The Influenza A/B Rapid Test is a qualitative immunoassay for the rapid detection of Influenza A/B viral antigens from throat swab specimens. This test is intended for professional in vitro diagnostic use to aid in the diagnosis of Influenza infections, and to gather epidemiological information for detection of Influenza outbreaks. When used for diagnosis, negative assay results should be confirmed by cell culture. This assay does not detect the presence of Influenza C viral antigens.
Device Story
The Roche Diagnostics Influenza A/B Rapid Test is a lateral flow immunoassay for detecting Influenza A and B viral nucleoproteins in throat swab specimens. The device uses a lysis/elution solution to release viral nucleoprotein, which then forms a sandwich complex with biotin-conjugated and digoxigenin-conjugated monoclonal antibodies. This complex migrates chromatographically along a test strip, where it binds to colloidal gold particles and immobilized streptavidin, producing a visible positive result line. A second line serves as an internal procedural control. The test is performed by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. The output is a qualitative visual result (positive/negative) read after 10 minutes. This rapid diagnostic tool aids in clinical decision-making for influenza management and epidemiological tracking of outbreaks. It offers a simplified, faster procedure compared to traditional optical immunoassays.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance comparison against the Biostar Flu OIA showed a sensitivity of 68.4% and specificity of 80.7% for the Roche device, compared to 62% sensitivity and 80% specificity for the predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Lateral flow immunoassay; utilizes monoclonal antibodies specific to Influenza A and B nucleoproteins; colloidal gold particle detection; internal procedural control line; manual visual readout; no electronic components or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for professional in vitro diagnostic use to aid in the diagnosis of Influenza A or B viral infections in patients providing throat swab specimens. Not indicated for detection of Influenza C. Negative results require confirmation by cell culture.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An influenza virus antigen detection test system is a device intended for the qualitative detection of influenza viral antigens directly from clinical specimens in patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection. The test aids in the diagnosis of influenza infection and provides epidemiological information on influenza. Due to the propensity of the virus to mutate, new strains emerge over time which may potentially affect the performance of these devices. Because influenza is highly contagious and may lead to an acute respiratory tract infection causing severe illness and even death, the accuracy of these devices has serious public health implications.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:(1) The device's sensitivity and specificity performance characteristics or positive percent agreement and negative percent agreement, for each specimen type claimed in the intended use of the device, must meet one of the following two minimum clinical performance criteria:
(i) For devices evaluated as compared to an FDA-cleared nucleic acid based-test or other currently appropriate and FDA accepted comparator method other than correctly performed viral culture method:
(A) The positive percent agreement estimate for the device when testing for influenza A and influenza B must be at the point estimate of at least 80 percent with a lower bound of the 95 percent confidence interval that is greater than or equal to 70 percent.
(B) The negative percent agreement estimate for the device when testing for influenza A and influenza B must be at the point estimate of at least 95 percent with a lower bound of the 95 percent confidence interval that is greater than or equal to 90 percent.
(ii) For devices evaluated as compared to correctly performed viral culture method as the comparator method:
(A) The sensitivity estimate for the device when testing for influenza A must be at the point estimate of at least 90 percent with a lower bound of the 95 percent confidence interval that is greater than or equal to 80 percent. The sensitivity estimate for the device when testing for influenza B must be at the point estimate of at least 80 percent with a lower bound of the 95 percent confidence interval that is greater than or equal to 70 percent.
(B) The specificity estimate for the device when testing for influenza A and influenza B must be at the point estimate of at least 95 percent with a lower bound of the 95 percent confidence interval that is greater than or equal to 90 percent.
(2) When performing testing to demonstrate the device meets the requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a currently appropriate and FDA accepted comparator method must be used to establish assay performance in clinical studies.
(3) Annual analytical reactivity testing of the device must be performed with contemporary influenza strains. This annual analytical reactivity testing must meet the following criteria:
(i) The appropriate strains to be tested will be identified by FDA in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and sourced from CDC or an FDA-designated source. If the annual strains are not available from CDC, FDA will identify an alternative source for obtaining the requisite strains.
(ii) The testing must be conducted according to a standardized protocol considered and determined by FDA to be acceptable and appropriate.
(iii) By July 31 of each calendar year, the results of the last 3 years of annual analytical reactivity testing must be included as part of the device's labeling. If a device has not been on the market long enough for 3 years of annual analytical reactivity testing to have been conducted since the device received marketing authorization from FDA, then the results of every annual analytical reactivity testing since the device received marketing authorization from FDA must be included. The results must be presented as part of the device's labeling in a tabular format, which includes the detailed information for each virus tested as described in the certificate of authentication, either by:
(A) Placing the results directly in the device's § 809.10(b) of this chapter compliant labeling that physically accompanies the device in a separate section of the labeling where the analytical reactivity testing data can be found; or
(B) In the device's label or in other labeling that physically accompanies the device, prominently providing a hyperlink to the manufacturer's public Web site where the analytical reactivity testing data can be found. The manufacturer's home page, as well as the primary part of the manufacturer's Web site that discusses the device, must provide a prominently placed hyperlink to the Web page containing this information and must allow unrestricted viewing access.
(4) If one of the actions listed at section 564(b)(1)(A)-(D) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act occurs with respect to an influenza viral strain, or if the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines, under section 319(a) of the Public Health Service Act, that a disease or disorder presents a public health emergency, or that a public health emergency otherwise exists, with respect to an influenza viral strain:
(i) Within 30 days from the date that FDA notifies manufacturers that characterized viral samples are available for test evaluation, the manufacturer must have testing performed on the device with those viral samples in accordance with a standardized protocol considered and determined by FDA to be acceptable and appropriate. The procedure and location of testing may depend on the nature of the emerging virus.
(ii) Within 60 days from the date that FDA notifies manufacturers that characterized viral samples are available for test evaluation and continuing until 3 years from that date, the results of the influenza emergency analytical reactivity testing, including the detailed information for the virus tested as described in the certificate of authentication, must be included as part of the device's labeling in a tabular format, either by:
(A) Placing the results directly in the device's § 809.10(b) of this chapter compliant labeling that physically accompanies the device in a separate section of the labeling where analytical reactivity testing data can be found, but separate from the annual analytical reactivity testing results; or
(B) In a section of the device's label or in other labeling that physically accompanies the device, prominently providing a hyperlink to the manufacturer's public Web site where the analytical reactivity testing data can be found. The manufacturer's home page, as well as the primary part of the manufacturer's Web site that discusses the device, must provide a prominently placed hyperlink to the Web page containing this information and must allow unrestricted viewing access.
Predicate Devices
Biostar Flu OIA
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
| 510(k) Summary | |
|-------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Introduction | According to the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92, the following information provides sufficient detail to understand the basis for a determination of substantial equivalence. |
| 1) Submitter name, address, contact | Roche Diagnostics Corporation<br>9115 Hague Rd.<br>Indianapolis, IN 46250<br>(317) 845-2000<br><br>Contact Person: Luann Ochs<br><br>Date Prepared: September 8, 1999. |
| 2) Device name | Proprietary name: Roche Diagnostics Influenza A/B Rapid Test<br><br>Common name: Influenza virus detection reagents<br><br>Classification name: Antigens, CF (including CF control), influenza virus A, B, C |
| 3) Predicate device | We claim substantial equivalence to the Biostar Flu OIA, optical immunoassay for the rapid detection of influenza A and B. |
Continued on next page### 510(k) Summarv
{1}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary, Continued
| 4) Device<br>Description | The Influenza A/B Rapid Test consists of swabs, reaction cups, test strips,<br>and reagent solutions. |
|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | The test detects the viral nucleoprotein associated with the viral nucleic acid.<br>The nucleoprotein is released by lysing the virus envelop with the<br>lysis/elution solution. Since the nucleoprotein is type specific only (not<br>subtype specific), the test uses two pairs of monoclonal antibodies – one pair<br>is specific for Influenza A, the other is specific for Influenza B. The antibody<br>pairs are conjugated to either biotin or digoxigenin. |
| | In the presence of the viral antigen, a sandwich complex is formed, consisting<br>of the biotin-conjugated antibody, the nucleoprotein, and the digoxigenin-<br>conjugated antibody. When the test strip is placed in the reaction cup, the<br>complex migrates chromatographically, solubilizing colloidal gold particles<br>incorporated in the red pad of the strip. The colloidal gold particles bind to the<br>digoxigenin of the complex, which is then bound by the biotin to the<br>immobilized streptavidin on the strip (positive result line). Any excess gold<br>particles continue to migrate to the second line (control line), which then<br>becomes visible. This indicates the correct chromatographic migration. |
| 5) Intended use | The Influenza A/B Rapid Test is a qualitative immunoassay for the rapid<br>detection of Influenza A/B viral antigens from throat swab specimens. This<br>test is intended for professional in vitro diagnostic use to aid in the diagnosis<br>of Influenza infections, and to gather epidemiological information for<br>detection of Influenza outbreaks. When used for diagnosis, negative assay<br>results should be confirmed by cell culture. This assay does not detect the<br>presence of Influenza C viral antigens. |
{2}------------------------------------------------
### 510(k) Summary, Continued
6) Comparison to predicate device
The Roche Diagnostics Influenza A/B Rapid Test is substantially equivalent to other products in commercial distribution intended for similar use. Most notably it is substantially equivalent to the currently marketed Biostar Flu AB OIA.
| Feature | RDC Influenza A/B Rapid Test | Biostar Flu OIA |
|--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended use | Detection of Influenza A and B viral antigen | Detection of Influenza A and B viral antigen |
| Indication for use | Aid in the diagnosis of influenza A or B viral infections. | Aid in the diagnosis of influenza A or B viral infections. |
| Sample type | Throat swab | Throat swab, nasal aspirate, nasopharyngeal swab, or sputum. |
| Test Principle | Direct visualization of antigen-antibody complex binding to a surface. | Direct visualization of antigen-antibody complex binding to a surface. |
| Results | Positive or negative qualitative results | Positive or negative qualitative results |
| Quality control | Internal procedural quality control, external quality control solutions | Internal procedural quality control, external quality control solutions |
| Performance | Sensitivity 68.4%<br>Specificity 80.7% | Sensitivity 62%<br>Specificity 80% |
Continued on next page
{3}------------------------------------------------
## 510(k) Summary, Continued
#### 6) Comparison to predicate device, continued
#### Differences
| Feature | RDC Influenza A/B<br>Rapid Test | Biostar Flu OIA |
|------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Procedure | Rapid, simple procedure:<br>1. Extract sample in solution for 1 minute.<br>2. Add antibody reagents and mix.<br>3. Place test strip in solution.<br>4. Read results after 10 minutes. | Complicated, long procedure:<br>1. Extract sample in solution for 3 minutes. Add reagent.<br>2. Pipet one drop of sample onto test surface. Wait 6 minutes.<br>3. Wash the test surface.<br>4. Blot the test surface.<br>5. Add substrate reagent. Wait 6 minutes.<br>6. Wash the test surface.<br>7. Blot test surface.<br>8. Read results. |
| Total Assay Time | 12 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Incubation Time | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
#### Benefits:
The RDC Influenza A/B Rapid Test is easier to perform than the Biostar Flu OIA. The Influenza A/B Rapid Test has fewer procedural steps, and can be completed in about 12 minutes, versus about 20 minutes for the Biostar Flu OIA. Both tests utilize throat swab specimens, and contain antibodies to viral nucleoprotein for the detection of Influenza A or B.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circle with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of a human figure with three lines representing the body and head. The figure is facing to the right.
Food and Drug Administration 2098 Gaither Road Rockville MD 20850
DEC 2 0 1999
Mr. Luann Ochs Regulatory Program Manager Roche Diagnostics Corporation 9115 Hague Road Indianapolis. Indiana 46250-0457
Re: K993048 Trade Name: Roche Diagnostics Influenza A/B Rapid Test Regulatory Class: I Product Code: GNX Dated: November 9, 1999 Received: November 10, 1999
Dear Mr. Ochs:
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 OS 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.
{5}------------------------------------------------
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 Butman
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
{6}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known): Device Name: Roche Diagnostics Influenza A/B Rapid Test Indications for Use:
The Influenza A/B Rapid Test is a qualitative immunoassay for the rapid detection of Influenza A/B viral antigens from throat swab specimens. This test is intended for professional in vitro diagnostic use to aid in the diagnosis of Influenza infections, and to gather epidemiological information for detection of Influenza outbreaks. When used for diagnosis, negative assay results should be confirmed by cell culture. This assay does not detect the presence of Influenza C viral antigens.
### (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Woody Dubois
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Clinical Laboratory Devices
510(k) Number K993048
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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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.
