The ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer is an automated hematology analyzer providing complete blood count (CBC), differential leucocyte count (DIFF) as well as reticulocyte count for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical laboratories. The ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer provides appropriate flags and alarms to assist users in final checking and identification of abnormal cell populations. The clinical use of the reticulocyte count, specifically the immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), is to monitor erythropoietic activity in patients.
Device Story
Benchtop clinical laboratory instrument; analyzes whole blood samples. Uses cytochemistry, focused flow impedance, light scattering, and fluorescence to perform complete blood counts, differential leucocyte counts, and reticulocyte counts. Microprocessor-driven system; provides flags and alarms for abnormal cell populations. IRF parameter calculated as sum of medium and high RNA content reticulocytes (%). Used by laboratory personnel to monitor erythropoietic activity; output assists clinicians in identifying abnormal cell populations and assessing patient hematological status.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical study using 203 whole blood samples (100 normal, 103 abnormal reticulocyte counts). Samples processed on ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC and SYSMEX R-3000 analyzer. Data supports substantial equivalence for the IRF parameter. Additional precision and accuracy studies conducted.
Technological Characteristics
Benchtop automated hematology analyzer. Sensing principles: cytochemistry, focused flow impedance, light scattering, and fluorescence. Microprocessor-controlled. In vitro diagnostic use. No specific material standards or connectivity protocols detailed.
Indications for Use
Indicated for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical laboratories to provide complete blood counts, differential leucocyte counts, and reticulocyte counts (including immature reticulocyte fraction) to monitor erythropoietic activity in patients.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An automated differential cell counter is a device used to identify one or more of the formed elements of the blood. The device may also have the capability to flag, count, or classify immature or abnormal hematopoietic cells of the blood, bone marrow, or other body fluids. These devices may combine an electronic particle counting method, optical method, or a flow cytometric method utilizing monoclonal CD (cluster designation) markers. The device includes accessory CD markers.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is the FDA document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Premarket Notifications for Automated Differential Cell Counters for Immature or Abnormal Blood Cells; Final Guidance for Industry and FDA.”
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K99/839
Image /page/0/Picture/2 description: The image is a black square with the letters 'ALX' in white. The letters are stylized and overlapping, with the 'A' and 'L' connected at the top and the 'L' and 'X' connected at the bottom. The letters are bold and have a slightly rough, textured appearance. The overall design is simple and modern.
# Premarket Notification [510(k)] Summary
ABX Diagnostics, Inc. Company: 34 Bunsen Drive Irvine, CA 92618 Phone: (949) 453-0500 FAX: (949) 453-0600 Contact Person: Franck Brouzes Date Prepared: May 21, 1999
#### ABX™ PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Trade Name: Analyzer
| Common Name: | Automated cell counter and<br>Automated differential cell counter |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Classification Name: | Automated cell counter (864.5200) and<br>Automated differential cell counter (864.5220) |
#### Substantial Equivalence:
The ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer is substantially equivalent to the ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer (K990311, cleared to market March 31, 1999) and to the Sysmex™ IRF clinical parameter (K971736, cleared to market August 26, 1997).
#### Description:
The ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer is a benchtop, clinical laboratory instrument which analyzes in-vitro samples of whole blood to provide complete blood count, leucocyte differential count and reticulocyte count using principles of cytochemistry, focused flow impedance, light scattering, and fluorescence. The instrument is microprocessor driven.
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Image /page/1/Picture/3 description: The image is a logo for ABX Diagnostics. The logo is a stylized "ABX" in a bold, sans-serif font, with the letters stacked vertically. The "A" is at the top, the "B" is in the middle, and the "X" is at the bottom. The word "DIAGNOSTICS" is written in a smaller, sans-serif font below the letters. The logo is black and white.
Indications For Use:
The ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer is an automated hematology analyzer providing complete blood count, differential leucocyte count as well as reticulocyte count for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical laboratories. The ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer provides appropriate flags and alarms to assist users in final checking and identification of abnormal cell populations.
The clinical use of the reticulocyte count, specifically the immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) is to monitor erythropoietic activity in patients.
#### Comparison to Predicate Devices:
ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer is identical to the ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Hematology Analyzer with respect to the reagents and controls, measuring principles, principles of operation, hardware, and software. The ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer labeling was modified to include an additional parameter for reticulocyte counts: the IRF parameter. With respect to this parameter, the IRF parameter is substantially equivalent to the Sysmex R-Series IRF parameter. ABX Diagnostics defines the IRF parameter as the sum of the medium and high RNA content reticulocytes (as %). Sysmex Corporation defines the IRF parameter as the sum of the middle fluorescence ratio and the high fluorescence ratio.
### Discussion of Performance Data:
The determination of substantial equivalence was based on an assessment of clinical performance data from published studies and from a clinical study using whole blood samples from 100 patients with normal reticulocyte counts and 103 patients with abnormal counts. In the clinical study, samples were processed in the ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer and the SYSMEX R-3000 analyzer. Clinical data support substantial equivalence for the IRF parameter. Additional studies were conducted to assess the precision and accuracy of the ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer.
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Image /page/2/Picture/3 description: The image is a logo for ABX Diagnostics. The logo is a black square with the letters "ABX" in white. The letters are stylized and overlapping. The word "DIAGNOSTICS" is printed in small letters below the square.
Conclusions:
All studies confirmed that the IRF clinical parameter of the ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer de substantially equivalent to the Sysmex IRF clinical parameter.
Prepared By: Patricia Amtower Consultant, ProMedica International
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol that resembles a stylized eagle or bird in flight, composed of three wavy lines that suggest the feathers or wings of the bird.
Food and Drug Administration 2098 Gaither Road Rockville MD 20850
AUG 11 1999
Mr. Franck Brouzes Vice President ABX Diagnostics, Inc. 34 Bunsen Drive Irvine, California 92618
Re: K991839
> Trade Name: ABX™ PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer Regulatory Class: III Product Code: GKZ Dated: May 27, 1999 Received: May 28, 1999
Dear Mr. Brouzes:
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.
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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 (301) 443-6597, or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrlv/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Steven Sutman
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
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Attachment 1
## INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
510(k) Number (if known): K991839
Device Name: ABX™ PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer
Indications For Use:
The ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer is an automated hematology analyzer providing complete blood count (CBC), differential leucocyte count (DIFF) as well as reticulocyte count for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical laboratories. The ABX PENTRA 120 RETIC Automated Hematology Analyzer provides appropriate flags and alarms to assist users in final checking and identification of abnormal cell populations.
The clinical use of the reticulocyte count, specifically the immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), is to monitor erythropoietic activity in patients.
Peter E. Madson
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Clinical Laboratory Devices K991839
510(k) Number
(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 CRFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use -------
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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.
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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.
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Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
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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.
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Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
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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.
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A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
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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.