristics for Chlamydophila pneumoniae were established primarily using contrived clinical specimens.
Due to the genetic similarity between Human Rhinovirus and Enterovirus, the FilmArray RP cannot reliably differentiate them. A positive FilmArray RP Rhinovirus/Enterovirus result should be followed-up using an alternate method (e.g. cell culture or sequence analysis).
The FilmArray RP assay for Coronavirus OC43 may cross-react with some isolates of Coronavirus HKU1. A dual positive result may be due to cross-reactivity or may indicate a co-infection.
Performance characteristics for Influenza A were established when Influenza A 2009 H1N1, A H1, and A H3 were the predominant Influenza A viruses in circulation. Performance of detecting Influenza A may vary if other Influenza A strains are circulating or a novel Influenza A virus emerges. If infection with a novel Influenza A virus is suspected based on current clinical and epidemiological screening criteria recommended by public health authorities, specimens should be collected with appropriate infection control precautions for novel virulent Influenza viruses and sent to state or local health departments for testing. Viral culture should not be attempted in these cases unless a BSL 3+ facility is available to receive and culture specimens.
{3}
Page 4 of 4
5. A Design Control Activities Summary was present which includes:
a) Identification of Risk Analysis method(s) used to assess the impact of the modification on the device and its components, and the results of the analysis
b) Based on the Risk Analysis, an identification of the verification and/or validation activities required, including methods or tests used and acceptance criteria to be applied.
Risk analysis was performed to identify risks, their possible causes, and appropriate control mechanisms. Risk management of the FilmArray Torch Software and Firmware followed processes that are compliant with ISO 14971:2012, Medical devices – application of risk management to medical devices. After mitigation, all hazards associated with the FilmArray Torch Software have a Risk score of "No Risk".
To validate the modified device, an intra-laboratory precision study was conducted. Results of precision testing on the FilmArray Torch systems indicate that all analytes in the device intended use (at 1x LoD based on FilmArray 2.0) were detected in at least 95% of the samples tested.
In addition to analyte detection, the precision of FilmArray RP Tm (melting temperature) results on FilmArray Torch was evaluated. The standard deviation in Tm for each assay on each of the 3 FilmArray Torch systems and overall (all systems/Modules) met the acceptance criteria of 0.5°C or less.
Method comparison studies with different types of samples were conducted for the modified device (FilmArray Torch) and its predicate device (FilmArray 2.0). These included a synthetic template method comparison study, a negative sample method comparison study, and a representative organism method comparison study. For all studies, the positive agreement was ≥95% and the negative agreement was 100%.
c) Declaration of Conformity to Design Controls
A "Declaration of Conformity" statement was submitted for the Biofire Diagnostics, LLC manufacturing facility. It was signed by the Vice President, Regulated Products and Clinical Affairs, and the Director of Quality Assurance. The statements indicate that:
i. "To the best of my knowledge, the verification activities for the modification were performed by the designated individual(s) and the results demonstrated that the predetermined acceptance criteria were met."
ii. "The manufacturing facility, Biofire Diagnostics, LLC, is in conformance with the design control requirements as specified in 21 CFR 820. 3 0 and the records are available for review."
6. Conclusion
The labeling for this modified subject device has been reviewed to verify that the indication/intended use for the device is unaffected by the modification. In addition, the submitter's description of the particular modification(s) and the comparative information between the modified and unmodified devices demonstrate that the fundamental scientific technology has not changed. The submitter has provided the design control information as specified in The New 510(k) Paradigm and on this basis, I recommend the device be determined substantially equivalent to the previously cleared device.
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.