K173505 · Foracare, Inc. · NBW · Aug 9, 2018 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K173505
Device Name
FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System
Applicant
Foracare, Inc.
Product Code
NBW · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Aug 9, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1345
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System is intended for use in the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood drawn from the finger. It is intended for in vitro diagnostic use by people with diabetes mellitus at home as an aid in monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes control program. It is not intended for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus, and is not intended for use on neonates. It is intended to be used by a single person and should not be shared.
Device Story
System measures glucose in fresh capillary whole blood via amperometric biosensor; gold electrode; glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) enzyme. User applies blood to test strip; meter measures electrical current generated by glucose reaction; calculates and displays glucose level. Used at home by patients with diabetes; single-person use. Provides quantitative results to aid monitoring of diabetes control programs. Features include TFT LCD, talking function, 3G data transmission, and rechargeable Li-Ion battery.
Clinical Evidence
User performance study conducted with 350 lay users testing their own fingertip capillary blood. Results compared against YSI 2300 laboratory reference method. Accuracy results: 94.9% (332/350) within ±10% and 100% (350/350) within ±20% of reference values. Bench testing included precision (CV 1.1-4.3%), linearity (R² > 0.998), interference testing, hematocrit (20-60%), and altitude (up to 10,742 ft) studies.
Technological Characteristics
Amperometric glucose biosensor; gold electrode; GDH enzyme. 0.5 µL blood volume; 5-second reaction time. Measurement range 20-600 mg/dL. 3G connectivity. Powered by 3.7V Li-Ion rechargeable battery. TFT LCD display. Software classified as moderate level of concern.
Indications for Use
Indicated for people with diabetes mellitus for quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood from the fingertip to monitor diabetes control. Not for neonates, critically ill patients, or patients with impaired peripheral circulation, severe dehydration, or shock. Not for diagnosis or screening of diabetes.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A glucose test system is a device intended to measure glucose quantitatively in blood and other body fluids. Glucose measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of carbohydrate metabolism disorders including diabetes mellitus, neonatal hypoglycemia, and idiopathic hypoglycemia, and of pancreatic islet cell carcinoma.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is solely intended for use as a drink to test glucose tolerance, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 862.9.
Predicate Devices
FORA GD43 Blood Glucose Monitoring System (k143467)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
1
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY ASSAY AND INSTRUMENT COMBINATION TEMPLATE
A. 510(k) Number:
K173505
B. Purpose for Submission:
New Device
C. Measurand:
Capillary whole blood glucose from the fingertip
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative amperometric assay (Glucose Dehydrogenase FAD)
E. Applicant:
ForaCare Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR 862.1345, Glucose test system
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
NBW, System Test, Blood Glucose, Over the Counter
4. Panel:
Clinical Chemistry (75)
{1}
H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
See indication(s) for use below
2. Indication(s) for use:
FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System
The FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System consists of the FORA GTel Test Strip and the FORA GTel Blood Glucose meter.
The FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System is intended for use in the quantitative measurement of glucose in fresh capillary whole blood drawn from the finger. It is intended for in vitro diagnostic use by people with diabetes mellitus at home as an aid in monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes control program. It is not intended for the diagnosis of or screening for diabetes mellitus, and is not intended for use on neonates. It is intended to be used by a single person and should not be shared.
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
- For in vitro diagnostic use (for use outside of the body only).
- For single-patient use only.
- This system should not be used for the diagnosis of, or screening for diabetes.
- This system is not for use on patients with abnormally low blood pressure.
- Inaccurate results may occur in severely hypotensive individuals or patients in shock. Inaccurate low results may occur for individuals experiencing a hypoglycemic hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis.
- This system should not be used on neonates or critically ill patients.
- This system should not be used on patients with impaired peripheral circulation, severe dehydration as a result of diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hyperglycemia, hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma or shock.
- Altitudes above 10,742 feet may cause inaccurate results.
- This device is not intended for use in healthcare or assisted-use settings such as hospitals, physician offices, or long-term care facilities because it has not been cleared by FDA for use in these settings, including for routine assisted testing or as part of glycemic control procedures. Use of this device on multiple patients may lead to transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), or other bloodborne pathogens.
4. Special instrument requirements:
FORA GTel Blood Glucose Meter
{2}
I. Device Description:
The FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System consists of the FORA GTel Blood Glucose Meter, Owner's Manual, Protective Wallet, Quick Start User Guide, Daily Log Book, Warranty Card and 1 x Li-ion rechargeable batteries. The FORA GTel Test Strips were previously cleared under k143467 as the FORA GD34 Test Strips and are for use with the FORA GTel Blood Glucose Meters to quantitatively measure glucose (sugar) in fresh capillary whole blood from the fingertip. The FORA GTel Test Strips need to be purchased separately. The control solutions to be used with the FORA GTel System are the FORA Control Solutions, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 and need to be purchased separately. The FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System includes a speaking feature that provides audible test results for diabetic users.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
FORA GD43 Blood Glucose Monitoring System
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
k143467
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Characteristic | Candidate Device
FORA GTel
Blood Glucose Monitoring
System | Predicate Device
FORA GD43
Blood Glucose Monitoring
System (k143467) |
| Intended Use | Intended for the quantitative measurement of glucose as an aid in monitoring the effectiveness of a diabetes control program. | Same |
| Methodology | Glucose Dehydrogenase | Same |
| Patient-Use | Single-patient use | Same |
| Intended Use Population | Over-the-counter | Same |
| Sample Type | Capillary whole blood samples drawn from fingertips | Same |
| Measurement range | 20-600 mg/dL | Same |
{3}
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Characteristic | Candidate Device
FORA GTel
Blood Glucose Monitoring System | Predicate Device
FORA GD43
Blood Glucose Monitoring System (k143467) |
| Alternative Sites | No | Yes, forearm, upper arm, or palm |
| Talking function | Yes | No |
| Data transmission | 3G | RS-232 4 Poles |
K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
CLSI EP05-A2 – Evaluation of Precision Performance of Quantitative Measurement Methods; Approved Guideline – Second Edition.
CLSI EP06-A – Evaluation of Linearity of Quantitative Measurement Methods: A Statistical Approach; Approved Guideline (2003)
CLSI EP07-A2 – Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry; Approved Guideline - Second Edition (2005)
IEC/EN 61010-1, Safety requirements for electrical equipment measurement, control, and laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements, Ed 3.0 (2010)
IEC 62304, Medical Device Software -Software Life Cycle Processes, Ed 1.1 (2015)
L. Test Principle:
The system measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in whole blood. The glucose testing is based on the measurement of electrical current generated by the reaction of glucose with the reagent of the strip. The meter measures the current, calculates the blood glucose level, and displays the result. The strength of the current produced by the reaction depends on the amount of glucose in the blood sample.
M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
1. Analytical performance:
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Within-run (Repeatability)
Within-run precision studies were performed using venous whole blood samples of 5 glucose levels (30-50, 51-110, 111-150, 151-250, 251-400 mg/dL). Samples were
{4}
tested ten times with each of three lots of test strips with 10 meters for a total of 300 tests per glucose concentration and a grand total of 1500 tests. Results are summarized below:
| Glucose Level (mg/dL) | Lot | Mean (mg/dL) | SD (mg/dL) | CV (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 30-50 | 1 | 48.1 | 1.3 | 2.7 |
| | 2 | 47.9 | 1.3 | 2.8 |
| | 3 | 48.2 | 1.3 | 2.7 |
| 51-110 | 1 | 101.3 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| | 2 | 104.8 | 1.9 | 1.8 |
| | 3 | 102.0 | 1.9 | 1.8 |
| 111-150 | 1 | 147.2 | 2.6 | 1.8 |
| | 2 | 151.5 | 2.0 | 1.3 |
| | 3 | 148.2 | 2.4 | 1.6 |
| 151-250 | 1 | 247.7 | 3.9 | 1.6 |
| | 2 | 250.5 | 4.0 | 1.6 |
| | 3 | 244.8 | 4.3 | 1.8 |
| 251-400 | 1 | 398.4 | 6.5 | 1.6 |
| | 2 | 399.2 | 6.4 | 1.6 |
| | 3 | 389.6 | 6.4 | 1.7 |
# Intermediate Precision
Intermediate (between run) precision was evaluated using five levels of glucose control solutions, 3 test strip lots, and 10 meters. Each control solution level was measured once a day for 10 days with each meter and test strip lot, for a total of 100 replicates per control solution level per test strip lot for a total of 300 replicate for each glucose control level. Results are summarized below:
| Control Solution Level (mg/dL) | Lot | Mean (mg/dL) | SD (mg/dL) | CV (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 30-50 | 1 | 49.8 | 2.02 | 4.1 |
| | 2 | 49.0 | 2.09 | 4.3 |
| | 3 | 48.8 | 1.98 | 4.1 |
| 51-110 | 1 | 96.0 | 2.28 | 2.4 |
| | 2 | 95.8 | 1.94 | 2.0 |
| | 3 | 96.0 | 1.80 | 1.9 |
| 111-150 | 1 | 135.8 | 2.07 | 1.5 |
| | 2 | 135.2 | 2.14 | 1.6 |
| | 3 | 134.8 | 2.32 | 1.7 |
| 151-250 | 1 | 225.8 | 2.77 | 1.2 |
| | 2 | 225.2 | 2.74 | 1.2 |
| | 3 | 224.6 | 2.39 | 1.1 |
| 251-400 | 1 | 315.4 | 3.70 | 1.2 |
{5}
| Control Solution Level (mg/dL) | Lot | Mean (mg/dL) | SD (mg/dL) | CV (%) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | 2 | 314.3 | 3.84 | 1.2 |
| | 3 | 316.5 | 4.24 | 1.3 |
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Linearity testing was performed using venous whole blood samples spiked to 11 target analyte levels (10, 26, 65, 99, 148, 160, 249, 354, 439, 552, and 621 mg/dL). Each sample was measured in replicates of 15 with 3 test strip lots and 5 meters and the values compared to a laboratory-based comparator method (YSI 2300 glucose analyzer).
The evaluation yielded the following regression equations for the three lots based on all samples:
Lot 1 $y = 1.0080x - 0.9462, R^2 = 0.9993$
Lot 2 $y = 1.0085x - 0.663, R^2 = 0.9992$
Lot 3 $y = 1.0064x - 0.6586, R^2 = 0.9986$
The results of the study support the sponsor's claimed glucose measuring range of 20-600 mg/dL. The meter displays "Low" with glucose values below 20 mg/dL, and "High" with glucose values over 600 mg/dL. The "Low" and "High" functions were validated and demonstrated to function as intended.
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
The FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System is traceable to the NIST SRM 917c glucose reference material.
Test Strip Stability
Test strip stability has been evaluated through accelerated and real-time open vial and closed vial studies. Protocols and acceptance criteria were reviewed and found to be acceptable. The manufacturer labeled claims for shelf life stability and open vial stability of 24 months when stored at 35.6- 86°F (2-30°C) and 10% to 90% relative humidity.
d. Detection limit:
The reportable range for the FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System is 20-600 mg/dL. See the linearity studies (section M.1.b.) above.
{6}
# e. Analytical specificity:
Potential interfering substances were evaluated at three glucose concentration intervals (61, 119, and $264\mathrm{mg / dL}$ ) by analyzing 39 potentially interfering exogenous and endogenous substances. Glucose values measured with the FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System in venous samples were spiked with a potentially interfering substance and results compared with values measured in control samples (without potentially interfering substance) on the FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System. The sponsor defined significant interference as bias greater than $\pm 10\%$ (versus control condition). The compounds at the concentrations listed below were the highest concentrations tested that did not demonstrate significant interference:
| Potential Interferent | Highest concentration tested at which no significant interference is observed (mg/dL) |
| --- | --- |
| Acetaminophen | 20 |
| Ascorbic Acid | 5 |
| Bilirubin (Conjugated) | 50 |
| Bilirubin (Unconjugated) | 40 |
| Cholesterol | 500 |
| Creatinine | 30 |
| Dopamine | 2.5 |
| Galactose | 1000 |
| Gentisic Acid | 5 |
| Glutathione Reduced | 30 |
| Hemoglobin | 14700 |
| Heparin (Na) | 790 U/dL |
| Ibuprofen | 55 |
| Icodextrin | 2000 |
| Isomalt | 1000 |
| Lactitol | 1000 |
| L-DOPA | 2.1 |
| Maltitol | 1000 |
| Maltose | 1000 |
| Mannitol | 5000 |
| Mannose | 200 |
| Methyldopa | 1.25 |
| Salicylate | 60 |
| Sodium | 460 |
| Sorbitol | 1000 |
{7}
| Potential Interferent | Highest concentration tested at which no significant interference is observed (mg/dL) |
| --- | --- |
| Tolbutamide | 100 |
| Xylitol | 1000 |
The sponsor has included the following in the labeling:
- Acetaminophen in your blood ≥ 20 mg/dL might affect the reliability of your blood glucose results. If you are taking Tylenol, your glucose results may not be reliable. If you are unsure, then ask your doctor.
- If you have a disease or condition that elevates your blood uric acid level (>10 mg/dL), such as gout, your blood glucose results may not be reliable. If you are unsure, then ask your healthcare professional.
- If you are taking high doses of Tolazamide (>20 mg/dL in your blood), then you should know that this drug might affect the reliability of your blood glucose results. If you are unsure, then ask your healthcare professional.
- Xylose: Do not test blood glucose during or soon after a xylose absorption test. Xylose in the blood can give falsely elevated results.
- Pralidoxime iodide level to > 5 mg/dL may affect the glucose results. If you are unsure, then ask your doctor.
f. Assay cut-off:
Not Applicable
2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Not applicable. See User Performance Studies below (section M.3.d) for demonstration of system accuracy in the hands of the intended user.
b. Matrix comparison:
Not Applicable
3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not Applicable
b. Clinical specificity:
{8}
Not Applicable
c. Other clinical supportive data (when a. and b. are not applicable):
User Performance Study:
To assess the performance of the FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System in the hands of lay users, the sponsor performed a study with 350 lay user participants who collected and tested their own fingertip capillary blood samples. Participants were from two private general medicine clinics and one outpatient research center specializing in diabetes and endocrinology. The glucose concentrations in the samples ranged from 52-390 mg/dL as measured by the laboratory reference method (YSI 2300). Results were analyzed by comparing blood glucose results obtained from the FORA GTel Blood meter by the lay user against the YSI 2300 laboratory reference value obtained by healthcare professionals. Results are summarized in the tables below:
| Within ± 5 % | Within ± 10 % | Within ± 15 % | Within ± 20 % |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 249/350 (71.1%) | 332/350 (94.9%) | 349/350 (99.7%) | 350/350 (100%) |
$$
y = 1.0101 x + 2.1204, R^2 = 0.9906
$$
During the lay user study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate the use of the device and the clarity of user manual. Overall the users indicated that they could successfully conduct the test.
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not Applicable
5. Expected values/Reference range:
Normal plasma glucose range for people without diabetes:
- Fasting and before meal: < 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)
- 2 hours after meals: < 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care In Diabetes – 2018 Jan; 41 (Supplement 1): S1-S2
N. Instrument Name:
FORA GTel Blood Glucose Meter
O. System Descriptions:
{9}
10
1. Modes of Operation:
Does the applicant’s device contain the ability to transmit data to a computer, webserver, or mobile device?
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
Does the applicant’s device transmit data to a computer, webserver, or mobile device using wireless transmission?
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
2. Software:
FDA has reviewed applicant’s Hazard Analysis and software development processes for this line of product types:
Yes ☐ X or No ☐
3. Specimen Identification:
There is no sample identification function with this device. Samples are applied directly to the test strip as they are collected.
4. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
The device is intended to be used with capillary whole blood from the fingertip. The whole blood is applied directly to the test strip, so there are no special sample storage or handling considerations.
5. Calibration:
Calibration is automatic. The user only needs to verify the code number displayed on the meter matches with the code number on the test strip vial before use.
6. Quality Control:
The FORA Control Solutions are used as quality control checks to make sure that the meter and test strips are working properly. The labeling provides instructions on when quality control testing is performed. Control solutions must be purchased separately from the system.
{10}
11
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
1. Sample Volume Study
The sponsor performed a study to evaluate the minimal sample volume requirement for the FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems using blood samples at volumes of 0.30 μL, 0.40 μL, 0.50 μL, 0.60 μL, 0.70 μL, and 0.80 μL. Five blood glucose meters were used in this assessment and three lots of test strips to evaluate venous blood altered to glucose concentrations of 60, 112 mg/dL, and 222 mg/dL. This testing supported the claimed minimum sample volume of 0.50 μL for this device and that the sample detection feature functioned as intended when the sample volume was <0.50 μL.
2. Altitude Study
To evaluate the effects of altitude, one test strip lot was tested with 4 meters using venous blood altered to glucose concentrations of 55, 106, 158, 257, 388, 476, and 592 mg/dL. The samples were tested at various levels of pO2 levels in a glove box to simulate equivalent altitudes from sea level to 15,000 feet above sea level. Results obtained were compared with those obtained with a laboratory-based comparator method (YSI 2300 analyzer). The results demonstrate acceptable bias relative to the comparator method to support the claim in the labeling that the meter can be used at altitudes up to 10,742 ft.
3. Hematocrit Study
The effect of different hematocrit levels was evaluated using venous whole blood. FORA GTel Blood Glucose Monitoring System was tested with venous blood altered to glucose concentration of 46.5, 102.5, 142.5, 233, and 372 mg/dL and thirteen hematocrit levels (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70%). Each sample was measured on ten meters for each of three test strip lots and in replicates of four for each of the three test strips with an established a laboratory-based comparator method (YSI 2300). Results of samples at each hematocrit level were compared to samples measured with an established a laboratory-based comparator method (YSI 2300) and support the claimed hematocrit range of 20-60%.
4. Test System Operating Conditions
Four FORA GTel meters were used to test venous whole blood samples with three lots of blood glucose test strips. Five test conditions were used in this study: 6 °C/ 10% RH, 6 °C/ 90% RH, 25 °C/ 60% RH, 47 °C/ 10% RH, 47 °C/ 90% RH. The protocol and acceptance criteria for this test were found to be acceptable. The results supported the sponsor's claimed operating conditions of 46.4 °F-113 °F (8 °C– 45 °C) and a relative humidity range of 10% to 90%.
{11}
12
5. Readability Assessment
The readability of the labeling (user manual and test strip insert) using Flesch-Kincaid’s analysis were found to be written not higher than 8th grade level.
6. EMC Testing
The sponsor provided documentation certifying that acceptable electromagnetic testing (EMC) has been performed and the System was found to be compliant.
7. Infection Control and Robustness Studies
The FORA GTel is intended for a single-patient only. Disinfection efficacy studies were performed on the materials comprising the meter by an outside commercial testing laboratory demonstrating complete inactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with the chosen disinfectant, MicroKill+ Disinfectant Wipes (EPA registration #598940-10-37549). Robustness studies were also performed by the sponsor demonstrating that there was no change in performance or external materials of the meter after 260 cleaning and disinfection cycles designed to simulate 5 years of single-patient use. The subject device labeling was reviewed for adequate instructions for the validated cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Q. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Part 809.10.
R. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.