Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip; Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette; Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream
K242135 · Nanjing Synthgene Medical Technology Co., Ltd. · LCX · Jan 31, 2025 · Clinical Chemistry
Device Facts
Record ID
K242135
Device Name
Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip; Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette; Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream
Applicant
Nanjing Synthgene Medical Technology Co., Ltd.
Product Code
LCX · Clinical Chemistry
Decision Date
Jan 31, 2025
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 862.1155
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream is used for the qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin in urine to aid in the early detection of pregnancy. Synthqene Home Test HCG Test Cassette is used for the qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin in urine to aid in the early detection of pregnancy. Synthqene Home Test HCG Test Strip is used for the qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin in urine to aid in the early detection of pregnancy.
Device Story
Lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for qualitative HCG detection in urine; utilizes double antibody sandwich principle. Input: urine sample applied via strip, cassette (with dropper), or midstream. Operation: HCG antigen binds to colloidal gold-labeled antibody (HCG mAb1) on conjugate pad; complex migrates via capillary action to nitrocellulose membrane; captured by detection line antibody (HCG mAb2) forming red band; control line (goat anti-mouse IgG) confirms test validity. Used in home setting by lay users. Output: visual red band indicating presence/absence of HCG. Results interpreted by user after 5-20 minutes. Assists in early pregnancy confirmation.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing included precision/reproducibility (n=450 per concentration/mode), interference, cross-reactivity, pH/specific gravity effects, and high-dose hook effect (up to 1,860,000 mIU/mL). Clinical study involved 333 lay users (aged 18-49) comparing self-testing results to professional testing; 100% concordance achieved across all formats and sampling modes. User questionnaire confirmed ease of use and instruction clarity.
Technological Characteristics
Lateral flow immunochromatographic assay; nitrocellulose membrane; colloidal gold-labeled antibody; goat anti-mouse IgG control line. Formats: strip, cassette, midstream. Sensitivity: 25 mIU/mL. Calibration: WHO International Standard 6th edition (NIBSC 18/244). Shelf-life: 24 months at 2-30°C.
Indications for Use
Indicated for qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine to aid in early pregnancy detection. Intended for over-the-counter (OTC) use by women aged 18-49.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test system is a device intended for the early detection of pregnancy is intended to measure HCG, a placental hormone, in plasma or urine. A human chorionic goadotropin (HCG) test system is a device intended for any uses other than early detection of pregnancy (such as an aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of treatment of persons with certain tumors or carcinomas) is intended to measure HCG, a placental hormone, in plasma or urine.
Predicate Devices
HIGHTOP Pregnancy Rapid Test Cassette, HIGHTOP Pregnancy Rapid Test Strip, HIGHTOP Pregnancy Rapid Test Midstream (K192123)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
FDA
U.S. FOOD & DRUG
ADMINISTRATION
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY ONLY
## I Background Information:
A 510(k) Number
K242135
B Applicant
Nanjing Synthgene Medical Technology Co., Ltd.
C Proprietary and Established Names
Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip; Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette; Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream
D Regulatory Information
| Product Code(s) | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| LCX | Class II | 21 CFR 862.1155 - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Test System | CH - Clinical Chemistry |
## II Submission/Device Overview:
A Purpose for Submission:
New device
B Measurand:
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
C Type of Test:
Qualitative lateral flow immunoassay
## III Intended Use/Indications for Use:
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
www.fda.gov
{1}
A Intended Use(s):
See Indications for Use below.
B Indication(s) for Use:
Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream is used for the qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin in urine to aid in the early detection of pregnancy.
Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette is used for the qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin in urine to aid in the early detection of pregnancy.
Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip is used for the qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin in urine to aid in the early detection of pregnancy.
C Special Conditions for Use Statement(s):
OTC - Over The Counter
D Special Instrument Requirements:
Not applicable.
IV Device/System Characteristics:
A Device Description:
The test comes in three formats (strip, cassette, and midstream) named Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip, Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette and Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream, respectively. Each test kit contains the individually packaged test, medical waste bag, urine cup, and instructions for use. The strip format is a single test strip. The cassette format consists of a single test strip assembled in a plastic housing. A pipette dropper is included in the packaging. The strip is designed to be used in dip sampling mode only while the cassette format is designed to be used in drop sampling mode only. The midstream format consists of a single test strip assembled in a plastic housing with an absorbent tip and is designed to be tested in dip or in-stream sampling mode.
B Principle of Operation:
Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip, Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette and Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream use lateral flow immunoassay technology for in vitro qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in human urine. When hCG is present in the sample, the hCG antigen in the sample reacts with the colloidal gold-labeled antibody (hCG mAb1) on the conjugate pad to form the labeled antibody-antigen complex. The complex moves upward by capillary action and is captured by the test line (T line) antibody (hCG mAb2) coated on the nitrocellulose membrane, appearing as a red band. The complex continues to migrate and is captured by the control line (C line) antibody (goat anti-mouse IgG polyclonal antibody) coated on the nitrocellulose membrane, and a red band appears. When the test is performed properly, a colored line will always appear on the C line. The test result appears within 5-20 minutes of urine addition. Two distinct colored lines, one at the T line
K242135 - Page 2 of 11
{2}
and another at the C line indicate a positive test result (pregnant). Absence of a colored line at the T line and only a colored line at the C line indicates a negative test result (not pregnant). Absence of a colored line at the C line even in the presence of a colored line at the T line indicates an invalid test result.
V Substantial Equivalence Information:
A Predicate Device Name(s): HIGHTOP Pregnancy Rapid Test Cassette, HIGHTOP Pregnancy Rapid Test Strip, HIGHTOP Pregnancy Rapid Test Midstream
B Predicate 510(k) Number(s): K192123
C Comparison with Predicate(s):
| Device & Predicate Device(s): | K242135 | K192123 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Device Trade Name | Synthgene Home Test
HCG Test Strip;
Synthgene Home Test
HCG Test Cassette;
Synthgene Home Test
HCG Test Midstream | HIGHTOP Pregnancy
Rapid Test Cassette,
HIGHTOP Pregnancy
Rapid Test Strip,
HIGHTOP Pregnancy
Rapid Test
Midstream |
| General Device Characteristic Similarities | | |
| Intended Use/Indications For Use | Qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin in urine to aid in the early detection of pregnancy | Same |
| Specimen Type | Urine | Same |
| Assay Methodology | Immunochromatographic assay | Same |
| Formats | Strip, cassette, and midstream | Same |
| Intended Use environment | Over the counter use | Same |
| Cutoff | 25 mIU/mL | Same |
| General Device Characteristic Differences | | |
| Read Time | 5 – 20 minutes | 5 minutes |
VI Standards/Guidance Documents Referenced:
K242135 - Page 3 of 11
{3}
CLSI EP05-A3: Evaluation of Precision of Quantitative Measurement Procedures; Approved Guideline - Third Edition
CLSI EP07 3rd Edition: Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry
CLSI EP12-A2: User Protocol for Evaluation of Qualitative Test Performance; Approved Guideline - Second Edition
EP25-A (Replaces EP25-P): Evaluation of Stability of In Vitro Diagnostic Reagents; Approved Guideline
ISO 15223-1 Fourth edition 2021-07: Medical devices - Symbols to be used with information to be supplied by the manufacturer - Part 1: General requirements
ISO 14971 Third Edition 2019-12: Medical devices - Application of risk management to medical devices
## VII Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
## A Analytical Performance:
### 1. Precision/Reproducibility:
A precision study was performed on the Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip, Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette and Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream using negative female urine samples spiked with hCG to obtain samples with hCG concentrations of 0, 12.5, 18.75, 22.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mIU/mL. Each sample was tested using three lots of the candidate device for all three formats. For the midstream format, samples were tested using the dip sampling mode and simulated midstream sampling mode. Tests were performed over the course of five days, at three sites, by three different operators, and in replicates of ten per sample. A total of 450 replicates were performed per sampling mode per hCG concentration. The samples were blinded and randomized before being given to the operators. The results are summarized in the tables below:
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream testing in dip sampling mode
| Sample No. | hCG conc (mIU/mL) | Lot 1 | | Lot 2 | | Lot 3 | | Total | | Pos | Neg |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | - | + | - | + | - | + | - | + | | |
| S1 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S2 | 12.5 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S3 | 18.75 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S4 | 22.5 | 20 | 130 | 20 | 130 | 17 | 133 | 57 | 393 | 87.3% | 12.7% |
| S5 | 25 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S6 | 50 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S7 | 100 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S8 | 200 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
K242135 - Page 4 of 11
{4}
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream testing in midstream sampling mode
| Sample No. | hCG conc (mIU/mL) | Lot 1 | | Lot 2 | | Lot 3 | | Total | | Pos | Neg |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | - | + | - | + | - | + | - | + | | |
| S1 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S2 | 12.5 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S3 | 18.75 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S4 | 22.5 | 23 | 127 | 24 | 126 | 21 | 129 | 68 | 382 | 84.9% | 15.1% |
| S5 | 25 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S6 | 50 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S7 | 100 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S8 | 200 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette in drop sampling mode
| Sample No. | hCG conc (mIU/mL) | Lot 1 | | Lot 2 | | Lot 3 | | Total | | Pos | Neg |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | - | + | - | + | - | + | - | + | | |
| S1 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S2 | 12.5 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S3 | 18.75 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S4 | 22.5 | 19 | 131 | 24 | 126 | 19 | 131 | 62 | 388 | 86.2% | 13.8% |
| S5 | 25 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S6 | 50 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S7 | 100 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S8 | 200 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip testing in dip sampling mode
| Sample No. | HCG con (mIU/mL) | Lot 1 | | Lot 2 | | Lot 3 | | Total | | Pos | Neg |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | - | + | - | + | - | + | - | + | | |
| S1 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S2 | 12.5 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S3 | 18.75 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
| S4 | 22.5 | 23 | 127 | 23 | 127 | 21 | 129 | 67 | 383 | 85.1% | 14.9% |
| S5 | 25 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S6 | 50 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S7 | 100 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
| S8 | 200 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 | 450 | 100% | 0% |
The claimed analytical sensitivity is 25 mIU/mL hCG.
K242135 - Page 5 of 11
{5}
K242135 - Page 6 of 11
2. Linearity:
Linearity is not applicable since this is a qualitative test.
3. Analytical Specificity/Interference:
Interference from exogenous and endogenous substances:
To evaluate potential interference from certain exogenous and endogenous substances, negative urine samples from normal healthy females containing 0 mIU/mL and 25 mIU/ml hCG were spiked with the potentially interfering substances at the concentrations listed in the table below. For each test format, samples were tested in triplicate, using three lots of the test. No interference was observed at the concentrations shown in the table below:
| Substance | Concentration |
| --- | --- |
| 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Acetaminophen | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Acetoacetic Acid | 20 mg/mL |
| Acetylsalicylic Acid | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Ampicillin | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Ascorbic Acid | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Atropine | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Benzoylecgonine | 0.1 mg/mL |
| B-hydroxybutyrate | 20 mg/mL |
| Bilirubin | 0.02 mg/mL |
| Caffeine | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Cannabinol | 0.1 mg/mL |
| Codeine | 0.06 μg/mL |
| EDTA | 0.8 mg/mL |
| Ephedrine | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Estriol-17-beta | 14 mg/mL |
| Ethanol | 1% |
| Gentisic Acid | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Glucose | 20 mg/mL |
| Hemoglobin | 5 mg/mL |
| Human Albumin | 20 mg/mL |
| Ketone | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Methanol | 10% |
{6}
| Phenothiazine | 0.2 mg/mL |
| --- | --- |
| Phenylpropanolamine | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Pregnanediol | 15 μg/mL |
| Salicylic Acid | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Tetracycline | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Thiophene | 0.2 mg/mL |
| Triglyceride | 8 mg/mL |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg/mL |
## Cross-reactivity of Similar Compounds:
To evaluate cross-reactivity, negative and positive urine samples were spiked to contain 0 mIU/mL hCG (negative matrix) and 25 mIU/mL hCG and then spiked with potential cross-reactants. Samples were spiked with 500 mIU/mL luteinizing hormone (hLH), 1000 mIU/mL follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH), and 1 mIU/mL thyroid-stimulating hormone (hTSH). Samples were tested in replicates of three using three lots of the test. No cross-reactivity was observed at tested concentrations.
## Effect of Urine pH:
A study was performed to evaluate the effects of urine pH on the candidate devices. Negative, female, human urine samples were used to make samples containing 0 mIU/mL and 25 mIU/mL hCG, which were then adjusted to pH values at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 and tested using the candidate devices. Samples were tested in replicates of three, using three lots of the candidate devices. The results demonstrated that urine pH ranges between 4 and 9 do not affect test performance.
## Effect of Urine Specific Gravity:
A study was performed to evaluate the effects of specific gravity on the candidate devices. Negative, female, human urine sample were used to make samples containing 0 mIU/mL and 25 mIU/mL hCG, which were then adjusted to specific gravity values of 1.000, 1.002, 1.009, 1.012, 1.018, 1.028, 1.032, and 1.035 and tested using the candidate devices. Samples were tested in replicates of three, using three lots of the candidate device. The results demonstrated that urine with a specific gravity ranging from 1.000 to 1.035 does not affect test performance.
## High dose hook effect study
A study was performed to evaluate whether there is a high dose hook effect using the candidate devices. Negative, female, human urine samples were spiked with hCG concentrations up to 1,860,000 mIU/mL and tested in replicates of ten using three lots of the candidate device. No hook effect was observed at concentrations of up to 1,860,000 mIU/mL hCG.
K242135 - Page 7 of 11
{7}
Effects of hCG β-core fragment:
Urine samples with hCG concentrations of 0 and 25 mIU/mL were spiked with hCG β-core fragment (hCGβcf) at a concentration of 2,000,000 pmol/L. The samples were tested in replicates of three using three lots of the device. All samples using all three test formats yielded correct results with hCG β-core fragment at a concentration of 2,000,000 pmol/L.
4. Assay Reportable Range:
Not applicable.
5. Traceability, Stability, Expected Values (Controls, Calibrators, or Methods):
The candidate devices are calibrated against reference material traceable to WHO International Standard 6th edition (NIBSC code:18/244).
6. Detection Limit:
Not applicable.
7. Assay Cut-Off:
The device claimed cutoff is 25 mIU/mL. See Precision/Reproducibility section above (Section VII.A.1).
B Comparison Studies:
1. Method Comparison with Predicate Device:
Urine samples were collected from 333 women aged 18 – 49 who presented for pregnancy testing at 3 sites. Samples were randomly collected at various times throughout the day and blinded before being tested by professionals using the candidate devices and the predicate device. A total of 121 samples tested with the Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream, 103 samples tested with the Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip, and 109 samples tested with the Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette. Of the 121 samples tested using the midstream format, 61 were tested in dip sampling mode and 60 were tested in midstream sampling mode. The results of the study are summarized in the tables below:
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream testing in dip sampling mode:
| Candidate Device | Predicate Device | | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Positive | Negative | |
| Positive | 38 | 0 | 38 |
| Negative | 0 | 23 | 23 |
| Total | 38 | 23 | 61 |
K242135 - Page 8 of 11
{8}
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream testing in simulated midstream sampling mode
| Candidate Device | Predicate Device | | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Positive | Negative | |
| Positive | 40 | 0 | 40 |
| Negative | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 40 | 20 | 60 |
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette testing in drop sampling mode
| Candidate Device | Predicate Device | | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Positive | Negative | |
| Positive | 60 | 0 | 60 |
| Negative | 0 | 49 | 49 |
| Total | 60 | 49 | 109 |
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip testing in dip sampling mode
| Candidate Device | Predicate Device | | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Positive | Negative | |
| Positive | 54 | 0 | 54 |
| Negative | 0 | 49 | 49 |
| Total | 54 | 49 | 103 |
The test performance of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream, Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette, and Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip are 100% concordant when compared to the predicate.
2. Matrix Comparison:
Not applicable. The device is intended for urine samples only.
C Clinical Studies:
1. Clinical Sensitivity:
Not applicable.
2. Clinical Specificity:
Not applicable.
3. Other Clinical Supportive Data (When 1. and 2. Are Not Applicable):
A total of 333 women with varying educational and occupational backgrounds with an age range of 18 – 49 years old from three test sites tested their own urine specimens. A total of 121 lay users tested the midstream format (61 in dip sampling mode and 60 in midstream sampling mode), 109 lay users tested the cassette format, and 103 tested the strip format.
K242135 - Page 9 of 11
{9}
Each lay user also provided a sample for professional testing. The data, summarized below, demonstrated 100% agreement between lay user results and professional results.
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream testing in dip sampling mode:
| Candidate Device | Predicate Device | | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Positive | Negative | |
| Positive | 38 | 0 | 38 |
| Negative | 0 | 23 | 23 |
| Total | 38 | 23 | 61 |
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Midstream testing in simulated midstream sampling mode
| Candidate Device | Predicate Device | | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Positive | Negative | |
| Positive | 40 | 0 | 40 |
| Negative | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 40 | 20 | 60 |
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Cassette testing in drop sampling mode
| Candidate Device | Predicate Device | | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Positive | Negative | |
| Positive | 60 | 0 | 60 |
| Negative | 0 | 49 | 49 |
| Total | 60 | 49 | 109 |
Summary of Synthgene Home Test HCG Test Strip testing in dip sampling mode
| Candidate Device | Predicate Device | | Total |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Positive | Negative | |
| Positive | 54 | 0 | 54 |
| Negative | 0 | 49 | 49 |
| Total | 54 | 49 | 103 |
Participants also completed a questionnaire in which they reported that testing was easy to perform, and the instructions were easy to follow.
D Clinical Cut-Off:
Not applicable.
E Expected Values/Reference Range:
Not applicable.
VIII Proposed Labeling:
The labeling supports the finding of substantial equivalence for this device.
K242135 - Page 10 of 11
{10}
IX Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
K242135 - Page 11 of 11
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.