K180131 · Kaz USA, Inc., A Helen of Troy Company · FLL · Aug 14, 2018 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K180131
Device Name
Vicks RapidRead Digital Thermometer
Applicant
Kaz USA, Inc., A Helen of Troy Company
Product Code
FLL · General Hospital
Decision Date
Aug 14, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.2910
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™ Digital Thermometer is a handheld, battery-powered, predictive, digital stick thermometer intended for the intermittent determination of human body temperature orally, rectally, or under the arm, in a home-use environment for people of all ages (infants, children, and adults). It is intended to be used with a single-use, disposable probe cover for all measurements.
Device Story
Handheld, battery-powered, predictive digital stick thermometer; uses NTC thermistor embedded in measurement tip. Operator selects measurement site (oral, axillary, rectal) via button; device measures resistance change as thermistor temperature changes. Predictive algorithm processes resistance data to calculate temperature; output displayed on LCD. Used in home environment by patients or caregivers. No clinical offset algorithm used. Provides rapid readings (2-8 seconds). Benefits include quick, accurate temperature monitoring for all ages.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective, multicenter, non-inferiority clinical study of 165 subjects (59 febrile, 74 male). Compared test device to Vicks V966 predicate and Welch Allyn SureTemp 690 reference. Primary endpoint: Clinical Bias (0.2°C vs -0.34°C). Secondary endpoints: Limits of Agreement and Clinical Repeatability (< ± 0.3°C). Results met endpoints with 95% confidence; no adverse events reported.
Indicated for intermittent determination of human body temperature in infants, children, and adults. Used orally, rectally, or axillary in home-use environments. Requires single-use disposable probe covers.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A clinical electronic thermometer is a device used to measure the body temperature of a patient by means of a transducer coupled with an electronic signal amplification, conditioning, and display unit. The transducer may be in a detachable probe with or without a disposable cover.
Special Controls
(1) Device is not a clinical thermometer with telethermographic functions;
(2) Device is not a clinical thermometer with continuous temperature measurement functions; and
(3) Appropriate analysis and testing (such as that outlined in the currently FDA-recognized editions, as appropriate, of ISO 80601-2-56, “Medical electrical equipment—Part 2-56: Particular requirements for basic safety and essential performance of clinical thermometers for body temperature measurement,” or ASTM E1965, “Standard Specification for Infrared Thermometers for Intermittent Determination of Patient Temperature,” or ASTM E1112, “Standard Specification for Electronic Thermometer for Intermittent Determination of Patient Temperature,” or ASTM E1104, “Standard Specification for Clinical Thermometer Probe Covers and Sheaths”) must validate specifications and performance of the device.
Predicate Devices
V966 Vicks® ComfortFlex® Digital Thermometer (Microlife Instant Digital Thermometer, Model MT18L1) (K043110)
Welch Allyn SureTemp® Plus 690 Thermometer (K030580)
FDA cleared, single-use, disposable probe covers (K102508)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA logo is composed of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA acronym along with the full name of the agency on the right. The Department of Health & Human Services logo features a stylized depiction of a human figure, while the FDA part includes the acronym "FDA" in a blue square and the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
August 14, 2018
Kaz USA, Inc., A Helen of Troy Company Matt Baun Associate Director of Clinical & Regulatory Affairs 400 Donald Lynch Boulevard, Suite 300 Marlborough, MA 01752
Re: K180131
Trade/Device Name: Vicks RapidRead Digital Thermometer Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.2910 Regulation Name: Clinical Electronic Thermometer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FLL Dated: July 9, 2018 Received: July 9, 2018
Dear Matt Baun:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part
{1}------------------------------------------------
801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.htm); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4. Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
Geeta K. Pamidimukkala -S
for Tina Kiang, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control, and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K180131
Device Name
Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™ Digital Thermometer
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™ Digital Thermometer is a handheld, battery-powered, predictive, digital stick thermometer intended for the intermittent determination of human body temperature orally, or under the arm, in a home-use environment for people of all ages (infants, children, and adults). It is intended to be used with a single-use, disposable probe cover for all measurements.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| <input type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 201 Subpart D) |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <input checked="" type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 201 Subpart G) |
_ | Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
|X Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
#### 510(k) Summary Section 5: K180131
#### SUBMITTER l.
KAZ USA, Inc., A Helen of Troy Company 400 Donald Lynch Blvd.. Suite 300 Marlborough. MA 01752 Phone: (508) 490-7240 Fax: (508) 251-1048 Contact Person: Matt J. Baun, Associate Director of Clinical & Regulatory Affairs Date Prepared: 8-November-2017
#### DEVICE =
Name of Device: Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™ Digital Thermometer Common or Usual Name: Axillary / Oral / Rectal, Predictive Digital Thermometer Classification Name: Thermometer, Clinical, Electronic (21CFR 880.2910) Regulatory Class: II Product Code: FLL
#### III. PREDICATE DEVICE(S)
- o V966 Vicks® ComfortFlex® Digital Thermometer (Microlife Instant Digital Thermometer, Model MT18L1) - 510(k) # K043110
- Vicks® VDT985 SmartTemp™ Wireless Thermometer 510(k) # K152975 ●
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION IV.
The Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™ Digital Thermometer is a predictive, thermistor-based, stick thermometer capable of measuring oral, axillary, or rectal temperature in 2 to 8 seconds. It is equipped with a site selection button that requires the operator to select the desired measurement site before taking a temperature. For each measurement, it must be used with a commercially-available, single-use, disposable probe cover.
The Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™ Digital Thermometer is a contact thermometer, using a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor embedded in a measurement tip that is in contact with the measurement site. As the thermistor changes temperature, the resistance of the thermistor also changes. This change in resistance is measured by the thermometer and converted to a measurement of the temperature of the tip of the thermometer. This temperature, following the use of the predictive algorithm, is then displayed to the end user.
The Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™ Digital Thermometer does not use a clinical offset algorithm. clinical offset algorithms are typically used to perform a measurement on one physiological site (i.e. the forehead. temple, or ear) and represent what the equivalent measurement would be at a different physiological site (i.e. oral), had the measurement been performed at that site instead. Typically, these formulas account for ambient temperature, at a minimum, in calculating the appropriate offset. Because the Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™ Digital Thermometer displays the measurement for the physiological site at which it is used, it does not need to convert this temperature via the use of a clinical offset.
#### V. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™ Digital Thermometer is a handheld, battery-powered, predictive, digital stick thermometer intended for the intermittent determination of human body temperature orally, rectally, or under the arm, in a home-use environment for people of all ages (infants, children, and adults). It is intended to be used with a single-use, disposable probe cover for all measurements.
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE(S) VI.
| Substantial Equivalence Comparison Table - Vicks® V966 ComfortFlex® Digital Thermometer | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|
| | | |
| Element of<br>Comparison | Test Device: Vicks® VDT972<br>RapidRead™ Digital<br>Thermometer | Predicate Device: Vicks® V966<br>ComfortFlex® Digital<br>Thermometer | Comparison |
|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Manufacturer<br>(Legal) | Kaz USA, Inc., a Helen of Troy<br>Company | Kaz USA, Inc., a Helen of Troy<br>Company | |
| Contract<br>Manufacturer | Microlife Corporation | Microlife Corporation | |
| Thermometer<br>Type | Axillary / Oral / Rectal, Predictive<br>Digital Thermometer | Axillary / Oral / Rectal, Predictive<br>Digital Thermometer | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Models | Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™<br>Digital Thermometer | V966 Vicks® ComfortFlex® Digital<br>Thermometer (Microlife Instant<br>Digital Thermometer, Model<br>MT18L1) | |
| 510(k) Number | K180131 | K043110 | |
| Intended Use | The Vicks® VDT972 RapidRead™<br>Digital Thermometer is a handheld,<br>battery-powered, predictive, digital<br>stick thermometer intended for the<br>intermittent determination of human<br>body temperature orally, rectally, or<br>under the arm, in a home-use<br>environment for people of all ages<br>(infants, children, and adults). It is<br>intended to be used with a single-<br>use, disposable probe cover for all<br>measurements. | V966 Vicks® ComfortFlex® Digital<br>Thermometer (Microlife Instant<br>Digital Thermometer, Model<br>MT18L1) is used for the intermittent<br>measurement and monitoring of<br>human body temperature, orally,<br>rectally and under the arm. The<br>device is for the adult & pediatric<br>population. | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| User Population | Infants, children, and adults | Adult and pediatric | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Labeling | Instructions for use, package / box,<br>and rating label | Instructions for use, package / box,<br>and rating label | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Components | On / Off Button, Site Selection<br>Button, sensor head, protective<br>cover, microcontroller, & LCD | On / Off Button, sensor head,<br>protective cover, microcontroller, &<br>LCD | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Sensor | Thermistor | Thermistor | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Principles of<br>Operation | The thermometer uses a negative<br>temperature coefficient thermistor<br>embedded in a measurement tip that<br>is in contact with the measurement<br>site. As the thermistor changes<br>temperature, the resistance of the<br>thermistor also changes, which is<br>measured by the thermometer and<br>converted to a measurement of the<br>temperature of the tip of the<br>thermometer. This temperature,<br>following the use of the predictive<br>algorithm, is then displayed to the end<br>user. Because the thermometer<br>displays the measurement for the<br>physiological site at which it is used, it<br>does not need to convert this<br>temperature via clinical offset. | The thermometer uses a negative<br>temperature coefficient thermistor<br>embedded in a measurement tip that<br>is in contact with the measurement<br>site. As the thermistor changes<br>temperature, the resistance of the<br>thermistor also changes, which is<br>measured by the thermometer and<br>converted to a measurement of the<br>temperature of the tip of the<br>thermometer. This temperature,<br>following the use of the predictive<br>algorithm, is then displayed to the end<br>user. Because the thermometer<br>displays the measurement for the<br>physiological site at which it is used, it<br>does not need to convert this<br>temperature via clinical offset. | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Measurement<br>Range | 34.0°C to 43.0°C<br>(93.2°F to 109.4°F) | 32.0°C to 42.9°C<br>(89.6°F to 109.2°F) | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Element of<br>Comparison | Test Device: Vicks® VDT972<br>RapidRead™ Digital<br>Thermometer | Predicate Device: Vicks® V966<br>ComfortFlex® Digital<br>Thermometer | Comparison |
| Accuracy | ± 0.1°C / 0.2°F within<br>measurement range<br>(34.0°C to 43.0°C /<br>93.2°F to 109.4°F) at room<br>temperature of 71°F | ± 0.1°C / 0.2°F within<br>measurement range<br>(35.6°C to 41.7°C /<br>(96.0°F to 107.0°F) at room<br>temperature of 71°F | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Resolution of<br>Display | 0.1°C / 0.1°F | 0.1°C / 0.1°F | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Response Time | 2 to 8 seconds | 8 to 15 seconds | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| MCU | The Sonix SN8F5907 is an 8-bit<br>architecture microcontroller which is<br>compatible with MCS-51 instruction<br>set. It includes an enhanced 8051<br>microcontroller, up to 32 MHz<br>flexible CPU frequency, hardware<br>multiplication / division Unit, 256<br>bytes internal RAM (IRAM), 2 KB<br>external RAM (XRAM), 64 KB non-<br>volatile flash memory (IROM), in-<br>system program support, 10 interrupt<br>sources with priority control, 2<br>external interrupts: INT0, INT1, 3 set<br>16-bit timer/counter with auto reload,<br>PWM output function, 1 set 8-bit<br>base timer for RTC, 1 set buzzer<br>function output pin, one comparator<br>for low battery detect 2.2V~3.6V<br>(0.2V/step), 1 set charge pump<br>regulator (AVDDR and ACM), 1 set<br>programmable gain instrument<br>amplifier (Gain:1x~128x), 24-bit<br>Delta Sigma ADC with 9 external<br>channels and 4 internal channels, 1<br>set operational amplifier, C-type LCD<br>driver up to 252 dot (4x44 or 6x42<br>dots), programmable watchdog and<br>software reset, SPI, UART, I2C<br>interface with SMBus support, on-<br>chip debug support (single-wire<br>debug interface), wide supply<br>voltage (1.8V to 5.5V), wide working<br>temperature (-40°C to 85°C). | The Holtek HT47C20 is an 8-bit<br>high performance RISC-like<br>microcontroller. It includes a<br>2.4V~3.6V operating voltage, eight<br>bidirectional I/O lines, four input<br>lines, one interrupt input, one 16-bit<br>programmable timer / event counter<br>with PFD (programmable frequency<br>divider) function, on-chip crystal and<br>RC oscillator for system clock, one<br>32.768kHz crystal oscillator for real<br>time clock, Watchdog Timer, 2K16<br>program memory ROM, 648 data<br>memory RAM, one Real Time Clock<br>(RTC), one 8-bit prescaler for RTC,<br>one buzzer output, HALT function<br>and wake-up feature to reduce<br>power consumption, LCD bias C<br>type, one LCD driver with 203 or<br>194 segments, one 38kHz or 40kHz<br>IR carrier output (455kHz or 480kHz<br>system clock only), two channels<br>RC type A/D converter, four-level<br>subroutine nesting, bit manipulation<br>instruction, 16-bit table read<br>instruction, up to 8.3s instruction<br>cycle with 480kHz system clock, all<br>instructions in one or two machine<br>cycles, 63 powerful instructions, 64-<br>pin QFP package G | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Signal Output and<br>Display | LCD, Buzzer | LCD, Buzzer | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Operating<br>Environment | 15.0°C to 40.0°C /<br>59.0°F to 104.0°F;<br>≤ 95% Relative Humidity | 10°C to 40°C /<br>50°F to 104°F;<br>15-95% Relative Humidity | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Storage<br>Environment | -25.0°C to 60.0°C /<br>-13.0°F to 140.0°F;<br>≤ 95% Relative Humidity | -25.0°C to 60.0°C /<br>-13.0°F to 140.0°F;<br>15-95% Relative Humidity | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Power Supply | One (1), 3V, CR2032 battery | One (1), 3V, CR1225 battery | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Battery Life | More than 400 measurements or<br>approximately 2 years if used<br>every other day. | More than 300 measurements or<br>approximately 2 years if used every<br>other day. | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Element of<br>Comparison | Test Device: Vicks® VDT972<br>RapidRead™ Digital<br>Thermometer | Predicate Device: Vicks® V966<br>ComfortFlex® Digital<br>Thermometer | Comparison |
| Materials | User contacting materials include<br>ABS (sensor head, battery door<br>and On / Off Button), TPR (probe<br>and Site Selection Button), PMMA<br>(LCD lens and protective cover),<br>and stainless steel (sensor tip) | User contacting materials include<br>ABS (sensor head and battery<br>door), TPR (probe, LCD lens<br>casing, On / Off Button, and sensor<br>head seam strip), PMMA (LCD<br>lens and protective cover), and<br>stainless steel (sensor tip) | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Performance | Meets ASTM E1112-00:2011 and<br>ISO 80601-2-56:2017 | Meets ASTM E1112 | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Biocompatibility | Meets ISO 10993-1:2009, 10993-<br>5:2009, 10993-10:2010, and FDA<br>Guidance Document, "Use of<br>International Standard ISO 10993-<br>1" – June 16, 2016 | Meets ISO 10993-1, 10993-5, and<br>10993-10, and FDA Bluebook<br>memo G95-1 | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Safety | Meets EN 60601-1:2014 | Meets IEC 60601-1 | Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| EMC | Meets IEC 60601-1-2:2014…
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.