Retrospective clinical patient samples; Clinical diagnostic records
Retrospective studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa and Lambda Free Kits as an aid in the evaluation of MGUS by comparing device results against established clinical diagnoses and monitoring patient progression.
Positive rate in MGUS patients and negative agreement in non-MGUS patients
Retrospective MGUS Progression Study; Retrospective longitudinal study; Follow-up/Duration: Serial draws collected at least 6 months +/- 2 months apart
49 subjects with clinically stable MGUS and 4 subjects with progressive MGUS converting to multiple myeloma; Sample Size: 53 subjects
Not applicable for this study
Stability or progression of MGUS based on FLC concentration changes and ratio
Indications for Use
The Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa Free Kit is intended for the quantitative in vitro measurement of Kappa free light chains in serum and urine using the Binding Site Optilite analyzer. Measurement of free light chains in serum and urine aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, lymphocytic neoplasms, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease and connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in serum aids in the evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Results of the free light chain measurements should always be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings. The Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kit is intended for the quantitative in vitro measurement of Lambda free light chains in serum and urine using the Binding Site Optilite analyzer. Measurement of free light chains in serum and urine aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, lymphocytic neoplasms, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease and connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in serum aids in the evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Results of the free light chain measurements should always be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.
Device Story
The Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa and Lambda Free Kits are in vitro diagnostic reagents used on the automated Optilite analyser. The device measures free light chain (FLC) concentrations in serum or urine samples via immunoturbidimetry. Polyclonal monospecific antibodies (F(ab)2 fragments) are coated onto polystyrene latex particles; these react with FLCs in the sample to form insoluble complexes. The instrument passes light through the reaction mixture and measures transmitted light, which is inversely proportional to protein concentration. The system automatically calculates concentrations using a stored calibration curve. Clinicians use these quantitative results, alongside clinical history and other laboratory findings, to diagnose and monitor plasma cell dyscrasias and evaluate MGUS. The device provides objective data to assist in identifying disease progression or stability, aiding clinical decision-making regarding patient management.
Clinical Evidence
Two retrospective studies provided. Study 1: 229 MGUS patients and 136 non-MGUS patients with polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. Sensitivity/positivity rate for MGUS was 56.3% (95% CI: 49.6–62.9%); negative agreement in non-MGUS cohort was 91.9% (95% CI: 86.0–95.9%). Study 2: 49 stable MGUS and 4 progressive MGUS subjects monitored via serial draws; evaluated FLC stability vs. progression criteria. No clinical data for LC-MGUS beyond 10 samples in Study 1.
Technological Characteristics
Quantitative immunoturbidimetric assay. Reagents consist of sheep anti-human kappa/lambda F(ab)2 fragments bound to polystyrene latex particles. Preservatives include EACA, benzamidine, ProClin, and sodium azide. Operates on the automated Optilite analyser. Calibration via multiple dilutions of a single calibrator fluid. Connectivity is integrated with the Optilite system.
Indications for Use
Indicated for quantitative measurement of Kappa and Lambda free light chains in serum and urine to aid in diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, lymphocytic neoplasms, Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia, AL amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease, and connective tissue diseases (e.g., SLE). In serum, also indicated for evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Not established for pediatric use.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An immunoglobulin (light chain specific) immunological test system is a device that consists of the reagents used to measure by immunochemical techniques both kappa and lambda types of light chain portions of immunoglobulin molecules in serum, other body fluids, and tissues. In some disease states, an excess of light chains are produced by the antibody-forming cells. These free light chains, unassociated with gamma globulin molecules, can be found in a patient's body fluids and tissues. Measurement of the various amounts of the different types of light chains aids in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (cancer of antibody-forming cells), lymphocytic neoplasms (cancer of lymphoid tissue), Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (increased production of large immunoglobulins), and connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Predicate Devices
Freelite Human Kappa Free Kit for use on the Siemens BN II (K040009)
Freelite Human Lambda Free Kit for use on the Siemens BN II (K040009)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
# 510(k) SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION DECISION SUMMARY
ASSAY ONLY
## I Background Information:
A 510(k) Number
K250549
B Applicant
The Binding Site Group Ltd
C Proprietary and Established Names
Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa Free Kit
Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kit
D Regulatory Information
| Product Code(s) | Classification | Regulation Section | Panel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| DFH, DEH | Class II | 21 CFR 866.5550 - Immunoglobulin (Light Chain Specific) Immunological Test System | IM - Immunology |
## II Submission/Device Overview:
A Purpose for Submission:
Modification of a previously cleared device: Addition of intended use as an aid in the evaluation of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) on Optilite Analyzer.
B Measurand:
Kappa (κ) Free Light Chain (FLC)
Lambda (λ) Free Light Chain (FLC)
C Type of Test:
Immunoturbidimetry; Quantitative
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
www.fda.gov
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K250549 - Page 2 of 9
## III Intended Use/Indications for Use:
### A Intended Use(s):
See Indications for Use below.
### B Indication(s) for Use:
The Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa Free Kit is intended for the quantitative in vitro measurement of Kappa free light chains in serum and urine using the Binding Site Optilite analyzer. Measurement of free light chains in serum and urine aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, lymphocytic neoplasms, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease and connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in serum aids in the evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Results of the free light chain measurements should always be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.
The Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kit is intended for the quantitative in vitro measurement of Lambda free light chains in serum and urine using the Binding Site Optilite analyzer. Measurement of free light chains in serum and urine aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, lymphocytic neoplasms, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease and connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in serum aids in the evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Results of the free light chain measurements should always be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.
### C Special Conditions for Use Statement(s):
Rx - For Prescription Use Only
**Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa Free Kit**
**Warning:** The kappa free light chain results for a given specimen determined with assays from different manufacturers or on different systems can vary due to differences in assay methods and reagent specificity. The results reported by the laboratory to the physician must include the identity of the kappa free light chain assay used. Values obtained with different assays or systems cannot be used interchangeably. If, in the course of serially monitoring a patient, the assay or system used for determining kappa free light chain levels is changed, additional sequential testing should be carried out. Prior to changing assay or system, the laboratory MUST confirm baseline values for patients being serially monitored.
**Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kit**
**Warning:** The lambda free light chain results for a given specimen determined with assays from different manufacturers or on different systems can vary due to differences in assay methods and reagent specificity. The results reported by the laboratory to the physician must include the identity of the lambda free light chain assay used. Values obtained with different assays or systems cannot be used interchangeably. If, in the course of serially monitoring a patient, the assay or system used for determining lambda free light chain levels is changed,
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additional sequential testing should be carried out. Prior to changing assay or system, the laboratory MUST confirm baseline values for patients being serially monitored.
## Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa Free Kit and Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kit
### Precaution:
Evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS):
- The performance has not been sufficiently studied in Light Chain MGUS patients.
- Patients with renal disease or inflammation may have elevated levels of kappa and lambda free light chains (FLC).
- Sample populations excluded MGUS populations that were further diagnosed with a disease/disorder in subsequent testing with another medical device such as neoplasia, and infectious diseases including human immunodeficiency virus. Thus, the specificity of the test may be inflated.
- The performance has not been fully evaluated on all race/ethnicity in the intended use population.
### D Special Instrument Requirements:
Optilite Analyzer (K141100)
### IV Device/System Characteristics:
#### A Device Description:
No modification is made to the kit components for the Optilite Freelite Kappa and Lambda Free Kits cleared in K173732 and K150658.
The assays are comprised of the following reagents:
- Latex Reagent: Consisting of polyclonal monospecific antibody coated onto polystyrene latex with preservatives, supplied in stabilized liquid form.
- Calibrator and Controls: Pooled human serum with preservatives, supplied in stabilized liquid form.
- Reaction Buffer: Containing 0.099% sodium azide as a preservative.
#### B Principle of Operation:
No modification is made to the principle of operation for the Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa and Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kits cleared in K173732 and K150658.
The test sample is added to a solution containing the appropriate antibody in a reaction cuvette. A beam of light is passed through the cuvette and is increasingly scattered by the formation of insoluble immune complexes. Light scatter is monitored by measuring the decrease in intensity of the incident beam of light. The antibody in the cuvette is in excess so the amount of immune complex formed is proportional to the antigen concentration. Samples of unknown antigen concentration can then be assayed, and the results read from the calibration curve.
K250549 - Page 3 of 9
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V Substantial Equivalence Information:
A Predicate Device Name(s):
Freelite Human Kappa Free Kit for use on the Siemens BN II
Freelite Human Lambda Free Kit for use on the Siemens BN II
B Predicate 510(k) Number(s):
K040009
C Comparison with Predicate(s):
| Device & Predicate Device(s): | K250549
(Candidate Device) | K040009
(Predicate Device) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Device Trade Name | Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa Free Kit
Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kit | Freelite Human Kappa/Lambda Free Kits for use on Siemens BNII |
| General Device Characteristic Similarities | | |
| Intended Use/Indications For Use | The Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa Free Kit is intended for the quantitative in vitro measurement of Kappa free light chains in serum and urine using the Binding Site Optilite analyzer. Measurement of free light chains in serum and urine aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, lymphocytic neoplasms, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease and connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); and in serum aids in the evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Results of the free light chain measurements should always be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.
The Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kit is intended for the quantitative in vitro measurement of Lambda free light chains in serum and urine using the Binding Site Optilite analyzer. Measurement of free light chains in serum and urine aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, | Freelite Human Kappa Free Kit
This kit is intended for the quantitation of kappa free light chains in serum and urine on the Siemens BN™II. Measurement of free light chains aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, lymphocytic neoplasms, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease and connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.
Freelite Human Lambda Free Kit
This kit is intended for the quantitation of lambda free light chains in serum and urine on the Siemens BNII. Measurement of free light chains aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of |
K250549 - Page 4 of 9
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| | lymphocytic neoplasms, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease and connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); and in serum aids in the evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Results of the free light chain measurements should always be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings. | multiple myeloma, lymphocytic neoplasms, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease and connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Assay Type | Quantitative | Same |
| Test Method | Turbidimetry | Same |
| Samples | Serum and urine | Same |
| Detection Antibody | Kappa: Polyclonal sheep anti-human Kappa antibody coated onto latex particles Lambda: Polyclonal sheep anti-human Lambda antibody coated onto latex particles | Same |
| Reference Interval (Serum) | Kappa: 3.30–19.40 mg/L Lambda: 5.71–26.30 mg/L Ratio: 0.26–1.65 | Same |
| Traceability | Internal reference material | Same |
| Open-vial Stability | 3 months | Same |
| General Device Characteristic Differences | | |
| Measuring range (at standard dilution) | Kappa: 2.9–127 mg/L (1/10) Lambda: 5.2–139 mg/L (1/8) | Kappa: 5.9–190 mg/L (1/100) Lambda: 5.0–160 mg/L (1/100) |
| Reference Interval (Urine) | Kappa: 32.90 mg/L* Lambda: 3.79 mg/L* | Kappa: 1.35–24.19 mg/L# Lambda: 0.24–6.66 mg/L# Ratio: 2.04–10.37# |
*97.5th Percentile (one sided reference interval)
# 95 Percentile Range
VI Standards/Guidance Documents Referenced:
Not applicable
VII Performance Characteristics (if/when applicable):
A Analytical Performance:
1. Precision/Reproducibility:
Refer to K173732 and K150658
K250549 - Page 5 of 9
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2. Linearity:
Refer to K173732 and K150658
3. Analytical Specificity/Interference:
Refer to K173732 and K150658
4. Assay Reportable Range:
Refer to K173732 and K150658
5. Traceability, Stability, Expected Values (Controls, Calibrators, or Methods):
Refer to K173732 and K150658
6. Detection Limit:
Refer to K173732 and K150658
7. Assay Cut-Off:
Refer to expected values/reference range below.
## B Comparison Studies:
1. Method Comparison with Predicate Device:
Refer to K173732 and K150658
2. Matrix Comparison:
Not applicable
## C Clinical Studies:
MGUS is a clinically asymptomatic premalignant clonal plasma cell or lymphoplasmacytic proliferative disorder. The performance of the Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa and Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kits as an aid in the evaluation of MGUS was investigated from the following retrospective clinical studies:
### Study 1:
A retrospective study was performed by testing a total of 229 samples from clinically confirmed MGUS patients (with 225 IFE positivity) and a total of 136 samples from clinically defined non-MGUS patients with polyclonal immunostimulation (confirmed with SIFE). Clinical diagnostic criteria and classification for MGUS and related plasma-cell disorders were, as practiced clinically, fulfilled, but were not limited to the criteria outlined by the ‘International Myeloma
K250549 - Page 6 of 9
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Working Group (IMWG)' consensus. The result of the device was compared to the clinical diagnosis for each sample.
The cohort of 229 MGUS samples included 173 non-IgM MGUS, 24 IgM MGUS, 10 light chain (LC) MGUS and 22 Biclonal. Out of 229 MGUS, 225 were IFE positive and four with no obvious paraprotein or unclear IFE result. However, these four IFE negative samples were categorized as LC-MGUS based on the positive clinical findings. All 229 samples were tested for FLC kappa and lambda levels with the Optilite Freelite Kappa and Lambda Free kits on the Optilite Analyzer. FLC $\kappa/\lambda$ ratios were also calculated for each sample. The test result for MGUS positive or negative were based on the following FLC kappa and lambda levels criteria:
- For Non-LC MGUS, the test was considered as "MGUS Positive" or "Abnormal" when abnormal FLC $\kappa/\lambda$ ratio (outside reference interval, i.e., $<0.26$ or $>1.65$ ) with IFE positivity was determined.
- For LC MGUS, the test was considered as "MGUS Positive" when abnormal FLC $\kappa/\lambda$ ratio (outside reference interval, i.e., $<0.26$ or $>1.65$ ) with elevated FLC kappa ( $>19.40$ mg/L) or elevated FLC lambda FLC ( $>26.30$ mg/L) was determined.
One hundred twenty-nine (129) out of 229 MGUS cases were tested positive by the Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa Free Kit and Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kit with a positive rate of $56.3\%$ (95% CI: 49.6–62.9%). The distribution of the cohort and the positivity rate for each clinical type of MGUS are summarized in the following table:
| MGUS Type | N | n (n/N%) Freelite positive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Non-IgM MGUS (all) | 173 | 95 (54.9%) |
| IgG κ | 74 | 47 (63.5%) >1.65 |
| IgG λ | 61 | 20 (32.8%) <0.26 |
| IgA κ | 21 | 15 (71.4%) >1.65 |
| IgA λ | 15 | 9 (60.0%) <0.26 |
| IgD κ | 0 | 0 (0%) |
| IgD λ | 0 | 0 (0%) |
| Other * | 2 | 0 (0%) |
| | | |
| IgM MGUS (all) | 24 | 10 (41.7%) |
| IgM κ | 20 | 9 (45.0%)>1.65 |
| IgM λ | 4 | 1 (25.0%) <0.26 |
| | | |
| LC-MGUS (all) | 10 | 10 (100%) |
| κ | 5 | 5 (100%) |
| λ | 5 | 5 (100%) |
| | | |
| Biclonal | 22 | 2 (9.1%) <0.26 |
| | | |
| TOTAL | 229 | 129 (56.3%) |
* λ band (not free light chain) with no obvious corresponding heavy chain. These samples have been categorized as non-IgM MGUS based on associated IFE and FLC results generated for these samples.
K250549 - Page 7 of 9
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The 136 samples from patients with confirmed non-MGUS polyclonal stimulation (polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia) were comprised of autoimmune diseases (27); diabetes (20); cardiovascular diseases (6); liver diseases (9); renal diseases (6); infection/inflammation (8); endocrine disorders (3); respiratory diseases (1); cancers (2); and other diseases/conditions (anemia, arthralgia, back pain, thigh pain, bone pain, elevated globulin levels, leg pain, low Hb, low sodium, macrocytosis, malaise, neutrophilia, night sweats, neutrophilia, poly arthropathy, thrombocytopenia, raised CRP, rash and itch, specific antibody deficiency, tired all the time (TATT), tiredness, weight loss, deranged liver enzymes) (54). Among 136 non-MGUS samples, 125 of these were determined as negative by the Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa Free Kit and Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kit, indicating a negative agreement of 91.9% (95% CI: 86.0--95.9%) in this sample cohort. The 11 false positive samples were from patients with the following disorders: diabetes (2); renal disease (1); infection/inflammation (1); liver diseases (1); autoimmune diseases (3); and other diseases/conditions (3).
## Study 2
Another retrospective study was performed by testing 49 subjects with clinically stable MGUS and four subjects with progressive clinical status converting from MGUS to multiple myeloma (MM). Among 49 MGUS stable subjects, 39 patients were diagnosed with non-IgM MGUS (20 IgG K, 14 IgG L, two IgA K, and three IgA L), and six patients with IgM MGUS (four IgM K and two IgM L) and four biclonal. All four subjects with progressive disease status were initially diagnosed with non-IgM MGUS (one IgG K, and three IgG L).
At least three serial draws were collected from each patient and tested with the Optilite Freelite Mx Kappa Free Kit and Optilite Freelite Mx Lambda Free Kit. FLC κ/λ ratio was calculated for each blood draw sample. Since the MGUS has been identified as a precursor to malignant diseases (multiple myeloma or amyloidosis), but not as a disease which requires treatment, no defined criteria in how to interpret consecutive FLC results are available. Therefore, for device evaluation purposes only, the criteria for stable MGUS and progressive MGUS based on test results in this study is defined as follows:
- FLC stable: Stable MGUS defined as < 25% increase in the concentration of the involved FLC in two assessments taken at least 6 months +/- 2 months apart where possible. This analysis included MGUS patients with and without abnormal FLC κ/λ ratio.
- FLC progressive: Progressive MGUS defined as the FLC κ/λ ratio outside of the reference interval of 0.26 --1.65, and an increase of ≥ 25% in the concentration of the involved light chain at or preceding the diagnosis of MM, compared to a previous sample taken at least 6 months +/- 2 months where possible.
Forty-three (43) out of 45 clinically stable MGUS subjects except LC MGUS, were determined as stable by the test and two out of four clinically progressive subjects were determined as progressive by these tests.
## Limitations
- The performance has not been sufficiently studied in Light Chain (LC) MGUS patients -- 10 LC MGUS patient samples were tested in Study 1, no LC MGUS patient samples were tested in Study 2.
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- The performance has not been fully evaluated on all race/ethnicity in the intended use population.
- The study included time points of blood draws not indicative of clinical practice. The algorithm using only FLC has not been validated for progression of disease. Furthermore, a small sample size (4 patients) with only one specific subtype (i.e., IgG MGUS only) was used to study progression in Study 2. Risk mitigation strategies include that this test is not a stand-alone test for the evaluation of patients with MGUS and the test is to be utilized in conjunction with serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation blood tests.
## D Clinical Cut-Off:
Not applicable
## E Expected Values/Reference Range:
Refer to K150658
Kappa FLC reference range: 3.30–19.40 mg/L
Lambda FLC reference range: 5.71–26.30 mg/L
Kappa/Lambda Ratio reference Range: 0.26–1.65
## VIII Proposed Labeling:
The labeling supports the finding of substantial equivalence for this device.
## IX Conclusion:
The submitted information in this premarket notification is complete and supports a substantial equivalence decision.
K250549 - Page 9 of 9
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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.
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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.