RAPIDEC® CARBA NP is a phenotypic (colorimetric) in vitro diagnostic test for the qualitative detection of carbapenemase enzymes in Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies that have elevated MIC values to any carbapenem. RAPIDEC® CARBA NP is performed on pure colonies grown on non-selective sheep blood agar culture media. RAPIDEC® CARBA NP is intended as an aid in the prevention and control of infection caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RAPIDEC® CARBA NP is not intended to guide or monitor the treatment for these bacterial infections. A negative result does not preclude the presence of carbapenemase enzymes. The ability of RAPIDEC® CARBA NP to detect carbapenemase enzymes encoded by genetic markers other than KPC, NDM, OXA-48, VIM, and IMP has not been established. RAPIDEC® CARBA NP testing should be used in conjunction with other laboratory tests including antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Device Story
RAPIDEC® CARBA NP is a colorimetric, phenotypic in vitro diagnostic test strip used in clinical laboratories to detect carbapenemase enzymes in bacterial colonies. The device consists of a 5-well strip containing premeasured dry reagents. The operator prepares a bacterial inoculum suspension from pure colonies grown on sheep blood agar, which is then added to the strip wells. The process involves rehydration of reagents, bacterial cell lysis, and a 30-minute to 2-hour incubation period at 33-38°C. The principle of operation relies on the hydrolysis of carbapenems by carbapenemase enzymes, which acidifies the medium and triggers a color change in a phenol red pH indicator. The healthcare provider visually compares the colors in the test and control wells to determine a positive or negative result. This information assists in the prevention and control of infections caused by carbapenemase-producing organisms by identifying resistance mechanisms, though it does not provide MIC values or guide specific patient treatment.
Clinical Evidence
Multi-center study using composite reference method (carbapenem MIC, CLSI Carba NP, PCR). Routine subculture (n=457): 98.7% agreement (99.6% positive, 97.4% negative). Short subculture (n=449): 98.0% agreement (98.5% positive, 97.3% negative). Evaluated against KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, and OXA-48 markers.
Technological Characteristics
Phenotypic colorimetric test strip with 5 wells containing premeasured dry substrates and phenol red pH indicator. Manual procedure involving bacterial lysis and visual color change interpretation. Requires incubation at 33-38°C. Standalone diagnostic kit.
Indications for Use
Indicated for qualitative detection of carbapenemase enzymes in pure colonies of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with elevated carbapenem MICs. Not for treatment guidance or monitoring. Performance not established for genetic markers other than KPC, NDM, OXA-48, VIM, and IMP.
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.
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY ONLY TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
K162385
B. Purpose for Submission:
To obtain a substantial equivalence determination for the RAPIDEC CARBA NP test for qualitative detection of carbapenemase enzymes in pure colonies of *Enterobacteriaceae* and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* that have elevated MIC values to any Carbapenem.
C. Measurand:
Carbapenemase enzymes
D. Type of Test:
Qualitative phenotypic (colorimetric) assay
E. Applicant:
bioMérieux SA
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
RAPIDEC CARBA NP
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR 866.1640 (Antimicrobial susceptibility test powder)
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
PTJ
4. Panel:
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83- Microbiology
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
RAPIDEC CARBA NP is a phenotypic (colorimetric) in vitro diagnostic test for the qualitative detection of carbapenemase enzymes in Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies that have elevated MIC values to any carbapenem. RAPIDEC CARBA NP is performed on pure colonies grown on non-selective sheep blood agar culture media.
RAPIDEC CARBA NP is intended as an aid in the prevention and control of infection caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
RAPIDEC CARBA NP is not intended to guide or monitor the treatment for these bacterial infections. A negative result does not preclude the presence of carbapenemase enzymes. The ability of RAPIDEC CARBA NP to detect carbapenemase enzymes encoded by genetic markers other than KPC, NDM, OXA-48, VIM and IMP has not been established. RAPIDEC CARBA NP testing should be used in conjunction with other laboratory tests including antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
2. Indication(s) for use:
Same as the Intended Use.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For prescription use only.
Limitations of the RAPIDEC CARBA NP assay:
1) The performance of the RAPIDEC CARBA NP assay for detection of carbapenemase enzymes encoded by genetic markers other than KPC, NDM, OXA-48, VIM and/or IMP has not been established. In addition, RAPIDEC CARBA NP results may be influenced by the local epidemiology regarding genetic markers of resistance, i.e., depending on the local distribution/prevalence of different carbapenemase genetic markers, and more false negative results may occur. Conduct alternative testing if negative results are obtained and carbapenemase enzyme production is suspected based on local epidemiology.
2) RAPIDEC CARBA NP testing should be used as an adjunct to other laboratory test(s) such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
3) The performance of the RAPIDEC CARBA NP test with bacteria other than Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has not been evaluated. Organism identification and elevated carbapenem MICs should be determined prior to testing on the RAPIDEC CARBA NP.
4) Proteus species, Providencia species, Morganella species may have elevated
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imipenem MICs due to intrinsic resistance mechanisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been shown to exhibit resistance to ertapenem due to intrinsic resistance mechanisms.
5) The detection of OXA variants other than OXA-48 has not been evaluated sufficiently in the study.
6) Hyper-mucoid colonies may lead to false positive or false negative results and should not be tested by the RAPIDEC CARBA NP test. A hyper-mucoid colony tends to stretch itself to form a continuous viscous filament $>5\mathrm{mm}$ in length when picked up from an agar plate using a bacteriology loop/needle. $^1$
7) Agar media containing pH indicator for colony color differentiation (e.g., Bromocresol Purple, MacConkey, Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte-Deficient, etc.) are not compatible with the RAPIDEC CARBA NP and require subculturing growth/biomass on a sheep blood agar for testing.
8) The performance of RAPIDEC CARBA NP has been evaluated for subculturing growth on $5\%$ sheep blood agar incubated for 18-24 hours (Routine procedure) and 4-5 hours (Short Incubation procedure) only. The performance with other culture media has not been evaluated and is therefore unknown.
9) The performance of the RAPIDEC CARBA NP test when testing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa containing OXA-181, OXA-232, SME, GIM, SPM, and IMI carbapenemase enzymes has not been established due to the low number of positive isolates available using the Composite Reference Method.
# 4. Special instrument requirements:
Not Applicable; results are read manually
# I. Device Description:
The RAPIDEC CARBA NP strip (Figure 1) is composed of 5 wells prepared with premeasured portions of the necessary substrates for the reactions. In addition, the RAPIDEC CARBA NP kit contains the necessary accessories for performing the test.

Figure 1: RAPIDEC CARBA NP Strip
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In order to rehydrate the dry reagents and initiate the reactions, wells (a), (b) and (c) are filled with 100 μL of API Suspension Medium (purified water). The strip is left at room temperature for 4-10 minutes to allow the dry reagents to reconstitute in the wells. The bacterial inoculum suspension is prepared in well (c) until the turbidity equals well (b). Well (c) contains the lysis buffer. The lysis of the inoculum suspension enables the extraction of the enzyme; the strip is left at room temperature for additionally 30 minutes.
Transfer 25 μL of the lysed inoculum suspension is to wells (d) and (e) and 25 μL from well (a) [phenol red solution] is also transferred to wells (d) and (e). The strip is incubated for 30-40 minutes at 33-38°C to allow the hydrolysis to occur and change in color of the phenol red solution in the presence of a carbapenemase enzyme. The hydrolysis acidifies the medium which results in the change in color of the pH indicator. The function of each well of the RAPIDEC CARBA NP strip is shown in Table 1:
Table 1: Function of the RAPIDEC CARBA NP Strip Wells
| Well | Reagent |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | Phenol red solution |
| (b) | Turbidity Control |
| (c) | Lysis buffer |
| (d) | Control well without imipenem |
| (e) | Reaction well containing imipenem |
Place the strip on the two-colored (black and white) support. Position wells (d) and (e) on the white background to facilitate reading. Reading is performed by comparing the colors in wells (d) and (e), ensuring that the strip is firmly pressed against the support. A test is positive when a significant variation in color is observed between the two wells. For example, the control well is red and the test well has changed to yellow/orange. Result interpretation is shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Interpretation of Results
| Control well (d) | Test well (e) | Interpretation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Red | Red | Negative
(Absence of carbapenemase) |
| Orange | Orange | |
| Red | Yellow, light orange, orange, dark orange | Positive
(Presence of carbapenemase) |
| Orange | Yellow | |
| Any color other than red or orange | Not applicable | *Uninterpretable |
| Orange | Red | |
*An uninterpretable result should be retested. If the retest yields an uninterpretable result, consider testing with an alternate method to determine carbapenemase status of the isolate.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
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Clearview Exact PBP2a Test
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
K091766
3. Comparison with predicate:
Table 3: Comparison with the Predicate Device
| Item | Device RAPIDEC CARBA NP | Predicate Clearview Exact PBP2a Test Clearview Exact PBP2a Test (K091766) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Similarities | | |
| Intended Use | RAPIDEC CARBA NP is a phenotypic (colorimetric) in vitro diagnostic test for the qualitative detection of carbapenemase enzymes in Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies that have elevated MIC values to any carbapenem. RAPIDEC CARBA NP is performed on pure colonies grown on non-selective sheep blood agar culture media. RAPIDEC CARBA NP is intended as an aid in the prevention and control of infection caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RAPIDEC CARBA NP is not intended to guide or monitor the treatment for these bacterial infections. A negative result does not preclude the presence of carbapenemase enzymes. The ability of RAPIDEC CARBA NP to detect carbapenemase enzymes encoded by genetic markers other than KPC, NDM, OXA-48, VIM and IMP has not been established. RAPIDEC CARBA NP testing should be used in conjunction with other laboratory tests including antimicrobial susceptibility testing. | The Clearview Exact PBP2a Test is a qualitative, in vitro, immunochromatographic assay for the detection of penicillin binding protein 2a (PBP2a) in isolates identified as Staphylococcus aureus, as an aid in detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The Clearview Exact PBP2a Test is not intended to diagnose MRSA nor to guide or monitor treatment for MRSA infections. |
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| Item | Device RAPIDEC CARBA NP | Predicate Clearview Exact PBP2a Test Clearview Exact PBP2a Test (K091766) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Detection Capability | Marker of antimicrobial resistance | Same |
| Sample Type | Pure colonial growth | Same |
| Reading | Visual based on color change | Same |
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mode of Detection | Carbapenemase enzymes encoded by genetic markers KPC, NDM, OXA-48, VIM and/or IMP | Penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) |
| Technology | Imipenem hydrolysis by carbapenemase producers (i.e. Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa) resulting a change in color of the pH indicator | Immunochromatographic membrane assay |
| Bacterial Isolate Type | Gram negative colonies identified as Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa that have any elevated carbapenem MIC values | Gram positive cocci identified as Staphylococcus aureus |
| Culture Media | Non-selective sheep blood agar (Columbia agar + 5% sheep blood, trypticase soy agar + 5% sheep blood) | Non-selective sheep blood agar (Columbia agar + 5% sheep blood, trypticase soy agar + 5% sheep blood) and Mueller Hinton agar |
# K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
CLSI M100-S25: Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; Twenty-Fifth Informational Supplement
# L. Test Principle:
The RAPIDEC CARBA NP test is based on the detection of carbapenem hydrolysis by carbapenemase-producing bacteria. Hydrolysis acidifies the medium which results in the change in color of the pH indicator. The bacteria are first lysed to release the carbapenemase enzyme. The lysate is added to a detection solution containing:
- A carbapenem- imipenem (carbapenemase substrate)
- Phenol red (pH indicator)
- Zinc- required for the detection of metallo-dependent carbapenemase-producing strains.
After incubating for a maximum of 2 hours, reading is performed visually by comparing the
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color in the control well (without imipenem) to the color of reaction/test well (with imipenem) as described in Figure 2 above.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### 1. Analytical performance:
#### a. Precision/Reproducibility:
The reproducibility panel of 10 strains (six carbapenemase producers and four non-carbapenemase producers) was tested in triplicates for five days at three sites interpreted by two operators with results blinded to each other. The carbapenemase producers included VIM producing *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* (1), NDM (1), IMP (1), OXA-48 (1), and KPC (2) producing *Enterobacteriaceae*. Reproducibility isolates information is shown in Table 4.
| Organism | Resistance Mechanism | | Expected Result |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Carbapenemase | Other | |
| R001 E. coli | --- | AmpC | Neg |
| R002 K. pneumoniae | --- | Porin loss | Neg |
| R007 K. pneumoniae | --- | ESBL | Neg |
| R008 E. aerogenes | --- | Porin loss | Neg |
| R003 E. aerogenes | KPC-3 | --- | Pos |
| R004 E. coli | KPC | --- | Pos |
| R005 K. pneumoniae | NDM | --- | Pos |
| R010 P. aeruginosa | VIM | --- | Pos |
| R011 K. pneumoniae | IMP | --- | Pos |
| R012 E. coli | OXA-48 | --- | Pos |
Two separate lots of RAPIDEC CARBA NP were used in the study to include 327 and 573 results from Lot #1 and Lot #2 respectively:
10 strains x triplicates x 5 days x 3 sites x 2 operators = 900
Two subculture/incubation procedures were assessed in the reproducibility studies:
- In the Routine Subculture/Incubation procedure, the RAPIDEC CARBA NP test was performed on colonial growth on sheep blood agar medium that has been incubated for 18-24 hours.
- In the Short Subculture/Incubation procedure, organisms were sub-cultured onto MacConkey agar and incubated for 18-24 hours. The organisms from the MacConkey then were subcultured again onto blood agar and incubated for 4-5 hours to obtain sufficient growth/biomass to perform the RAPIDEC CARBA NP.
Reproducibility for Routine and Short Subculture/Incubation is shown in Tables 5 and 6 respectively with acceptable results >95%.
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Table 5: Reproducibility for Routine Subculture/Incubation (18-24 hours)
| RAPIDEC CARBA NP - Reproducibility (Agreement with the expected result) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Site 1 | | | | Site 2 | | | | Site 3 | | | |
| | Operator 1 | | Operator 2 | | Operator 1 | | Operator 2 | | Operator 1 | | Operator 2 | |
| Organism ID | N | % | N | % | N | % | N | % | N | % | N | % |
| R001 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R002 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R003 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R004 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R005 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 13/15 | 86.7% | 13/15 | 86.7% | 13/15 | 60.0% | 13/15 | 60.0% |
| R007 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R008 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R010 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R011 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R012 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| Within-Site Reproducibility | N | | | % | N | | | % | N | | | % |
| | 300/300 | | | 100.0% | 296/300 | | | 98.7% | 288/300 | | | 96.0% |
| Between-site Reproducibility | 98.2% (884/900) | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Table 6: Reproducibility for Short Subculture/Incubation (4-5 hours)
| RAPIDEC CARBA NP - Reproducibility (Agreement with the expected result) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Site 1 | | | | Site 2 | | | | Site 3 | | | |
| | Operator 1 | | Operator 2 | | Operator 1 | | Operator 2 | | Operator 1 | | Operator 2 | |
| Organism ID | N | % | N | % | N | % | N | % | N | % | N | % |
| R001 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R002 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R003 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R004 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R005 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 13/15 | 86.7% | 13/15 | 86.7% | 13/15 | 86.7% | 13/15 | 86.7% |
| R007 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R008 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R010 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R011 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| R012 | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% | 15/15 | 100.0% |
| Within-Site Reproducibility | N | | | % | N | | | % | N | | | % |
| | 300/300 | | | 100.0% | 296/300 | | | 98.7% | 296/300 | | | 98.7% |
| Between-site Reproducibility | 99.1% (892/900) | | | | | | | | | | | |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Not applicable
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
# Quality Control (QC)
The QC panel consists of one positive and one negative control organism. The performance is summarized in Tables 7 and 8 for Routine and Short Incubation respectively with acceptable results.
Table 7: QC Summary for Routine Subculture/Incubation (18-24 hours)
| QC Strain | Expected Results | RAPIDEC CARBA NP Result |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC BAA-1705 | Positive | 100% (159/159) 95% CI [97.6; 100.0]% |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC BAA-1706 | Negative | 100% (159/159), 95% CI [97.6; 100.0]% |
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Table 8: QC Summary for Short Subculture/Incubation (4-5 hours)
| QC Strain | Expected Results | RAPIDEC CARBA NP Result |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC BAA-1705 | Positive | 100% (168/168), 95% CI [97.8; 100.0]% |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC BAA-1706 | Negative | 100% (165/165), 95% CI [97.8; 100.0]% |
d. Detection limit:
Not applicable
## Analytical Reactivity
A total of 43 carbapenemase producers as determined by the reference composite method were tested by the RAPIDEC CARBA NP. There were two VIM producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 41 carbapenemase producing Enterobacteraceae consisting of those encoded by genetic markers as follows: KPC (16), NDM (10), OXA-48 (7), VIM (5) and IMP (3).
The analytical sensitivity is based on an initial reading performed at 30 minutes. If negative, a final reading was performed at a total of 2 hours of 33-38°C incubation. Considering any positive result, the analytical sensitivity was 100%; however, four negative results at the initial 30-minute read became positive at the final 2-hour read while eight initial positive results at 30 minutes read became negatives when read again at 2 hours incubation. This information is provided as a footnote in the labeling:
"There were four negative results at the initial 30-minute read but became positive at the final 2-hour read; there were eight initial positive results that changed back to negatives when read again at 2 hours incubation."
In addition, a Caution statement is included in the Reading and Interpretation section of the labeling:
"Positive tests results are frequently obtained at 30 minutes of incubation. Reincubate if negative or doubtful. After 30 minutes, there is a risk that a positive result may change back to a negative. Therefore, it is imperative to perform the initial reading at 30 minutes of incubation."
## Analytical Agar Culture Media Compatibility Studies
The RAPIDEC CARBA NP result tested with strains on Columbia agar + 5% sheep blood (COS) were compared with strains on Trypticase Soy agar + 5% sheep blood (TSS). A total of 106 strains (92 carbapenemase enzyme producers and 14 non-carbapenemase enzyme producers) were tested in the compatibility study. The carbapenemase producers included those encoded by genetic markers as follows: IMP
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(19), KPC (20), VIM (20), NDM (17), and OXA-48 (16).
The positive rate for the carbapenemase producers was 94.6% (87/92) and 92.4% (85/92) for TSS and COS respectively at the initial 30-minute read. There were five (i.e., four OXA-48 producing K. pneumoniae and one KPC producing K. pneumoniae) that were negative for both media and two NDM producing Providencia spp. (i.e., P. rettgeri and P. stuartii) for COS at the 30-minute read. At the final 2-hour read, the positive rate was the same for both COS and TSS at 98.9% (91/92) due to one negative (i.e., KPC producing K. pneumoniae) result.
The negative rate for non-carbapenemase producers was 100% for both media at the 30-minute and 2-hour reads.
The results indicate no significant differences between TSS and COS at 30-minute and 2-hour reads.
A limitation is included in the limitation section of the labeling:
"The performance of RAPIDEC CARBA NP has been evaluated for subculturing growth on 5% sheep blood agar incubated for 18-24 hours (Routine procedure) and 4-5 hours (Short Incubation procedure) only. The performance with other culture media has not been evaluated and is therefore unknown."
e. Analytical specificity:
A total of 93 non-carbapenemase producing strains with elevated carbapenem MICs were tested by RAPIDEC CARBA NP. The resistance mechanisms included Gram negative organisms harboring AmpC, high level AmpC, porin loss, ESBL, porin loss/ESBL, porin loss/AmpC, in addition to resistant Gram positive organisms (MRSA, and VRE)
The set included 67 strains related to the intended use: Enterobacteriaceae (59), P. aeruginosa (8), and 26 other organisms comprised of non-fermenting gram negative rods, gram positive organisms and yeast. All strains were well-characterized. An initial reading was performed at 30 minutes and if the result was negative a final reading was performed at a total of 2 hours of 33-38°C incubation.
The analytical specificity was 97.9% (91/93) at 30 minutes of incubation due to two intrinsically carbapenem-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The analytical specificity was 93.6% (87/93) at 2 hours incubation caused by six positive at 2 hours incubation. The false positive results were caused by five non-fermenting gram negative rods (three intrinsic resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, one each for Burkholderia cepaciae and Sphingomonas paucimobilis) and one Morganella morganii with an AmpC resistance.
For evaluation of intended Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa, the analytical specificity is 100% (67/67) at 30 minutes and 98.5% (66/67) at 2 hours of incubation.
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The false positive was caused by one AmpC producing Morganella morganii.
Two limitations are included in the limitation section of the labeling:
- The performance of the RAPIDEC CARBA NP test with bacteria other than Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has not been evaluated. Organism identification and elevated carbapenem MICs should be determined prior to testing on the RAPIDEC CARBA NP.
- Proteus species, Providencia species, Morganella species may have elevated imipenem MICs due to intrinsic resistance mechanisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been shown to exhibit resistance to ertapenem due to intrinsic resistance mechanisms.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not Applicable
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Not Applicable
b. Matrix comparison:
Not Applicable
3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
In the multi-center study, each isolate was tested by the RAPIDEC CARBA NP and the composite reference method which includes carbapenem (Imipenem, Meropenem, Ertapenem, and/or Doripenem) MIC, CLSI Carba NP, and carbapenemases by validated PCR. Results from those three different tests were used to determine the carbapenemase positive/negative status of an isolate, with the final composite reference result based on agreement of at least two of the three tests.
Agreement between RAPIDEC CARBA NP and composite reference method was assessed. When a RAPIDEC CARBA NP result was not in agreement with the composite reference result, it was evaluated for false negative and false positive. A negative RAPIDEC CARBA NP result was considered as a false negative when the composite reference result was determined to be positive. A positive RAPIDEC CARBA NP result was considered as a false positive when the composite reference result was determined to be negative, indicating a false carbapenemase producer. The comparative performance is
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shown in Table 9.1 below.
Table 9.1: Comparative Performance of RAPIDEC CARBA NP (Enterobacteriaceae + Pseudomonas aeruginosa)
| Incubation | Total # | Agreement* # | Agreement* % | Negative # | Positive # | False Positive^{a} # (%) | False Negative^{b} # (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Routine Subculture | | | | | | | |
| Clinical | 306 | 301 | 98.4 | 155 | 151 | 5 (3.2) | 0 |
| Challenge | 151 | 150 | 99.3 | 37 | 114 | 0 | 1 (0.9) |
| Combined | 457 | 451 | 98.7 | 192 | 265 | 5 (2.6) | 1 (0.4) |
| Short Subculture | | | | | | | |
| Clinical | 300 | 294 | 98.0 | 152 | 148 | 5 (3.3) | 1 (0.7) |
| Challenge | 149 | 146 | 98.0 | 36 | 113 | 0 | 3 (2.7) |
| Combined | 449 | 440 | 98.0 | 188 | 261 | 5 (2.7) | 4 (1.5) |
a False positive for carbapenemase; RAPIDEC CARBA NP positive result for a non-carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae or P. aeruginosa
b False negative for carbapenemase; RAPIDEC CARBA NP negative result for a carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae or P. aeruginosa
* Composite reference method is composed of three results (i.e., carbapenem MIC, carbapenemase by PCR and CLSI Carba NP); a two-out-of-three approach is used to determine isolate positivity status
## Routine Subculture/Incubation
The RAPIDEC CARBA NP test was evaluated with Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonial growth on sheep blood agar medium incubated for 18-24 hours (routine subculture/incubation). An initial RAPIDEC CARBA NP reading was performed at 30 minutes and if negative a final reading was performed at a total of 2 hours of 33-38°C incubation.
The routine subculture/incubation procedure included 457 samples in which 306 were clinical samples provided by the investigational sites and 151 were well-characterized challenge samples. It included 394 Enterobacteriaceae and 63 Pseudomonas aeruginosa with carbapenemases described below:
- 265 isolates were positive for carbapenemase enzyme encoded by genetic markers as follows: KPC (147), NDM (52), VIM (26), IMP (17), and OXA-48 (23).
- 192 isolates were carbapenemase enzymes negative.
The Routine Subculture/Incubation performance in 2x2 tabular format is presented in Table 9.2.
{13}
Table 9.2: RAPIDEC CARBA NP Performance (Routine Subculture/Incubation)
| | Composite Reference Method | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | Positive | Negative | Total |
| RAPIDEC CARBA NP | Positive | 264 | 5a | 269 |
| | Negative | 1b | 187 | 188 |
| | Total | 265 | 192 | 457 |
a False carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae or P. aeruginosa: 2.6% (5/192)
b False non-carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae or P. aeruginosa: 0.4% (1/265)
## Short Subculture/Incubation
In the Short Subculture/Incubation procedure, organisms were sub-cultured onto MacConkey agar and incubated for 18-24 hours. The organisms from the MacConkey then were subcultured again onto blood agar and incubated for 4-5 hours to obtain sufficient growth/biomass to perform the RAPIDEC CARBA NP. An initial RAPIDEC CARBA NP reading was performed at 30 minutes and if negative a final reading was performed at a total of 2 hours of 33-38°C incubation.
The short subculture/incubation procedure included 449 samples in which 300 were clinical samples provided by the investigational sites and 149 were well-characterized challenge samples. It included 392 Enterobacteriaceae and 57 Pseudomonas aeruginosa with carbapenemase enzymes described below:
- 261 isolates were positive for carbapenemase enzymes: KPC (146), NDM (52), VIM (23), IMP (17), and OXA-48 (23).
- 188 isolates were carbapenemase enzyme negative.
The Short Subculture/Incubation performance in 2x2 tabular format is presented in Table 9.3.
Table 9.3: RAPIDEC CARBA NP Performance (Short Subculture/Incubation)
| | Composite Reference Method | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | Positive | Negative | Total |
| RAPIDEC CARBA NP | Positive | 257 | 5a | 262 |
| | Negative | 4b | 183 | 187 |
| | Total | 261 | 188 | 449 |
a False carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae or P. aeruginosa: 2.7% (5/188)
b False non-carbapenemase enzyme producing Enterobacteriaceae or P. aeruginosa: 1.5% (4/261)
The Routine and Short Incubation performance of the RAPIDEC CARBA NP test with Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and target carbapenemase enzymes is demonstrated in Tables 10.1 and 10.2 respectively.
{14}
Table 10.1: Overall Performance of RAPIDEC CARBA NP with Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa expressing the indicated Carbapenemase Genetic Markers
| | RAPIDEC CARBA NP Performance | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Routine Subculture/Incubation | | Short Subculture/Incubation | |
| | Number | Agreement | Number | Agreement |
| Enterobacteriaceae | 388/394 | 98.5% | 383/392 | 97.7% |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 63/63 | 100% | 57/57 | 100% |
| All Samples | 451/457 | 98.7% | 440/449* | 98.0% |
* Insufficient growth/biomass for six P. aeruginosa and two K. pneumoniae in the short subculture procedure. They were three VIM producing P. aeruginosa, and one KPC producing K. pneumoniae; four negative samples including three P. aeruginosa and one K. pneumoniae.
Table 10.2: Performance of RAPIDEC CARBA NP Evaluated by Carbapenemase Genetic Markers
| Carbapenemase determination by composite reference method | RAPIDEC CARBA NP Performance | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | Routine Subculture/Incubation | | Short Subculture/Incubation | |
| | | Number | Agreement | Number | Agreement |
| Enterobacteriaceae | KPC | 143/144a | 99.3% | 142/143c | 99.3% |
| | NDM | 51/51 | 100% | 50/51c | 98.0% |
| | VIM | 15/15 | 100% | 14/15c | 93.3% |
| | IMP | 12/12 | 100% | 12/12 | 100% |
| | OXA-48 | 23/23 | 100% | 22/23c | 95.7% |
| | Total | 244/245 | 99.6% | 240/244 | 98.4% |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | KPC | 3/3 | 100% | 3/3 | 100% |
| | NDM | 1/1 | 100% | 1/1 | 100% |
| | VIM | 11/11 | 100% | 8/8 | 100% |
| | IMP | 5/5 | 100% | 5/5 | 100% |
| | Total | 20/20 | 100% | 17/17 | 100% |
| Positive Samples | | 264/265a | 99.6% | 257/261c | 98.5% |
| Enterobacteriaceae | | 144/149b | 96.6% | 143/148d | 96.6% |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | | 43/43 | 100% | 40/40 | 100% |
| Negative Samples | | 187/192b | 97.4% | 183/188d | 97.3% |
| All Samples | | 451/457 | 98.7% | 440/449* | 98.0% |
a Routine subculture false negative (false non-carbapenemase producer) rate was $0.4\%$ (1/265) for claimed carbapenemase enzymes; the false negative was KPC-producing Enterobacteriaceae
b Routine subculture false positive (false carbapenemase producer) rate was $2.6\%$ (5/192) for $P_{\cdot}$ aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae; the five false positives were from Enterobacteriaceae
c Short subculture false negative (false non-carbapenemase producer) rate was $1.5\%$ (4/257) for claimed carbapenemase enzymes; one false negative each for KPC, NDM, VIM, and OXA-48 from Enterobacteriaceae
d Short subculture false positive (false carbapenemase-producer) rate was $2.7\%$ (5/188); the five false positives were from Enterobacteriaceae
* Insufficient growth/biomass for six P. aeruginosa and two K. pneumoniae in the short subculture procedure. They were three VIM producing P. aeruginosa, and one KPC producing K. pneumoniae; four negative samples including three P. aeruginosa and one K. pneumoniae.
{15}
In addition, 21 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa expressing carbapenemases other than KPC, NDM, VIM, OXA-48 and IMP were tested. The results are shown in Table 11. The performance of RAPIDEC CARBA NP with Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa containing OXA-181, OXA-232, SME, GIM, SPM, and IMI has not been established. A limitation is included in the limitation section of the labeling:
"The performance of the RAPIDEC CARBA NP test when testing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa containing OXA-181, OXA-232, SME, GIM, SPM, and IMI carbapenemase enzymes has not been established due to the low number of positive isolates available using the Composite Reference Method."
Table 11: RAPIDEC CARBA NP Performance with Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa Expressing Carbapenemases Other Than KPC, NDM, VIM, OXA-48, and IMP
| Carbapenem MICa | Carbapenemase Gene (#Tested) | CLSI Carba NPe | Carbapenemase Determination by Composite Reference Methodd | RAPIDEC CARBA NP Resultb | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | Positive | Negative |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | | | | | |
| NS | SPM (1) | ND | Positive | 1 | 0 |
| NS | GIM (1) | Positive | Positive | 1 | 0 |
| Enterobacteriaceae | | | | | |
| NS | IMI (2) | ND | Positive | 2 | 0 |
| NS | OXA-181 (5) | ND | Positive | 0 | 5 |
| NS | OXA-232 (2) | ND | Positive | 0 | 2 |
| NS | SME (8) | ND | Positive | 5 | 3 |
| NS | Negativee (2) | Positive | Positive | 2 | 0 |
| Total | | | | 11 | 10 |
a NS (Non-susceptible) indicates elevated MIC to at least one of the carbapenems tested.
b RAPIDEC CARBA NP results shown for the Routine Incubation procedure. For the Short Incubation, there were 10 positive RAPIDEC results and 11 negative RAPIDEC results with the same isolates.
c Negative for carbapenemase KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, GIM, SPM, and OXA-48 like; negative for beta-lactamases TEM, SHV, VEB, PER, and GES
d Composite reference method is composed of three (i.e., carbapenem MIC, carbapenemase by PCR and CLSI Carba NP) results; a two-out-of-three approach is used to determine isolate positivity status
e ND (Not Determined)
b. Clinical specificity:
See comments in 3a above.
c. Other clinical supportive data (when a. and b. are not applicable):
Not Applicable
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not Applicable
{16}
5. Expected values/Reference range:
The Routine Subculture/Incubation procedure included 457 isolates. Of 457 isolates tested, 265 were positive for targeted carbapenemase enzymes and 192 were negative for carbapenemase enzymes. There were 449 isolates for the Short Incubation in which 261 were carbapenemases positive and 188 were negative for carbapenemases.
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.
17
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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.