Medi-Cult Sperm Freeze Medium is intended for the cryopreservation of human spermatozoa and tissue from testicular biopsies.
Device Story
Medi-Cult Sperm Freezing Medium (SFM) is a cryopreservation solution for human spermatozoa and testicular biopsy tissue. The formulation consists of a modified Tyrodes solution with HEPES buffer, 15% v/v glycerol as the cryoprotective agent, and additives including Assisted Reproduction Technique Supplement (ARTS) and human serum albumin (HSA). The device is used in clinical laboratory settings to prepare sperm for long-term storage. By protecting cellular integrity during freezing and thawing, the medium maintains sperm motility, viability, and functional capacity, specifically the ability to bind to the zona pellucida. Healthcare providers use the medium to process samples, which are then frozen; the resulting preserved samples are used in assisted reproductive procedures. The product is intended to support successful fertilization outcomes by minimizing the detrimental effects of cryopreservation on sperm receptors and cellular structures.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence includes comparative studies against TEST-Yolk buffer (TYB). A study at the University of Rochester Medical Center (n=not specified) compared motility, viability, normal cell percentage, and straight-line velocity (VSL), finding no significant differences between SFM and TYB. A hemi-zona assay (HZA) conducted at The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine compared sperm binding ability; SFM showed significantly higher binding (149.0 ± 10.4) compared to TYB (103.9 ± 6.0) with p < 0.0001. Other parameters including velocity, beat amplitude, frequency, linearity, and hyperactivation showed no significant differences between the two media.
Technological Characteristics
Formulation: Modified Tyrodes solution, HEPES buffer, 15% v/v glycerol, Assisted Reproduction Technique Supplement (ARTS), and human serum albumin (HSA). The medium is a liquid chemical solution. Quality control testing includes bioburden, integrity filter testing, sterility, pH, endotoxin, and sperm survival. No electronic, mechanical, or software components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the cryopreservation of human spermatozoa and tissue from testicular biopsies.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Reproductive media and supplement are products that are used for assisted reproduction procedures. Media include liquid and powder versions of various substances that come in direct physical contact with human gametes or embryos (including water, acid solutions used to treat gametes or embryos, rinsing solutions, sperm separation media, supplements, or oil used to cover the media) for the purposes of preparation, maintenance, transfer or storage. Supplements are specific reagents added to media to enhance specific properties of the media (e.g., proteins, sera, antibiotics, etc.).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls) (mouse embryo assay information, endotoxin testing, sterilization validation, design specifications, labeling requirements, biocompatibility testing, and clinical testing). The device, when it is phosphate-buffered saline used for washing, and short-term handling and manipulation of gametes and embryos; culture oil used as an overlay for culture media containing gametes and embryos; and water for assisted reproduction applications, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 884.9.
Reference Devices
TEST-Yolk buffer (TYB, Irvine Scientific)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
#### 510(k) Summary Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information FEB 2 8 2000 Supporting a Substantially Equivalent Determination (K991333)
## The product
"Medi-Cult Sperm Freeze Medium" Cat.No. 1067 -
#### Indications for use:
"Medi-Cult Sperm Freeze Medium" is intended for the cryopreservation of human spermatozoa and tissue from testicular biopsies.
#### The product formulation:
Modified Tyrodes with HEPES buffer containing sucrose, glucose and sodium lactate Assisted Reproduction Technique Supplement, (ARTS) Glycerol Human Serum Albumin (HSA) Penicillin Streptomycin
#### The product testing control contents:
- Bioburden, production-test
- -Integrity filter testing, production-test
- Sterility, QC-test .
- pH, QC-test
- Endotoxin, QC-test ・
- -Sperm Survival, QC-test
The culture media from Medi-Cult have been used by many European IVF-units since the end of the 1980's. (Produced and distributed by GEA-Biotech 1987 to 1989 and by Medi-Cult a/s from 1989). The Medi-Cult media were at that time introduced as a replacement for in-house prepared culture media.
The Medi-Cult products for cryopreservation is in general formulated according to data published in peer reviewed international iournals by internationally recognised scientists in the field.
Medi-Cult has recently introduced a medium for the crypreservation of human spermatozooa. Medi-Cult Sperm Freezing Medium (SFM) is composed from a modified Tyrodes Solution that has been Hepes buffered. The cryoprotective is Glycerol (15% v/v) and its crypprotective properties have been enhanced by the addition of Assisted Reproduction Technique Supplement (ARTS) and human serum albumin.
The product contains small amounts of potentially hazardous Human Serum Albumin, which has been obtained from a U.S licensed source (U.S license No.140). It origins from larger pools of screened healthy donors, tested negative for HBbsAg, Anti-HCV, anti HIV-1/2. Levels of ALT (GPT) in the plasma are determined and donations are rejected if the values found are above the upper limit of the specifications. Donors of the source material have been screened for CJD.
At the Rochester Regional Cryobank and Andrology Laboratory, University of Rochester Medical center, Rochester, NY, the Medi-Cult Sperm Freezing medium have been compared with TEST-Yolk buffer (TYB, Irvine Scientific, Irvine CA). The following results were obtained:
{1}------------------------------------------------
| | Motility % | Viability % | Normal cells % | VSL* |
|-------------|------------|-------------|----------------|------------|
| Fresh semen | 61.1(3.6) | | 50.0 (6.1) | 43.1 (3.1) |
| SFM** | 20.6(2.4) | 40.7(4.2) | 53.8(5.1) | 31.5(1.5) |
| TYB *** | 19.1 (1.0) | 49.6(1.7) | 49.3(5.5) | 29.7(1.6) |
### *VSL: straight line velocity
**SFM: Sperm Freezing Medium from Medi-Cult
***TYB: TEST-Yolk buffer from Irvine Scientific
No differences between sperm frozen with SFM or with TYB were found in this study.
Binding of the spermatozoa to the zona pellucida (ZP) is a necessary step in fertilisation both in vivo and in vitro (IVF). Freezing/thawing might have a detrimental effect on the receptors on the surface of sperm cells and thus impair binding to the zona pellucida. Dr Mary Mahonev at The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA, have evaluated the ability of frozen/thawed spermatozoa to bind to isolated zona pellucidae using the "hemi-zona assay". Sperm frozen and thawed in Medi-Cult Sperm Freezing medium and in TEST-Yolk buffer form Irvine Scientific was compared.
## Table 1. Hemi-zona assay (HZA) after freezing/thawing in Sperm Freezing Medium from Medi-Cult (SFM) or TEST-Yolk buffer from Irvine Scientific (Test-Yolk)
| HZA binding in TEST-Yolk | HZA Binding in SFM | HZA-SFM/HZA-TEST-yolk % |
|--------------------------|--------------------|-------------------------|
| Mean ± SE | Mean ± SE | Mean ± SE |
| 103.9 ± 6.0 | 149.0 ± 10.4* | 152.3 ± 10.2 |
#### *Significantly higher than in Test-Yolk buffer p< 0.0001
Dr. Mahoney also compared other parameters such as motility, velocity (+VSL and VCL) beat amplitude (ALH) and frequency (BCF), linearity (LIN) and hyperactivation (HA) and found no differences between sperm frozen in SFM or in TEST-Yolk buffer.
There have been no registered complaints on the product and there is no evidence in the last 1.5 year that the product has been the cause of any serious adverse events in connection with its intended use.
Thus based on the Federal Register Notice (Final Rule, Vol. 63, No. 175, page 48429, September 10, 1998), "Obstetric and Gynecologic Devices; Reclassification and Classification of Medical Devices Used for In-Vitro Fertilization and Related Reproduction Procedures" effective on October 13, 1998 and the supportive clinical data we feel that the safety and effectiveness of the product for its intended use is shown in the present submission.
Prepared and Submitted by:
Rice Wickey-Lermaid for feruary 18, 2018
Ronald G. Leonardi, Ph. D.
Date
President R & R Registrations P.O. Box 262069 San Diego CA 92196 858-586-0751
{2}------------------------------------------------
Public Health Service
Rockville MD 20850
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard
Image /page/2/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The logo is circular and contains the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the circle is an abstract image of an eagle.
FEB 28 2000
Medi-Cult A/S c/o Ronald G. Leonardi, Ph.D. President R & R Registrations P.O. Box 262069 San Diego, CA 92196
Re: K991333
Medi-Cult Sperm Freeze Medium Dated: December 14, 1999 Received: December 15, 1999 Regulatory Class: II 21 CFR 884.6180/Procode: 85 MQL
Dear Dr. Leonardi:
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 Requiations, 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.
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 vour 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 diacnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4591. 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" (21CFR 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 (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Daniel G. Schultz, M.D.
Captain, USPHS Acting Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure(s)
{3}------------------------------------------------
#### K991333 510(k) Number (if known):
# Device Name: MEDI-CULT SPERM FREEZING MEDIUM (SFM)
Indications for Use:
For the cryopreservation of human spermatozoa and tissue from testicular biopsies.
(PLEASE DO NO 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)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT,
and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K991333
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.