The MTS™ (MIC Test Strip) Ciprofloxacin 0.002-32 µg/mL is a quantitative method intended for the in vitro determination of antimicrobial susceptbility of bacteria. MTS™ consists of specialized paper impremated with a pre-defined concentration eradient of an antimicrobial agent, which is used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MC) in ug/mL of antimicrobial agents as tested on agar media using overnight incubation and manual reading procedures. MTS™ Ciprofloxacin at concentrations of 0.002 - 32 ug/mL should be interpreted at 16-20 hours of incubation. MTS™ Ciprofloxacin can be used to determine the MIC of ciprofloxacin against the following bacteria. Ciprofloxacin has been shown to be active both clinically and in vitro against these bacterial species according to the FDA drug approved abel: Gram-negative bacteria Citrobacter freundii Citrobacter koseri Enterobacter cloacae Escherichia coli Morganella morganii Klebsiella pneumoniae Proteus mirabilis Proteus vulgaris Providencia rettgeri Providencia stuartii Pseudomonas aeruginosa Serratia marcescens
Device Story
MTS™ (MIC Test Strip) is a quantitative in vitro diagnostic device for determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Ciprofloxacin. Device consists of specialized paper strip impregnated with a predefined concentration gradient of Ciprofloxacin. Used in clinical microbiology laboratories; performed by trained laboratory personnel. Strip is applied to inoculated agar media; incubated for 16-20 hours. MIC is determined by manual visual inspection of the inhibition ellipse intersection with the strip. Results assist clinicians in selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapy for bacterial infections. Benefits include precise susceptibility quantification to guide targeted antibiotic treatment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is supported by bench testing, including performance comparisons against reference broth microdilution methods to establish essential agreement and categorical agreement for the specified bacterial species.
Technological Characteristics
Specialized paper strip impregnated with ciprofloxacin gradient (0.002-32 µg/mL). Manual reading method. Requires Mueller Hinton agar. Incubation at 35±2°C for 16-20 hours. Standalone, non-electronic, manual diagnostic device.
Indications for Use
Indicated for in vitro determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of specific Gram-negative bacteria (Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter cloacae, E. coli, Morganella morganii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus spp., Providencia spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens) to Ciprofloxacin. For prescription use only.
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
A. 510(k) Number:
K183527
B. Purpose for Submission:
To obtain a substantial equivalence determination for the Liofilchem MIC Test Strip (MTS) containing Ciprofloxacin (CIP) at concentrations of 0.002-32 µg/mL for susceptibility testing of non-fastidious Gram-negative organisms
C. Measurand:
Ciprofloxacin 0.002-32 µg/mL
D. Type of Test:
Quantitative Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test growth-based detection
E. Applicant:
Liofilchem s.r.l.
F. Proprietary and Established Names:
MTS Ciprofloxacin 0.002-32 µg/mL
G. Regulatory Information:
1. Regulation section:
866.1640 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Powder
2. Classification:
II
3. Product code:
JWY - Manual Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Systems
4. Panel:
83 – Microbiology (83)
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H. Intended Use:
1. Intended use(s):
The MTS (MIC Test Strip) Ciprofloxacin 0.002-32 µg/mL is a quantitative method intended for the in vitro determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria. MTS consists of specialized paper impregnated with a pre-defined concentration gradient of an antimicrobial agent, which is used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in µg/mL of antimicrobial agents against bacteria as tested on agar media using overnight incubation and manual reading procedures.
The MTS Ciprofloxacin at concentrations of 0.002-32 µg/mL should be interpreted at 16-20 hours of incubation.
MTS Ciprofloxacin can be used to determine the MIC of ciprofloxacin against the following bacteria.
Ciprofloxacin has been shown to be active both clinically and in vitro against these bacterial species according to the FDA drug approved label:
- Gram-negative bacteria
- Citrobacter freundii
- Citrobacter koseri
- Enterobacter cloacae
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Morganella morganii
- Proteus mirabilis
- Proteus vulgaris
- Providencia rettgeri
- Providencia stuartii
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Serratia marcescens
2. Indication(s) for use:
Same as Intended Use
3. Special conditions for use statement(s):
For prescription use
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The following limitations are included in the labeling:
- The ability of the MTS to detect resistant isolates with the following drug/bacterial species combinations is unknown because resistant isolates were either not available or an insufficient number was encountered at the time of comparative testing.
Ciprofloxacin: C. koseri, P. vulgaris, P. rettgeri, S. marcescens
- Characterization of Topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase quinolone-resistance determining regions (QRDRs) and altered efflux resistance mechanisms was not available for organisms at the time of comparative testing, and therefore the performance of MTS Ciprofloxacin for non-fastidious Gram-negative bacilli with these resistance mechanisms is unknown for the following: Enterobacteriaceae, P. aeruginosa.
4. Special instrument requirements:
Manual reading only
I. Device Description:
The MIC Test Strip (MTS) Ciprofloxacin consists of specialized paper impregnated with a predefined concentration gradient of ciprofloxacin across 15 two-fold dilutions similar to dilutions used by conventional MIC methods. One side of the strip is labeled with the ciprofloxacin code (CIP) and the MIC reading scale in $\mu \mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mL}$. When the MTS is applied onto an inoculated agar surface, the preformed exponential gradient of antimicrobial agent is immediately transferred to the agar matrix. After 16-20 hours incubation, a symmetrical inhibition ellipse centered along the strip is formed. The MIC is read directly from the scale in terms of $\mu \mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mL}$ at the point where the edge of the inhibition ellipse intersects the MTS. Since MTS generates MIC values which fall between two-fold dilutions for interpretation, the MIC value read is recorded to the next two-fold dilution value.
J. Substantial Equivalence Information:
1. Predicate device name(s):
Liofilchem MTS, vancomycin
2. Predicate $510(\mathbf{k})$ number(s):
K153687
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# 3. Comparison with predicate:
Table 1: Comparison with the Predicate Device
| Similarities | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device Liofilchem MTS, Ciprofloxacin (K183527) | Predicate Liofilchem MTS, Vancomycin (K153687) |
| Media | Mueller Hinton agar | Same |
| Inoculation | Isolated colonies from culture in suspension equivalent to 0.5 McFarland. Inoculum is applied to agar with swab manually or with rotation plate. | Same |
| Reading | Manual; interpret the MIC as 100% inhibition | Same |
| Result | MIC in μg/mL | Same |
| Differences | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Item | Device Liofilchem MTS, Ciprofloxacin (K183527) | Predicate Liofilchem MTS, Vancomycin (K153687) |
| Intended Use | Quantitative susceptibility to antimicrobial agents against Gram-negative organisms | Quantitative susceptibility to antimicrobial agents against Gram-positive organisms |
| Antibiotic | Ciprofloxacin code (CIP) | Vancomycin code (VA) |
| Incubation | 35 ± 2°C for 16 – 20 hours | 35 ± 2°C for 24 hours |
# K. Standard/Guidance Document Referenced (if applicable):
Guidance for Industry and FDA - Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) Systems - August 28, 2009.
- CLSI M07-A10 "Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria That Grow Aerobically; Approved Standard, Tenth Edition January 2015".
- CLSI M100-Ed28 "Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; Twenty-Eighth Edition, January 2018".
# L. Test Principle:
MTS are made of specialized paper impregnated with a predefined concentration gradient of antibiotic, across 15 two-fold dilutions similar to dilutions used by conventional MIC methods. When the MIC Test Strip is applied onto an inoculated agar surface, the preformed exponential gradient of antimicrobial agent is immediately transferred to the agar matrix. After 16-20 hours incubation, a symmetrical inhibition ellipse centered along the strip is formed. The MIC is read directly from the scale in terms of $\mu \mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mL}$ at the point where the edge of the inhibition ellipse intersects the strip MIC Test Strip.
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Growth along the entire gradient (i.e., no inhibition ellipse) indicates that the MIC value is greater than or equal to $(\geq)$ the highest value on the scale. An inhibition ellipse that intersects below the lower end of the scale is read as less than $(<)$ the lowest value. An MIC of $0.125\mu \mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mL}$ is considered to be the same as $0.12\mu \mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mL}$ for reporting purposes.
An MTS MIC value which falls between standard two-fold dilutions must be rounded up to the next standard upper two-fold value before categorization.
## M. Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
### 1. Analytical performance:
#### a. Precision/Reproducibility:
Reproducibility testing was conducted at three sites using ten Gram-negative organisms. Each isolate was tested in triplicate over three days for a total of 270 data points. The mode of MIC values was determined for each isolate and the reproducibility was calculated based on the number of MIC values that fell within $\pm 1$ doubling dilution of the mode. The Gram-negative reproducibility panel included two *E. coli*, two *K. pneumoniae*, one *E. cloacae*, two *P. aeruginosa*, one *P. mirabilis*, one *C. freundii*, and one *S. marcescens* isolates. All MIC results were on scale. The testing resulted in overall reproducibility of greater than $95\%$.
The results were acceptable.
#### b. Linearity/assay reportable range:
Not applicable
#### c. Traceability, Stability, Expected values (controls, calibrators, or methods):
##### Quality Control (QC) Testing:
The CLSI recommended QC strains, namely *E. coli* ATCC 25922 and *P. aeruginosa* ATCC 27853 were tested a sufficient number of times (i.e., at least 20/site) at each testing site using both MTS and broth microdilution (BMD) reference methods. The results are summarized in Table 2 below.
The quality control results are acceptable.
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Table 2: MTS Ciprofloxacin QC Results
| Organism | Concentration (μg/mL) | BMD Reference | MTS Ciprofloxacin |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| E. coli
ATCC 25922 | 0.002 | | |
| | 0.004 | 4 | |
| Expected Result:
0.004 - 0.016 μg/mL | 0.008 | 37 | 50 |
| | 0.016 | 20 | 11 |
| | 0.03 | | |
| P. aeruginosa
ATCC 27853 | 0.06 | | |
| | 0.12 | | |
| Expected Result:
0.12 - 1 μg/mL | 0.25 | 15 | 45 |
| | 0.5 | 45 | 16 |
| | 1 | 1 | |
| | 2 | | |
## Inoculum Density Check:
The inoculum was prepared to achieve turbidity equivalent to a 0.5 McFarland standard. Colony counts were performed for all QC replicates (2 isolates x 20 replicates = 40) as well as one replicate of each reproducibility isolate tested on each of the three days (10 isolates x 3 days = 30), and a minimum of 10% of clinical strains tested. Colony counts were within the recommended range of approximately 1 - 2 x 10⁸ CFU/mL.
## Purity Checks:
Purity checks were performed on all isolates following MTS inoculation. All isolates were pure in both the broth microdilution reference panels and the MTS agar plates.
## Growth Failure Rate:
All isolates tested grew in the broth microdilution panels and the Mueller Hinton agar with MTS Ciprofloxacin.
d. Detection limit:
Not applicable
e. Analytical specificity:
Not applicable
f. Assay cut-off:
Not applicable
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2. Comparison studies:
a. Method comparison with predicate device:
The MTS Ciprofloxacin was evaluated at three sites located within the United States. There were 315 Gram-negative clinical isolates and 101 Gram-negative challenge isolates tested for a total of 416 isolates.
Each clinical isolate was tested one time by MTS Ciprofloxacin and the reference method using the same initial standardized suspension. A total of 315 clinical isolates were tested which included 210 Enterobacteriaceae (15 C. freundii, 13 C. koseri, 15 E. cloacae, 75 E. coli, 30 K. pneumoniae, 10 M. morganii, 15 P. mirabilis, 9 P. rettgeri, 8 P. stuartii, 7 P. vulgaris, 13 S. marcescens) and 105 P. aeruginosa isolates. Isolates were defined as either contemporary (i.e., tested within six months of the organism’s original isolation from clinical culture) or stock (i.e., no time limit on time from isolation prior to testing). A total of 60.3% of the clinical isolates were considered contemporary isolates.
Challenge testing was performed at one internal site. A total of 101 challenge isolates were tested which included 60 Enterobacteriaceae (1 C. freundii, 2 C. koseri, 10 E. cloacae, 20 E. coli, 15 K. pneumoniae, 2 M. morganii, 2 P. mirabilis, 1 P. rettgeri, 1 P. stuartii, 1 P. vulgaris, 5 S. marcescens) and 41 P. aeruginosa isolates.
Results obtained with the MTS Ciprofloxacin were compared to results obtained with the CLSI broth microdilution frozen reference MIC panel. The reference panel contained two-fold serial dilutions of ciprofloxacin with a range of 0.002 – 32 µg/mL. The testing conditions for the reference method were consistent with CLSI guidelines as listed in the CLSI document M07-A10. Isolated colonies from an overnight blood agar plate were suspended in saline to achieve a 0.5 McFarland standard turbidity (approximately 10⁸ CFU/mL). Testing conditions consisted of incubation of the inoculated Mueller Hinton agar plates in an inverted position at 35°C ± 2° for 16-20 hours. At the end of incubation, the MIC value determined at 100% inhibition of growth along the strip was compared to MIC results obtained with the reference method. Visual aids were provided in reading guides to each laboratory to assist in interpretation.
At the time of comparative testing, resistant isolates were not available for several bacterial species. Thus, the following limitation is included in the labeling:
The ability of the MTS to detect resistant isolates with the following drug/bacterial species combinations is unknown because resistant isolates were either not available or an insufficient number was encountered at the time of comparative testing.
Ciprofloxacin: C. koseri, P. vulgaris, P. rettgeri, S. marcescens
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The results obtained from the 416 clinical and challenge isolates are summarized in Table 3 below.
Table 3: Overall Performance of Clinical and Challenge Isolates (Combined)
| Ciprofloxacin | EA Tot | EA N | EA % | Eval. EA Tot | Eval. EA N | Eval. EA % | CA N | CA % | #R | min | maj | vmj |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Enterobacteriaceae Clinical | 210 | 209 | 99.5 | 174 | 173 | 99.4 | 206 | 98.1 | 37 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Challenge | 60 | 59 | 98.3 | 19 | 18 | 94.7 | 58 | 96.7 | 45 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Combined | 270 | 268 | 99.3 | 193 | 191 | 99.0 | 264 | 97.8 | 82 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| P. aeruginosa Clinical | 105 | 104 | 99.0 | 99 | 98 | 99.0 | 99 | 94.3 | 24 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Challenge | 41 | 41 | 100 | 16 | 16 | 100 | 39 | 95.1 | 31 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Combined | 146 | 145 | 99.3 | 115 | 114 | 99.1 | 138 | 94.5 | 55 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| All Organisms | 416 | 413 | 99.3 | 308 | 305 | 99.0 | 402 | 96.6 | 137 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
EA – Essential Agreement
CA – Category Agreement
EVAL – Evaluable isolates
R – Resistant isolates
min – minor errors
maj – major errors
vmj – very major errors
Essential Agreement (EA) is when the Liofilchem MIC Test Strip (MTS) results agree exactly or within one doubling dilution of the reference broth microdilution results. Category Agreement (CA) is when the Liofilchem MIC Test Strip (MTS) result interpretation agrees exactly with the reference broth microdilution result interpretation.
The overall performance of all Enterobacteriaceae isolates is acceptable with 99.3% EA and 97.8% CA. There were six minor errors and no major or very major errors.
The overall performance of P. aeruginosa is acceptable with 99.3% EA and 94.5% CA. There were eight minor errors and no major or very major errors.
The overall performance of all organisms combined is acceptable with 99.3% EA and 96.6% CA.
To address testing of non-indicated species, the sponsor included the following statement in the Precautions section of the device labeling:
Per the FDA-Recognized Susceptibility Test Interpretive Criteria website, the safety and efficacy of antimicrobial drugs, for which antimicrobial susceptibility is tested by this AST device, may or may not have been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials for treating clinical infections due to microorganisms outside of those found in the indications and usage in the drug label. The clinical significance of susceptibility information in those instances is unknown. The approved labeling for specific antimicrobial drugs provides the uses for which the antimicrobial drug is approved.
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# Resistance Mechanisms:
Molecular characterization was not evaluated for all organisms as this information was not available at the time of testing. This was addressed by adding the following footnote in the labeling:
Characterization of Topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase quinolone-resistance determining regions (QRDRs) and altered efflux resistance mechanisms was not available for organisms at the time of comparative testing, and therefore the performance of MTS Ciprofloxacin for non-fastidious Gram-negative bacilli with these resistance mechanisms is unknown for the following: Enterobacteriaceae, P. aeruginosa.
# Trending:
A trending analysis was conducted using the combined data (clinical and challenge) for each organism species and group. This trending calculation analyzes device MIC values that are determined to be one or more doubling dilutions lower or higher than the reference method. MIC values that are off-scale for both the reference and device are not considered in the trending analysis.
Trending results were stratified by species to determine if species-related trends were observed (Table 4). Species for which the difference between the percentage of isolates with higher versus lower MIC values was $\geq 30\%$ and for which the confidence interval was determined to be statistically significant were considered to have evidence of significant trending and is addressed in labeling.
A trend toward lower MIC values was observed for the Enterobacteriaceae family, specifically when testing for $C.$ freundii, $E.$ cloacae, $E.$ coli, $P.$ rettgeri, $P.$ stuartii and $S.$ marcescens. The sponsor included the following footnote to the performance table to address the trending observed for MTS Ciprofloxacin.
MTS Ciprofloxacin MIC values tended to be in exact agreement or at least one doubling dilution lower when testing Enterobacteriaceae (specifically when testing C. freundii, E. cloacae, E. coli, P. rettgeri, P. stuartii and S. marcescens) compared to the CLSI reference broth microdilution.
Table 4. Trending by Species (clinical + challenge isolates)
| Organism | Total Evaluable for Trending | ≥1 dil. Lower # (%) | Exact # (%) | ≥1 dil. Higher # (%) | Percent Difference (95% CI) | Trending Noted |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| C. freundii | 15 | 5 (33.3) | 10 (66.7) | 0 | -33.3% (-58.3 to -6.0) | Yes, SS |
| C. koseri | 15 | 3 (20.0) | 11 (73.3) | 1 (6.7) | -13.3% | No |
| E. cloacae | 19 | 12 (63.2) | 7 (36.8) | 0 | -63.2% (-80.9 to -35.4) | Yes, SS |
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| Organism | Total Evaluable for Trending | ≥1 dil. Lower # (%) | Exact # (%) | ≥1 dil. Higher # (%) | Percent Difference (95% CI) | Trending Noted |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| E. coli | 53 | 18 (34.0) | 33 (62.3) | 2 (3.8) | -30.2% (-43.9 to -15.8) | Yes, SS |
| K. pneumoniae | 28 | 6 (21.4) | 21 (75.0) | 1 (3.6) | -17.9% | No |
| M. morganii | 8 | 0 | 6 (75.0) | 2 (25.0) | 25.0% | No |
| P. mirabilis | 13 | 5 (38.5) | 7 (53.8) | 1 (7.7) | -30.8% (-57.4 to 2.2) | Yes, NS^{a} |
| P. rettgeri | 10 | 4 (40.0) | 6 (60.0) | 0 | -40.0% (-68.7 to -3.8) | Yes, SS |
| P. stuartii | 8 | 4 (50.0) | 4 (50.0) | 0 | -50.0% (-78.5 to -6.8) | Yes, SS |
| P. vulgaris | 8 | 1 (12.5) | 6 (75.0) | 1 (12.5) | 0.0% | No |
| S. marcescens | 18 | 10 (55.6) | 8 (44.4) | 0 | -55.6% (-75.4 to -27.5) | Yes, SS |
| Enterobacteriaceae (all) | 195 | 68 (34.9) | 119 (61.0) | 8 (4.1) | -30.8% (-38.0 to -23.4) | Yes, SS |
| P. aeruginosa | 120 | 23 (19.2) | 80 (66.7) | 17 (14.2) | -5.0% | No |
aAlthough the percent difference for P. mirabilis was ≥30%, it was not statistically significant for trending and will not be included as a footnote on the labeling.
NS: Not Statistically Significant; SS: Statistically Significant
b. Matrix comparison:
Not applicable
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):
Not applicable
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4. Clinical cut-off:
Not applicable
5. Expected values/Reference range:
The FDA susceptibility interpretive criteria for Ciprofloxacin are as listed in Table 5.
Table 5: FDA Recognized Interpretive Criteria for Ciprofloxacin (μg/mL)ᵃ
| Organisms | S | I | R |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Enterobacteriaceae | ≤1 | 2 | ≥4 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | ≤1 | 2 | ≥4 |
ᵃAccording to CLSI M100-Ed28 and FDA STIC Website
https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DevelopmentResources/ucm410971.htm
N. Proposed Labeling:
The labeling supports the finding of substantial equivalence for this device when evaluated with the current FDA-recognized ciprofloxacin breakpoint.
O. Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a finding of substantial equivalence.
To support the implementation of changes to FDA-recognized susceptibility test interpretive criteria (i.e., breakpoints), this submission included a breakpoint change protocol that was reviewed and accepted by FDA. This protocol addresses future revisions to device labeling in response to breakpoint changes that are recognized on the FDA STIC webpage (https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DevelopmentResources/ucm410971.htm). The protocol outlined the specific procedures and acceptance criteria that Liofilchem intends to use to evaluate the Liofilchem MIC test strip (MTS) when revised breakpoints for ciprofloxacin are published on the FDA STIC webpage. The breakpoint change protocol included with the submission indicated that if specific criteria are met, Liofilchem will update the ciprofloxacin device label to include (1) the new breakpoints, (2) an updated performance section after re-evaluation of data in this premarket notification with the new breakpoints, and (3) any new limitations as determined by their evaluation.
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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 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?
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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.