K211454 · Jiangsu Xingtong Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd. · FXX · Aug 18, 2021 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K211454
Device Name
Surgical mask
Applicant
Jiangsu Xingtong Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd.
Product Code
FXX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Aug 18, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4040
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The surgical masks are intended to be worn to protect both the patient and healthcare personnel from transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material. These face masks are intended for use in infection control practices to reduce the potential exposure to blood and body fluids. This is a single-use, disposable device, and provided as sterile.
Device Story
Surgical mask; single-use, disposable, sterile device. Composed of three layers: inner/outer polypropylene, middle melt-blown polypropylene filter. Features nose piece (polyethylene-coated steel wire) and ear loops (polyester/polyurethane) or ties (polypropylene). Used in clinical settings by healthcare personnel and patients to provide barrier protection against blood, body fluids, and particulates. Device acts as physical barrier; no electronic or software components. Performance validated via fluid resistance, bacterial/particulate filtration efficiency, and flammability testing.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Performance validated against ASTM F2100-19, including fluid resistance (160 mmHg), bacterial filtration efficiency (≥98%), particulate filtration efficiency (≥98%), differential pressure (<6.0 mm H2O/cm²), and flammability (Class I). Biocompatibility confirmed per ISO 10993-5 and ISO 10993-10.
Technological Characteristics
Three-layer construction: polypropylene inner/outer layers, melt-blown polypropylene filter. Nose piece: polyethylene-coated steel wire. Ear loops: polyester/polyurethane; Ties: polypropylene. Sterile (EO gas, SAL 10^-6). Complies with ASTM F2100-19, ASTM F1862, ASTM F2101, ASTM F2299, 16 CFR 1610, ISO 10993-5/10, ISO 11135, ISO 11737-1, ISO 10993-7, ASTM F88, and ASTM F1929.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by healthcare personnel and patients to reduce exposure to microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material in infection control settings.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Surgical apparel are devices that are intended to be worn by operating room personnel during surgical procedures to protect both the surgical patient and the operating room personnel from transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material. Examples include surgical caps, hoods, masks, gowns, operating room shoes and shoe covers, and isolation masks and gowns. Surgical suits and dresses, commonly known as scrub suits, are excluded.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls) for surgical gowns and surgical masks. A surgical N95 respirator or N95 filtering facepiece respirator is not exempt if it is intended to prevent specific diseases or infections, or it is labeled or otherwise represented as filtering surgical smoke or plumes, filtering specific amounts of viruses or bacteria, reducing the amount of and/or killing viruses, bacteria, or fungi, or affecting allergenicity, or it contains coating technologies unrelated to filtration (e.g., to reduce and or kill microorganisms). Surgical N95 respirators and N95 filtering facepiece respirators are exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 878.9, and the following conditions for exemption:(i) The user contacting components of the device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(ii) Analysis and nonclinical testing must:
(A) Characterize flammability and be demonstrated to be appropriate for the intended environment of use; and
(B) Demonstrate the ability of the device to resist penetration by fluids, such as blood and body fluids, at a velocity consistent with the intended use of the device.
(iii) NIOSH approved under its regulation.
(2) Class I (general controls) for surgical apparel other than surgical gowns and surgical masks. The class I device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 878.9.
Predicate Devices
Surgical face mask (Ear loops and Tie-on) (K160269)
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). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
August 18, 2021
Jiangsu Xingtong Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd. % James Tsai Consultant Shenzhen Joyantech Consulting Co., Ltd. 1713A, 17th Floor, Block A, Zhongguan Times Square, Nanshan District Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000 China
Re: K211454
Trade/Device Name: Surgical mask Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4040 Regulation Name: Surgical Apparel Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FXX Dated: July 6, 2021 Received: July 12, 2021
Dear James Tsai:
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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 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/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
For Clarence W. Murray, III, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT4B: Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K211454
Device Name Surgical mask
Indications for Use (Describe)
The surgical masks are intended to be worn to protect both the patient and healthcare personnel from transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material. These face masks are intended for use in infection control practices to reduce the potential exposure to blood and body fluids. This is a single-use, disposable device, and provided as sterile.
Level 3 Surgical mask model (Ear-loop): XT10A1 Level 3 Surgical mask model (Tie-on): XT10B1
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
| | 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
#### K211454
### 1. Administrative Information
| Date of Summary prepared | August 5, 2021 |
|--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer information | Company: Jiangsu Xingtong Biotechnology Group<br>Co., Ltd. |
| | Company address:<br>No.8, Kele road, Touqiao Area, Beizhou Industrial<br>Park, Guangling Zone, Yangzhou City, China<br>Contact person: Li Hua<br>Tel: +86-0514-87485222 |
| | Fax: +86-0514-87481010 |
| | E-mail: 920740335@qq.com |
| Submission Correspondent | Shenzhen Joyantech Consulting Co., Ltd.<br>Address: 1713A, 17th Floor, Block A, Zhongguan<br>Times Square, Nanshan District, Shenzhen<br>Contact person: James Tsai<br>E-Mail: james tsai@cefda.com; field@cefda.com |
# 2. Device Information
| Type of 510(k) submission: | Traditional |
|----------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Trade Name: | Surgical mask |
| Classification name: | Surgical Face Mask, Apparel |
| Review Panel: | General and plastic surgery devices |
| Product Code: | FXX |
| Common name | Surgical mask |
| Device Class: | II |
| Regulation Number: | 878.4040 |
# 3. Predicate Device Information
| Sponsor: | SAN-M PACKAGE CO., LTD. |
|--------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Device trade name: | Surgical face mask (Ear loops and Tie-on) |
| Device Class: | II |
| 510(K) Number: | K160269 |
{4}------------------------------------------------
| Regulation name | Masks, Surgical |
|------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Production regulation: | 21 CFR §878.4040 |
| Product code: | FXX |
| Review Panel: | General and plastic surgery device |
### 4. Device Descriptions
The surgical mask consists of a mask body, a nose piece, and ear loops or ties. The mask body is divided into three layers, the inner and outer layers are made of polypropylene materials; the middle layer is composed of melt-blown cloth (polypropylene); the nose piece is made of polyethylene coated steel wire, the ear loops are made of polyester silk & polyurethane filament, and the ties are made of polypropylene.
The size specification of the surgical mask:
- Mask body for ear-loop type: 17.5cm×9.5cm & 14.5cm×9.5cm;
- Mask body for Tie-on type: 17.5cm×9.5cm
### 5. Indications for Use
The surgical masks are intended to be worn to protect both the patient and healthcare personnel from transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material. These face masks are intended for use in infection control practices to reduce the potential exposure to blood and body fluids. This is a single-use, disposable device, provided as sterile.
# 6. Technological Characteristics Comparison
| Comparison<br>item | Proposed Device<br>(Jiangsu Xingtong<br>Biotechnology Group Co.,<br>Ltd.) | Predicate Device<br>(K160269, SAN-M<br>PACKAGE CO., LTD.) | Remark |
|---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------|
| Product name | Surgical mask | Surgical face mask | Similar |
| Product model | Ear loops: XT10A1;<br>Tie-on: XT10B1 | Ear loops: EL 30000;<br>Tie-on: TO 30000 | Similar |
| Product Code | FXX | FXX | Same |
| Classification | Class II (21 CFR<br>878.4040) | Class II (21 CFR<br>878.4040) | Same |
| Intended<br>use &<br>Indications for<br>Use | The surgical masks are<br>intended to be worn to<br>protect both the patient<br>and healthcare personnel<br>from transfer of<br>microorganisms, body<br>fluids. and particulate | The surgical face masks<br>are intended to be worn to<br>protect both the patient<br>and healthcare personnel<br>from transfer of<br>microorganisms, body<br>fluids. and particulate | Similar |
| | | | |
| | material. These face<br>masks are intended for use<br>in infection control<br>practices to reduce the<br>potential exposure to blood<br>and body fluids. This is a<br>single-use, disposable<br>device, provided as sterile. | material. These face<br>masks are intended for use<br>in infection control<br>practices to reduce the<br>potential exposure to blood<br>and body fluids. This is a<br>single-use, disposable<br>device, provided non-<br>sterile. | |
| Mask features | Ear Loops and Tie-on;<br>Flat Pleated | Ear Loops and Tie-on;<br>Flat Pleated | Same |
| Layers | 3 layers | 4 layers | Different |
| Outer layer | Polypropylene | Polypropylene | Same |
| Filter media | Melt-blown cloth<br>(polypropylene) | Polypropylene spunbond<br>Polypropylene meltblown | Different |
| Inner layer | Polypropylene | Polypropylene | Same |
| Ear loops | -Ear loops: Polyester silk &<br>Polyurethane filament<br>-Ties: Polypropylene | -Ear loops: Polyester,<br>polyurethane<br>-Side tapes: Polyester<br>spunbond (ear loops mask<br>only)<br>-Tie tapes: Polypropylene<br>spunbond or polyester<br>spunbond | Similar |
| Nose piece | Polyethylene coated<br>steel wire | Polyethylene coated<br>steel wire | Same |
| Color | Blue | White or Blue | Similar |
| Dimension | Mask body for ear-loop<br>type: 17.5cm×9.5cm &<br>14.5cm×9.5cm<br>Mask body for Tie-on type:<br>17.5cm×9.5cm | Mask body for both ear-<br>loop and tie-on types:<br>17.5cm×9.0cm &<br>18.0cm×9.0cm | Different |
| OTC Use | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Sterility | Sterile | Non-sterile | Different |
| Packaging<br>material | Paper plastic bag | Not publicly available | Different |
| Sterilization<br>method and<br>S.A.L. | Sterilized by ethylene<br>oxide gas, SAL= $10-6$ | Not applied | Different |
| Shelf life | 2 years | No shelf life claim | Different |
| Use | Single-use, disposable | Single-use, disposable | Same |
| Performance | Level 3 | Level 3 | Same |
| | | | |
| level | | | |
| Fluid<br>Resistance<br>Performance | 32 Out of 32 pass at<br>160mmHg<br>(ASTM F1862) | 32 Out of 32 pass at<br>160mmHg<br>(ASTM F1862) | Same |
| Particulate<br>Filtration<br>Efficiency | Pass at ≥ 98%<br>(ASTM F2299) | Pass at ≥ 98%<br>(ASTM F2299) | Same |
| Bacterial<br>Filtration<br>Efficiency | Pass at ≥ 98%<br>(ASTM F2101) | Pass at ≥ 98%<br>(ASTM F2101) | Same |
| Differential<br>Pressure<br>(Delta-P) | Pass at <6mm H2O/cm²<br>(EN 14683:2019) | Pass at <5mm H2O/cm²<br>(MIL-M36945C) | Different |
| Flammability | Pass at Class I<br>(16 CFR 1610) | Pass at Class I<br>(16 CFR 1610) | Same |
| Cytotoxicity<br>ISO 10993-5 | Under the conditions of the<br>study, the subject device<br>was non-cytotoxic | Under the conditions of the<br>study, the subject device<br>was non-cytotoxic | Same |
| Sensitization<br>ISO 10993-10 | Under the conditions of the<br>study, the subject device<br>was non-sensitizing | Under the conditions of the<br>study, the subject device<br>was non-sensitizing | Same |
| Irritation<br>ISO 10993-10 | Under the conditions of the<br>study, the subject device<br>was non-irritating | Under the conditions of the<br>study, the subject device<br>was non-irritating | Same |
{5}------------------------------------------------
{6}------------------------------------------------
Both of the proposed device and predicate device conform to ASTM F2100, the difference is the versions of the standard, the proposed device was tested by the latest version, and this difference will not raise any new safe and effective issue.
From the comparison table and the gaps analysis above, the differences in the materials, layers, sizes, sterility status and packaging material will not raise any new issue for safety and effectiveness. Physical performance tests and biocompatibility evaluation have been carried out on the finished devices; EO sterilization validation has also been provided to prove the product sterility and performance; Accelerated aging test validates the shelf life of the proposed device.
In summary, the performance and biocompatibility testing of the subject device meet all the requirements of standards of ASTM F2100 and ISO 10993-5 &-10. So, the differences between the predicate device and subject device will not raise any new issue of safety and effectiveness of the subject device.
#### 7. Summary of Non-clinical Testing
The following performance data of proposed device was provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination:
{7}------------------------------------------------
# Biocompatibility testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for the proposed device was conducted in accordance with the International Standard ISO 10993-1: 2018 "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing within a Risk Management Process," as recognized by FDA. The outer layer, inner layer and ear loops or tie-on are considered to be contacted with patient's intact face skin for duration of less than 24 hours. And the biocompatibility evaluation included the following tests:
- · Cytotoxicity
- · Skin Sensitization
- Skin Irritation
# Physical performance testing
Physical performance was conducted, and the results show that the proposed device complies with the following standards:
- ASTM F2100-19 Standard Specification for Performance of Materials Used in Medical Face Masks
# Ethylene oxide Sterilization Validation
The proposed device is also provided for sterilization validation is performed and the results show that the proposed device complies with the following standards:
- · ISO 11135:2014 Sterilization of health-care products Ethylene oxide -Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices [Including: Amendment 1 (2018)]
- · ISO 11737-1:2018 Sterilization of health care products Microbiological methods - Part 1: Determination of a population of microorganisms on product
- · ISO 10993-7:2008 Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 7: Ethylene oxide sterilization residuals
- ASTM F88-2015 Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials
- · ASTM F1929-2015 Standard test method for detecting seal leaks in porous medical packaging by dye penetration
# Summary
Based on the non-clinical performance data as documented above in the device development, the proposed device has a safety and effectiveness profile that is similar to the predicate device, the testing results are summarized in the following table:
| Name of Test<br>Methodology<br>(standard) | Purpose | Acceptance<br>Criteria | Results |
|-------------------------------------------|------------------|------------------------|-------------------------|
| ASTM F | Fluid Resistance | 29 out of 32 | Lot 1# pass at 160mmHg; |
{8}------------------------------------------------
| 1862-17 | Performance | pass at<br>160 mmHg | Lot 2# pass at 160mmHg;<br>Lot 3# pass at 160mmHg |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ASTM<br>F2101-19 | Bacterial Filtration<br>Efficiency<br>Performance | ≥ 98% | Lot 1# 99.7%-99.9%;<br>Lot 2# 99.7%-99.9%;<br>Lot 3# 99.7%-99.9% |
| EN 14683:<br>2019 | Differential<br>Pressure (Delta-P) | < 6.0mm<br>H2O/cm² | Lot 1# 2.3-4.6;<br>Lot 2# 2.3-4.5;<br>Lot 3# 2.0-3.9 |
| ASTM<br>F2299-2007 | Particulate<br>Filtration Efficiency<br>Performance | ≥ 98% | Lot 1# 99.2%-99.8%;<br>Lot 2# 99.0%-99.7%;<br>Lot 3# 99.3%-99.7% |
| 16 CFR Part<br>1610 | Flammability | Class I | Lot 1# Class I;<br>Lot 2# Class I;<br>Lot 3# Class I |
| ISO 10993-5 | Cytotoxicity | Non-cytotoxic | Under the conditions of the<br>study, the subject device was<br>non-cytotoxic |
| ISO 10993-<br>10 | Sensitization | Non-<br>sensitizing | Under the conditions of the<br>study, the subject device was<br>non-sensitizing |
| ISO 10993-<br>10 | Irritation | Non-irritating | Under the conditions of the<br>study, the subject device was<br>non-irritating |
# 8. Brief discussion of clinical tests
No clinical tests were performed.
# 9. Conclusions
The conclusion drawn from the nonclinical tests demonstrates that the subject device in this 510(K) submission, the surgical mask is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as or better than the legally marketed predicate device cleared under K160269.
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.