Retrospective clinical serum samples were used to determine the assay's sensitivity and specificity across various patient populations, including those with Lyme disease, normal donors, and patients with potentially cross-reactive conditions.
Clinical Performance Evaluation; Retrospective analysis of characterized serum samples
Lyme disease patients (n=183), normal donors (n=326), and patients with cross-reactive conditions (n=282); Sample Size: 791 total samples; Number of Sites: 3
Not applicable for this study
Sensitivity and specificity of IgG Western Blot
Indications for Use
MRL Diagnostics' Lyme Disease B. burgdorferi Genogroup 1 Western Blot IgG test is intended for the qualitative detection of IgG class antibodies, in human serum, to the genogroup 1 (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto) of B. burgdorferi sensu lato. The MRL Diagnostics Lyme Disease B. burgdorferi Western Blot IgG test is intended to provide supportive evidence of infection with B. burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease as an aid in the diagnosis of Lyme disease, using serum samples which have been found positive or equivocal by a B. burgdorferi screening method (e.g., IFA or ELISA). The MRL Diagnostics Lyme Disease B. burgdorferi Western Blot IgG can be used at any time following onset of symptoms provided the IFA or ELISA is positive or equivocal. Also, it should be used for follow up when: 1) only IgM antibodies were originally detected, 2) IgG antibodies were detected, but were not considered significant by Western blot, or 3) previously seronegative patients subsequently test positive by IFA or ELISA.
Device Story
In vitro diagnostic test for Lyme disease; utilizes polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to separate B. burgdorferi proteins; proteins transferred to nitrocellulose membrane strips. Procedure: patient serum incubated with antigen strips; bound IgG antibodies visualized via alkaline phosphatase-conjugated goat anti-human IgG and BCIP/NBT substrate; forms colored precipitate at antigen band sites. Interpretation of band reactivity patterns provides supportive evidence of B. burgdorferi infection. Used in clinical laboratory settings by trained technicians. Results aid physicians in diagnosing Lyme disease in patients with prior positive/equivocal screening tests. Benefits include improved diagnostic specificity for Lyme disease following initial screening.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evaluation across three sites (n=791 total). Populations: Lyme disease (n=183), normal (n=326), cross-reactive (n=282). Overall sensitivity 46% (83/179) in Lyme-positive patients; sensitivity varied by disease stage (28% <1 month to 65% >6 months). Specificity evaluated against normal and cross-reactive cohorts; IgG positivity was 0% in most non-Lyme groups, with minor cross-reactivity (4-9%) observed in specific musculoskeletal and neurologic disease samples. Reproducibility studies (intra-lab, inter-lot, inter-reader, inter-site) showed high consistency for strongly reactive/negative samples, with lower reproducibility for weakly reactive specimens.
Technological Characteristics
In vitro diagnostic Western Blot assay. Components: polyacrylamide gel, nitrocellulose membrane strips, alkaline phosphatase-conjugated goat anti-human IgG (Fc fragment specific), BCIP/NBT substrate. Manual interpretation of band reactivity patterns. No electronic connectivity or software-based automated analysis.
Indications for Use
Indicated for qualitative detection of IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi genogroup 1 in human serum. Used as supportive evidence for Lyme disease diagnosis in patients previously testing positive or equivocal by screening methods (IFA/ELISA). Applicable at any time post-symptom onset for follow-up of IgM-only results, non-significant IgG results, or seroconversion.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Treponema pallidum treponemal test reagents are devices that consist of the antigens, antisera and all control reagents (standardized reagents with which test results are compared) which are derived from treponemal sources and that are used in the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS), the Treponema pallidum immobilization test (T.P.I.), and other treponemal tests used to identify antibodies to Treponema pallidum directly from infecting treponemal organisms in serum. The identification aids in the diagnosis of syphilis caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Treponema and provides epidemiological information on syphilis.
Predicate Devices
MRL Diagnostics Lyme Disease IFA IgG kit (K883487)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
JUN 1 1998
MRL DIAGNOSTICS
K971006
510(k) Safety and Effectiveness Summary (Page 1 of 6)
Applicant: MRL Diagnostics
10703 Progress Way
Cypress, California 90630
Establishment Registration No: 2023365
Contact Person: Michael J. Wagner
Phone: (714) 220-1900
Telefax: (714) 220-1182
E-mail: mwagner@mrlinfo.com
Summary Date: May 20, 1998
Device Name: Lyme Disease B. burgdorferi Genogroup 1 Western Blot IgG
Classification: Lyme Disease Borrelia burgdorferi Serological Reagents
21 CFR §866.3830
Class II
Predicate Device: MRL Diagnostics Lyme Disease IFA IgG kit (K883487)
10703 PROGRESS WAY, CYPRESS CALIFORNIA 90630 800 445-0185 714 220-1900 FAX • 714 220-1182 mwagner@mrlinfo.com
{1}
MRL DIAGNOSTICS
K971006
510(k) Safety and Effectiveness Summary (Page 2 of 6)
Device Description:
MRL Diagnostics separates *B. burgdorferi* proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electrophoretically transfers the fractionated proteins from the gel to a nitrocellulose membrane. The nitrocellulose membrane is dried and cut into strips. The antigen strips are numbered and packaged.
The MRL Diagnostics Lyme Disease *B. burgdorferi* Genogroup 1 Western Blot IgG test is a two stage procedure. In the first stage, the patient sera is diluted and incubated with individual antigen strips. If antibodies to *B. burgdorferi* are present in the sera, they will bind to the Borrelia antigens immobilized on the nitrocellulose membranes. In the second stage, visualization of the bound antibodies is accomplished by incubating the blots with alkaline phosphatase—conjugated goat anti-human IgG, (Fc fragment specific) followed by the addition of substrate (BCIP/NBT) which forms a colored precipitate at each site (antigen band) where the anti-human conjugate has bound. The resulting pattern of band reactivity is then interpreted.
Intended Use:
MRL Diagnostics' Lyme Disease *B. burgdorferi* Genogroup 1 Western Blot IgG test is intended for the qualitative detection of IgG class antibodies, in human serum, to the genogroup 1 (*Borrelia burgdorferi* sensu stricto) of *B. burgdorferi* sensu lato. The MRL Diagnostics Lyme Disease *B. burgdorferi* Western Blot IgG test is intended to provide supportive evidence of infection with *B. burgdorferi*, the causative agent of Lyme disease as an aid in the diagnosis of Lyme disease, using serum samples which have been found positive or equivocal by a *B. burgdorferi* screening method (e.g., IFA or ELISA). The MRL Diagnostics Lyme Disease *B. burgdorferi* Western Blot IgG can be used at any time following onset of symptoms provided the IFA or ELISA is positive or equivocal. Also, it should be used for follow up when: 1) only IgM antibodies were originally detected, 2) IgG antibodies were detected, but were not considered significant by Western blot, or 3) previously seronegative patients subsequently test positive by IFA or ELISA.
10703 PROGRESS WAY, CYPRESS CALIFORNIA 90630
800 445-0185
714 220-1900
FAX • 714 220-1182
mwagner@mrlinfo.com
{2}
MRL DIAGNOSTICS
K971006
# 510(k) Safety and Effectiveness Summary (Page 3 of 6)
## Expected Values:
Three investigational sites (2 independent off-site investigators and 1 on-site investigator) studied the following 3 distinct populations:
1) a **Lyme Disease population** (n=183) consisting of serum samples from patients with EM, a late stage symptom per the CDC case definition and *B. burgdorferi* seropositive, or *B. burgdorferi* culture positive;
2) a **Normal population** (n=326) consisting of serum samples from donors with no known history or symptoms of Lyme Disease (including persons from Lyme disease endemic and non-endemic areas), and;
3) a **Cross-reactivity population** (n=282) consisting of serum samples from patients with potentially cross-reactive conditions or infections.
The frequency of criteria bands observed in the three populations are described in the following table:
| Disease State | n | %Pos | Any Band | Criteria Bands (kDa) | | | | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | 21 | 23 | 28 | 30 | 39 | 41 | 45 | 58 | 66 | 93 |
| Lyme Disease (By Disease Stage) (n=183) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Lyme I | 72 | 21% | 96% | 17% | 39% | 7% | 14% | 54% | 93% | 7% | 24% | 22% | 11% |
| Lyme II | 41 | 37% | 95% | 32% | 27% | 24% | 49% | 73% | 95% | 39% | 41% | 24% | 34% |
| Lyme III | 70 | 71% | 97% | 59% | 54% | 54% | 64% | 86% | 94% | 33% | 73% | 59% | 61% |
| Lyme Disease (By Months Post Infection Onset) (n=183) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| < 1 month | 40 | 28% | 93% | 17% | 35% | 13% | 20% | 60% | 90% | 20% | 28% | 28% | 13% |
| 1 to 2 months | 25 | 28% | 100% | 28% | 48% | 20% | 32% | 64% | 96% | 12% | 24% | 24% | 32% |
| 3 to 12 months | 64 | 44% | 95% | 39% | 38% | 30% | 47% | 70% | 94% | 27% | 52% | 33% | 36% |
| > 12 months | 54 | 63% | 98% | 50% | 50% | 44% | 54% | 81% | 96% | 30% | 65% | 54% | 54% |
| Normal Population (n=326) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Endemic | 82 | 0% | 49% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 1% | 7% | 32% | 0% | 9% | 2% | 0% |
| Non-Endemic | 244 | 0% | 61% | 0% | 1% | 0% | 2% | 8% | 48% | 3% | 4% | 6% | 1% |
| Possible Cross-reactives (n=281) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Spirochetal | 104 | 0% | 85% | 0% | 4% | 3% | 5% | 16% | 66% | 11% | 5% | 10% | 3% |
| Auto-Immune | 22 | 0% | 77% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 5% | 0% | 55% | 0% | 5% | 9% | 5% |
| Tick Borne | 21 | 0% | 43% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 5% | 14% | 38% | 14% | 5% | 14% | 0% |
| Musc. Skeletal | 33 | 6% | 88% | 9% | 9% | 6% | 12% | 15% | 79% | 21% | 9% | 6% | 9% |
| Neurologic | 27 | 4% | 78% | 4% | 0% | 0% | 7% | 11% | 59% | 4% | 22% | 15% | 4% |
| Viral | 32 | 0% | 66% | 0% | 3% | 3% | 6% | 0% | 44% | 9% | 6% | 0% | 0% |
| Symptomology | 15 | 0% | 93% | 7% | 0% | 0% | 13% | 7% | 73% | 7% | 7% | 7% | 0% |
| Misc. Disease | 29 | 0% | 93% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 7% | 21% | 72% | 10% | 17% | 3% | 0% |
10703 PROGRESS WAY, CYPRESS CALIFORNIA 90630
800 445-0185
714 220-1900
FAX • 714 220-1182
mwagner@mrlinfo.com
{3}
MRL DIAGNOSTICS
K971006
# 510(k) Safety and Effectiveness Summary (Page 4 of 6)
## Sensitivity:
To determine assay Sensitivity, two independent off-site investigators (Investigational Sites 1 and 2) and one on-site investigator (Investigational Site 3), assayed well characterized Lyme disease positive patient sera (n=184) from patients (n=158) with EM, a late stage symptom per the CDC case definition and B. burgdorferi seropositive, or B. burgdorferi culture positive. Investigational Sites 1 and 2 used retrospective serum samples from their own well-characterized serum banks, and Investigational Site 3 used a retrospective well characterized serum panel supplied by the CDC. The CDC panel results are presented as a means to convey further information on the performance of this assay with a masked, characterized serum panel. This does not imply an endorsement of the assay by the CDC.
For the CDC panel, sensitivity results are provided in the following table for 1) the IgG Western Blot, and 2) the number of samples which were IgG negative but IgM positive by MRL Diagnostics' B. burgdorferi Western Blots ("IgG Negative & IgM Positive"):
| Months Post Infection Onset | IgG Sensitivity | IgG 95% CI | IgG Negative & IgM Positive |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| <1 | 25% (1/4) | 1 to 81% | 3 |
| 1 to 2 | 22% (2/9) | 3 to 60% | 6 |
| 3 to 6 | 31% (5/16) | 11 to 59% | 9 |
| >6 | 82% (9/11) | 48 to 98% | 1 |
| Overall Sensitivity | 43% (17/40) | 27 to 59% | 19 |
For all three sites, sensitivity results are provided in the following table for 1) the IgG Western Blot and 2) the number of samples which were IgG negative but IgM positive by MRL Diagnostics' B. burgdorferi Western Blots ("IgG Negative & IgM Positive"):
| Months Post Infection Onset | IgG Sensitivity | IgG 95% CI | IgG Negative & IgM Positive |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| <1 | 28% (11/39) | 15 to 45% | 20 |
| 1 to 2 | 28% (7/25) | 12 to 49% | 15 |
| 3 to 6 | 41% (17/42) | 26 to 57% | 15 |
| >6 | 65% (47/72) | 53 to 76% | 5 |
| Unspecified | 100% (1/1) | | |
| Overall Sensitivity | 46% (83/179) | 39 to 54% | 55 |
Eighteen patients were drawn more than once, i.e., three patients were drawn three times and the other patients twice. One of those patients was drawn at 99 and 105 months post onset, and both draws were found IgG positive IgM negative. The other seventeen patients were initially drawn less than one month post onset, and the results for those multiple draws are summarized in the following table:
| | Initial Draw | Subsequent Draw Sensitivity | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Sensitivity | <1 Mo. | 1-2 Mo. | 3-6 Mo. |
| | 12% (2/17) | 0% (0/1) | 10% (1/10) | 0% (0/9) |
10703 PROGRESS WAY. CYPRESS CALIFORNIA 90630
800 445-0185
714 220-1900
FAX • 714 220-1182
mwagner@mrl.info.com
{4}
MRL
DIAGNOSTICS
K971006
# 510(k) Safety and Effectiveness Summary (Page 5 of 6)
## Specificity
To determine assay Specificity, Investigational Sites 1, 2, and 3 assayed 606 sera consisting of 326 serum samples from persons with no known history of Lyme disease (from endemic and non-endemic areas) (Investigational Sites 1, 2, and 3) and 286 disease state serum samples from potentially cross-reactive diseases (including diseases likely to produce similar clinical presentation) (Investigational Sites 1 and 3). Where specimen quantities were sufficient, the investigators assayed each specimen on both the IgG and the IgM Western blots.
For persons with no known history of Lyme disease (Normals), and those with potentially cross-reactive diseases (Potential Cross-reactives), specificity results are provided in the following table for 1) the IgG Western Blot and 2) the number of samples which were IgG negative but IgM positive by MRL Diagnostics' *B. burgdorferi* Western Blots (“IgG Negative & IgM Positive”):
| Condition | IgG Positivity | IgG Negative & IgM Positive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Normal Population (n=326)** | | |
| Endemic Normals | 0% (0/82) | 0 |
| Non-Endemic Normals | 0% (0/244) | 5 |
| Condition | IgG Crossreactivity | IgG Negative & IgM Positive |
| **Spirochetal Disease Population (n=103)** | | |
| Syphilis | 0% (0/73) | 1 |
| Periodontal | 0% (0/20) | 2 |
| Leptospirosis | 0% (0/10) | 0 |
| **Auto Immune Disease Population (n=22)** | | |
| RF | 0% (0/10) | 2 |
| ANA | 0% (0/11) | 2 |
| SLE (Lupus) | 0% (0/1) | 0 |
| **Tickborne Disease Population (n=21)** | | |
| Rickettsia | 0% (0/9) | 0 |
| E. chaffeensis | 0% (0/8) | 5 |
| HGE | 0% (0/3) | 0 |
| Tickborn Relapsing | 0% (0/1) | 0 |
| **Muscular Skeletal Disease (n=33)** | | |
| Arthritis | 7% (1/15) | 0 |
| Arthralgia | 9% (1/11) | 1 |
| JRA | 0% (0/4) | 0 |
| Misc. Muscular | 0% (0/3) | 0 |
| Misc. Neurologic Disease (n=27) | 4% (1/27) | 1 |
| **Viral Disease Population (n=36*)** | | |
| EBV* | 0% (0/13) | 0 |
| CMV* | 0% (0/11) | 0 |
| HSV-1/2* | 0% (0/2) | 0 |
| HIV | 0%(0/10) | 0 |
| **Misc. Disease/Similar Symptoms (n=44)** | | |
| Fatigue | 0% (0/15) | 0 |
| Misc. | 0% (0/29) | 1 |
* includes 2 sera with antibody response to EBV, CMV, and HSV-1/2
10703 PROGRESS WAY, CYPRESS CALIFORNIA 90630
800 445-0185
714 220-1900
FAX • 714 220-1182
mwagner@mnlnta.com
{5}
MRL DIAGNOSTICS
K971006
# 510(k) Safety and Effectiveness Summary (Page 6 of 6)
## Reproducibility
Intra-laboratory Reproducibility was assessed by assaying 10 serum samples (of varying reactivity) once per day on 3 days using a single Antigen Strip lot. All 3 runs yielded identical screening interpretations for 9 of 10 selected sera. The remaining discrepant sample (a weakly reactive sample) produced identical interpretations on 8 of the 10 criteria bands. Overall, the 10 criteria bands yielded identical interpretations on 288 of 300 (96%) criteria band readings.
Inter-lot Reproducibility was assessed using 10 serum samples (of varying reactivity) on 3 lots of Antigen Strips. All 3 lots produced identical screening interpretations for 9 of the 10 selected sera. The discrepant sample (a weakly reactive sample) produced identical interpretations on 7 of the 10 criteria bands. Overall, the 10 criteria bands yielded identical interpretations on 284 of 300 (95%) criteria band readings.
Inter-reader Reproducibility was assessed by assaying 18 patient sera with a single lot of strips. The sera were assayed at up to three Investigational Sites (two sera were tested at two sites only), and read by two readers at each site. Overall, interpretation was identical 94% (49/52), and criteria band readings were identical 94% (491/520).
Inter-site Reproducibility was assessed by assaying 18 patient sera with a single lot of strips. The sera were assayed at the three Investigational Sites, and read by two readers at each site. Overall, interpretation was identical 88% (91/104), and criteria band readings were identical 87% (900/1040).
The results indicate that for strongly reactive and negative specimens the assay reproducibility is high. Weakly reactive (borderline) specimens decrease the kit's reproducibility.
The following table summarizes reproducibility by interpretation and band reproducibility.
| Study | n | Interp | 21 | 23 | 28 | 30 | 39 | 41 | 45 | 58 | 66 | 93 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Intra-lab | 10 | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 100% | 90% | 90% | 100% | 90% | 100% |
| Inter-lot | 10 | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 100% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 100% |
| Inter-reader | 18 | 94% | 90% | 92% | 94% | 98% | 98% | 98% | 92% | 96% | 90% | 90% |
| Inter-site | 18 | 88% | 88% | 83% | 84% | 80% | 91% | 84% | 73% | 94% | 92% | 97% |
10703 PROGRESS WAY, CYPRESS CALIFORNIA 90630
800 445-0185
714 220-1900
FAX • 714 220-1182
mwagner: :rlinfo.com
{6}
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration
2098 Gaither Road
Rockville MD 20850
JUN 1 1998
Michael J. Wagner
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
MRL Diagnostics
10703 Progress Way
Cypress, CA 90630
Re: K971006
Trade Name: Lyme Disease B. burgdorferi Genogroup 1 Western Blot IgG
Regulatory Class: II
Product Code: LSR
Dated: March 23, 1998
Received: March 25, 1998
Dear Mr. Wagner:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we 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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
{7}
Page 2
Under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA-88), this device may require a CLIA complexity categorization. To determine if it does, you should contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at (770)488-7655.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for *in vitro* diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4588. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll free number (800) 638-2041 or at (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html"
Sincerely yours,
Steven I. Gutman, M.D., M.B.A.
Director
Division of Clinical Laboratory Devices
Office of Device Evaluation
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{8}
Page 1 of 1
510(k) Number (if known): K971006
Device Name: Lyme Disease B. burgdorferi Genogroup 1 Western Blot IgG
Indications for Use:
MRL Diagnostics' Lyme Disease B. burgdorferi Genogroup 1 Western Blot IgG test is intended for the qualitative detection of IgG class antibodies, in human serum, to the genogroup 1 (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto) of B. burgdorferi sensu lato. The MRL Diagnostics Lyme Disease B. burgdorferi Western Blot IgG test is intended to provide supportive evidence of infection with B. burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease as an aid in the diagnosis of Lyme disease, using serum samples which have been found positive or equivocal by a B. burgdorferi screening method (e.g., IFA or ELISA). The MRL Diagnostics Lyme Disease B. burgdorferi Western Blot IgG can be used at any time following onset of symptoms provided the IFA or ELISA is positive or equivocal. Also, it should be used for follow up when: 1) only IgM antibodies were originally detected, 2) IgG antibodies were detected, but were not considered significant by Western blot, or 3) previously seronegative patients subsequently test positive by IFA or ELISA.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)

Prescription Use ☑
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use ☐
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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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.