The hemochroma PLUS System is for the quantitative determination of hemoglobin concentration in non-anticoagulated capillary (finger-stick) whole blood or venous whole blood (K₂-EDTA, K₃-EDTA, sodium citrate, lithium heparin, or sodium heparin). The testing system is designed for point-of-care settings, hospitals, and medical lab facilities. Estimation of hematocrit, as a function, is only for normal hemoglobin values, 12.0 to 18.0 g/dL (120 to 180 g/dL) and in patients ≥ 6 months old. The hemochroma PLUS Controls are intended for use as quality control material to assure the validity and performance of the hemochroma PLUS system in measuring the human hemoglobin concentration. The hemochroma PLUS Microcuvettes are only used with hemochroma PLUS Analyzer. The hemochroma PLUS System is for in vitro diagnostic only. The hemochroma PLUS Analyzer calculates the test result automatically and displays hemoglobin concentration in terms of g/dL.
Device Story
Hand-held, battery-powered analyzer for point-of-care hemoglobin measurement; uses 15uL whole blood samples collected via finger-stick or venipuncture. Samples applied to single-use microcuvettes; analyzer uses dual-wavelength (530/850 nm) spectrophotometry to measure light absorption. ID chip provides lot-specific calibration data. Results displayed on LCD in 3 seconds. Used by clinicians/technicians to assess hemoglobin levels; aids in clinical decision-making regarding anemia or blood status. System includes analyzer, microcuvettes, ID chip, optical check cuvette, and controls.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical data provided. Performance characteristics, including precision, linearity, and method comparison to the predicate, were established in K163465 and remain unchanged.
Technological Characteristics
Dual-wavelength (530 nm and 850 nm) LED spectrophotometer. Hand-held, battery-powered form factor. Uses single-use microcuvettes (15 μL capacity) with fixed optical path. Includes ID chip for lot-specific calibration. Standalone operation; no wireless connectivity. Software performs automated calculation of hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit estimation.
Indications for Use
Indicated for quantitative determination of hemoglobin in capillary or venous whole blood in patients ≥ 6 months old. Hematocrit estimation indicated only for normal hemoglobin values (12.0–18.0 g/dL). For prescription use only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An automated hemoglobin system is a fully automated or semi-automated device which may or may not be part of a larger system. The generic type of device consists of the reagents, calibrators, controls, and instrumentation used to determine the hemoglobin content of human blood.
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# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY
A. 510(k) Number:
K182298
B. Purpose for Submission:
Expansion of target patient population – addition of pediatric claim
C. Measurand:
Hemoglobin
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative determination of hemoglobin
E. Applicant:
Immunostics, Inc.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
hemochroma PLUS System
hemochroma PLUS Controls
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
21 CFR 864.5620, Automated hemoglobin system
21 CFR 864.8625, Hematology quality control mixture
2. Classification:
Class II
3. Product code:
GKR, System, hemoglobin, automated
GGM, Control, hemoglobin
4. Panel:
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Hematology (81)
## H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
The hemochroma PLUS System is for the quantitative determination of hemoglobin concentration in non-anticoagulated capillary (finger-stick) whole blood or venous whole blood (K₂-EDTA, K₃-EDTA, sodium citrate, lithium heparin, or sodium heparin). The testing system is designed for point-of-care settings, hospitals, and medical lab facilities.
Estimation of hematocrit, as a function, is only for normal hemoglobin values, 12.0 to 18.0 g/dL (120 to 180 g/dL) and in patients ≥ 6 months old.
The hemochroma PLUS Controls are intended for use as quality control material to assure the validity and performance of the hemochroma PLUS system in measuring the human hemoglobin concentration.
The hemochroma PLUS Microcuvettes are only used with hemochroma PLUS Analyzer. The hemochroma PLUS System is for in vitro diagnostic only.
The hemochroma PLUS Analyzer calculates the test result automatically and displays hemoglobin concentration in terms of g/dL.
2. Indication(s) for use:
Same as intended use
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For prescription use only
4. Special instrument requirements:
hemochroma Plus Analyzer
## I. Device Description:
The hemochroma PLUS System consists of a hemochroma PLUS Analyzer, single-use hemochroma PLUS Microcuvettes, hemochroma PLUS ID Chip, optical System Check Microcuvette and hemochroma PLUS Controls.
1. hemochroma PLUS Analyzer
The hemochroma PLUS Analyzer is a battery powered, hand-held device used to
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measure total hemoglobin concentration in human whole blood. Whole blood may be collected by fingerstick (capillary) or venipuncture and analyzed without pre-processing. The hemochroma PLUS Analyzer uses hemochroma PLUS Microcuvettes with dual ports where the user applies samples either through capillary action or direct volume pipetting. The hemochroma PLUS Analyzer determines hemoglobin concentration in whole blood samples using a dual wavelength photo-absorption method and measures the degree of light absorption with a spectrophotometer. The optical distance between the hemochroma PLUS Microcuvette walls is fixed and permits photometric determination of hemoglobin in undiluted blood samples. The computed end result is displayed on a LCD display and can be printed on an external printer (optional).
2. hemochroma PLUS Microcuvette
The hemochroma PLUS Microcuvettes are specially designed for use with the hemochroma PLUS Analyzer. The microcuvettes function as measuring devices specifically holding 15 μL of blood and are inserted into the hemochroma PLUS Analyzer by placing it into the cuvette holder. The optical distance between the hemochroma PLUS Microcuvette walls is fixed and by measuring the degree of light absorption permits photometric determination of the hemoglobin in undiluted blood samples.
3. hemochroma PLUS ID Chip
The hemochroma PLUS ID chip contains encoded memory with the calibration data/information of the Microcuvette lot. With the ID chip inserted in the designated port, the hemochroma PLUS Analyzer reads and utilizes the calibration data regarding the lot under consideration and applies appropriate correction to the conversion formula while computing the test result.
4. hemochroma PLUS Optical System Check Microcuvette
hemochroma PLUS Optical System Check Microcuvette is designed for use with the hemochroma PLUS Analyzer only. The Optical System Check Microcuvette is a special glass filter used to measure the degree of light absorption with the spectrophotometric method. If the result is between 11.7–12.3 g/dL, the optic system is working properly according to specification.
5. hemochroma PLUS Controls
The hemochroma PLUS Controls: Level 1 (Low), Level 2 (Middle), and Level 3 (High), are external quality controls designed for use with hemochroma PLUS Analyzer only.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
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HemoCue Hb 301 System
2. Predicate 510(k) number(s):
K061047
3. Comparison with predicate:
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device
Hemochroma PLUS System
K182298 | Predicate
HemoCue Hb 301 System
K061047 |
| Intended Use/ Indications for Use | The hemochroma PLUS System is for the quantitative determination of hemoglobin concentration in non-anticoagulated capillary (finger-stick) whole blood or venous whole blood (K_{2}-EDTA, K_{3}-EDTA, sodium citrate, lithium heparin, or sodium heparin). The testing system is designed for point-of-care settings, hospitals, and medical lab facilities.
Estimation of hematocrit, as a function, is only for normal hemoglobin values, 12.0 to 18.0 g/dL (120 to 180 g/dL) and in patients ≥ 6 months old.
The hemochroma PLUS Controls are intended for use as quality control material to assure the validity and performance of the hemochroma PLUS system in measuring the human hemoglobin concentration.
The hemochroma PLUS Microcuvettes are only used with hemochroma PLUS Analyzer. The hemochroma PLUS System is for in vitro diagnostic only.
The hemochroma PLUS | The HemoCue Hb 301 System is designed for quantitative point-of-care whole blood hemoglobin determination in primary care using a specially designed analyzer, the HemoCue Hb 301 Analyzer, and specially designed microcuvettes, the HemoCue Hb 301 Microcuvettes. The HemoCue Hb 301 system is for in vitro diagnostic use only.
The HemoCue Hb 301 Analyzer is only to be used with HemoCue Hb 301 Microcuvettes. |
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| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device hemochroma PLUS System K182298 | Predicate HemoCue Hb 301 System K061047 |
| | Analyzer calculates the test result automatically and displays hemoglobin concentration in terms of g/dL. | |
| Parameter(s) | Hemoglobin (Hgb) | Same |
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device hemochroma PLUS System K182298 | Predicate HemoCue Hb 301 System K061047 |
| Test Principle | Dual wavelengths for Hgb measurement and reference absorption. | Dual wavelengths for Hgb measurement and turbidity compensation. |
| Wavelength | Dual wavelengths 530 and 850 nm | Dual wavelengths 506 and 880 nm |
| Measuring Range | 5.0–25.6 g/dL | 0–25.6 g/dL |
| Sample Type | Capillary and venous whole blood | Capillary, venous, and arterial whole blood |
| Sample Volume | 15μL | 10μL |
| Test time | 3 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Parameter(s) | Estimation of hematocrit (HCT) | No estimation of HCT |
# K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
CLSI EP28-A3C: Defining, Establishing, and Verifying Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory; Approved Guideline – Third Edition
# L. Test Principle:
The hemochroma PLUS Analyzer utilizes a dual wavelength LED light source by which the hemoglobin absorbance is detected and converted into an electrical signal. The signal is directly proportional to the amount of hemoglobin present in the sample. The concentration of hemoglobin is calculated based on a pre-programmed calibration. The hemochroma PLUS Microcuvette is specifically designed for the hemochroma PLUS Analyzer. Approximately $15\mu \mathrm{L}$ of capillary or venous blood is taken up by capillary action using the tip of the hemochroma PLUS Microcuvette or by direct volume pipetting of the sample. The blood filled Microcuvette is inserted onto the microcuvette holder, and the hemochroma PLUS Analyzer measures the degree of light absorption with a spectrophotometer. The absorbance of the light from the hemochroma PLUS Microcuvette is converted into an electrical signal. The optical distance between the hemochroma PLUS Microcuvette walls is fixed and permits
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photometric determination of the hemoglobin in undiluted blood samples.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### 1. Analytical performance:
In premarket notification K163465 the following studies were performed for the hemochroma PLUS System: method comparison to the HemoCue Hb 301 System, precision/reproducibility, linearity, detection limit, stability, and interference studies. The established performance and technological characteristics cleared in K163465 remain unchanged; therefore, additional performance studies were not required to support substantial equivalence in this premarket notification.
a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Refer to K163465
b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Refer to K163465
c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
Refer to K163465
d. Detection limit:
Refer to K163465
e. Analytical specificity:
Refer to K163465
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable
### 2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
Refer to K163465
b. Matrix comparison:
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Refer to K163465
3. Clinical studies:
a. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not applicable
b. Clinical specificity:
Not applicable
c. Other clinical supportive data (when a. and b. are not applicable):
4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable
5. Expected values/Reference range:
Adult references ranges were based on existing medically accepted published reference ranges¹.
| Group | Cited Reference Range |
| --- | --- |
| Adult Male | 14.0 – 18.0 g/dL |
| Adult Female | 12.0 – 16.0 g/dL |
Pediatric reference ranges were based on existing medically accepted published references ranges².
| Group | Cited Reference Range |
| --- | --- |
| 2–6 months | 9.5 – 13.5 g/dL |
| 7 months – 2 years | 10.5 – 14.0 g/dL |
| 3–6 years | 11.5 – 14.5 g/dL |
| 7–12 years | 11.5 – 15.5 g/dL |
| 13–18 years male | 13.0 – 16.0 g/dL |
| 13–18 years female | 12.0 – 16.0 g/dL |
N. Instrument Name:
¹ Billett, H.H. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. Boston: Butterworths, 3rd Edition, 1990: Chapter 51.
² Andropoulos, D.B., and Gregory, G.A. Gregory’s Pediatric Anesthesia. Wiley-Blackwell, 5th Edition, 2012: Appendix B.
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hemochroma PLUS Analyzer
O. System Descriptions:
1. Modes of Operation:
Does the applicant’s device contain the ability to transmit data to a computer, webserver, or mobile device?
Yes _______ or No ☐ X
Does the applicant’s device transmit data to a computer, webserver, or mobile device using wireless transmission?
Yes _______ or No ☐ X
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 for the hemochroma PLUS Analyzer. Samples are applied directly to the microcuvettes as they are collected. The end user must develop a manual system to identify patients that are tested with the hemochroma PLUS Analyzer.
4. Specimen Sampling and Handling:
Capillary or venous whole blood is directly applied from the finger or blood tube (using a disposable pipette) to the Microcuvette. Wipe off excess blood from the surface of the microcuvette using a piece of soft gauze. The blood-filled Microcuvette is then inserted into the hemochroma PLUS Analyzer.
5. Calibration:
The hemochroma PLUS ID chip contains encoded memory with the calibration data/information of the Microcuvette lot. With the ID chip inserted in the designated port, the hemochroma PLUS Analyzer reads and utilizes the calibration data regarding the lot under consideration and applies appropriate correction to the conversion formula while computing the test result.
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6. Quality Control:
The hemochroma PLUS Controls (low, middle, and high hemoglobin) are intended for use as quality control material to assure the validity and performance of the hemochroma PLUS System in measuring the human hemoglobin concentration. The hemochroma PLUS Controls should be assayed according to the manufacturer's instructions and following the local and state guidelines. If controls do not perform as expected, the test results should not be used.
The hemochroma PLUS Optical System Check is used to assure the performance of the Optic System of the hemochroma PLUS. The Optical System Check Microcuvette is a special glass filter used to measure the degree of light absorption with the spectrophotometric method. If the result is between 11.7–12.3 g/dL, the optic system is working properly according to specification.
P. Other Supportive Instrument Performance Characteristics Data Not Covered In The "Performance Characteristics" Section above:
Not applicable
Q. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling is sufficient and it satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR Parts 801 and 809, as applicable.
R. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
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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.
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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.
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Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.