(271 days)
Not Found
No
The summary describes a real-time PCR assay and automated platform for nucleic acid detection. While it involves data interpretation by software, there is no mention of AI or ML being used for this interpretation or any other part of the process.
No
This device is an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test designed to detect the nucleic acid of specific gastrointestinal parasites in stool samples to aid in diagnosis, not to provide therapy or treatment.
Yes
The "Intended Use / Indications for Use" section explicitly states, "This device is an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) intended to be used by trained personnel in clinical, pathology or hospital laboratories as an aid in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal illness."
No
The device is an in vitro diagnostic kit that includes reagents and is used with a real-time PCR platform, indicating it is a hardware and reagent-based system, not software-only.
Yes, this device is an IVD (In Vitro Diagnostic).
Here's why:
- Explicit Statement: The "Intended Use / Indications for Use" section explicitly states: "This device is an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) intended to be used by trained personnel in clinical, pathology or hospital laboratories as an aid in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal illness."
- Intended Use: The device is intended for the qualitative detection of pathogenic gastrointestinal parasite nucleic acid from patient stool samples to aid in the diagnosis of gastroenteritis. This is a classic definition of an in vitro diagnostic test.
- Sample Type: It uses human stool specimens, which are biological samples taken from the body.
- Testing Location: It is intended for use in clinical, pathology, or hospital laboratories by trained personnel.
- Purpose: The results are used as an aid in the differential diagnosis of infections, contributing to patient management decisions (though not as the sole basis).
All these factors align with the definition and purpose of an In Vitro Diagnostic device.
N/A
Intended Use / Indications for Use
The Genetic Signatures EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit is a rapid in vitro nucleic acid amplification assay for the qualitative detection of pathogenic gastrointestinal parasite nucleic acid from the stool of patients with signs and/or symptoms of gastroenteritis. The test, based on real-time PCR, detects the nucleic acid of the following organisms:
- Cryptosporidium spp.
- Giardia intestinalis
- Dientamoeba fragilis
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Blastocystis hominis
- · Enterocytozoon bieneusi
- Encephalitozoon intestinalis
- · Cyclospora cayetanensis
The kit is compatible with stool specimens that are unpreserved or frozen or in transport media including Cary Blair or C&S media from symptomatic patients with suspected gastroenteritis. It is required that the stool is first processed using the EasyScreen Sample Processing Kit. Nucleic acid extraction and real-time PCR set up are performed on the automated Genetic Signatures GS1 platform.
The EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit includes all reagents required to detect the specific protozoan gene sequences using real-time PCR amplification of the extracted nucleic acids and fluorogenic target-specific hybridization probes for the amplified nucleic acid. The EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit also incorporates an Extraction Control (EC) and an Internal Positive Control (IPC) to ensure the reliability of the extracted nucleic acid and to detect the presence of any inhibitors, respectively.
This device is an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) intended to be used by trained personnel in clinical, pathology or hospital laboratories as an aid in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal illness. This test is intended for use, in coniunction with clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and epidemiological information, as an aid in the differential diagnosis of infections by Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. (including C. hominis and C. parvum), and Giardia intestinalis. Results of this test should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other patient management decision. Positive results do not rule out co-infection with other organisms that are not detected by this test, and may not indicate the sole or definitive cause of patient illness. Negative results in the setting of clinical illness compatible with gastroenteritis and/or colitis may be due to infection by pathogens that are not detected by this test or non-infectious causes such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn's disease.
Product codes (comma separated list FDA assigned to the subject device)
PCH, OOI
Device Description
The EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit (EP005) is designed to simultaneously identify 8 potential pathogens of the gastrointestinal tract, from human stool samples. The device is only compatible with nucleic acids prepared using an EasyScreen™ Sample Processing Kit (SP008B).
A stool sample from a patient suspected of having gastroenteritis (usually liquid or soft stool) is collected and transported to the testing laboratory. A portion of the stool material is taken using a swab or pipette and processed with the EasyScreen™ Sample Processing Kit (SP008B), which lyses cells and converts the nucleic acid to a 3base™ form.
An aliquot of purified eluate is then added to the PCR reagents supplied in the EP005 kit, which selectively amplify the genetic targets of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, Enterocytozoon histolytica. bieneusi. Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Cyclospora cayetanensis. The reaction mix is manufactured to detect an Extraction Control (EC) and features an incorporated Internal Positive Control (IPC) to determine the reliability of the extracted nucleic acid and to detect the presence of any inhibitors after extraction from the primary sample.
Amplified targets are detected with probes labeled with fluorophores as detected by the real-time PCR platform. The PCR amplification takes approximately 150 minutes, depending on the PCR platform used. A positive control is included to ascertain that the detection reagents and analyzer are functioning correctly.
The detection channels for the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit are shown in Table 1 below.
Detection Channel | Reaction Mix A | Reaction Mix B | Reaction Mix C |
---|---|---|---|
Channel 1 | Dientamoeba fragilis | Blastocystis hominis | Enterocytozoon bieneusi |
Channel 2 | Extraction Control | Internal Positive Control | Extraction Control |
Channel 3 | Cyclospora cayetanensis | Entamoeba histolytica | Encephalitozoon intestinalis |
Channel 4 | Cryptosporidium spp. | Giardia intestinalis | Not used |
The amplified nucleic acid targets are detected by probes labeled with fluorophores, as detected by the real-time PCR platform. If no amplification occurs for a given target, then there will not be any significant increase in fluorescence. Each probe fluoresces at a given wavelength and the signals are measured and distinguished from each other by the real-time PCR platform. The realtime PCR software interprets all data collection and provides the information for automated or manual result analysis. The assay is semi-automated.
Mentions image processing
Not Found
Mentions AI, DNN, or ML
Not Found
Input Imaging Modality
Not Found
Anatomical Site
Stool (human)
Indicated Patient Age Range
The clinical study collected stool specimens from patients of any age (ranging 1 sites (excluding C. cayetanensis), the overall site-to-site qualitative reproducibility percent agreement was 100% for all targets at the Low Positive (2X LoD) analyte level, as well as for all targets except C. parvum at the Medium Positive (4X LoD) analyte level. Overall detection of C. parvum at 4X LoD across all testing sites was at 98.9% (95% Cl: 93.8-99.9). Within-site reproducibility for C. cayetanensis was 97.1% (95% Cl: 91.64-99.39) for LP samples and 100% (95% Cl: 96.3-100) for MP samples. All True Negative (TN) samples (100%) were correctly identified.
3. Analytical Specificity (Cross-reactivity):
* Sample Size: Wet testing of 94 organisms (culture isolates or purified nucleic acids) and seven different microbiological media. Confirmatory wet testing of six clinically relevant synthetic RNA targets.
* Key Results: No cross-reactivity was observed with the viral, fungal, bacterial, and protozoal microorganisms tested in wet testing, except for three cross-reacting protozoa (Cryptosporidium muris, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and Encephalitozoon hellem) which were predicted from in silico alignments. Wet testing of synthetic RNA targets informed by in silico analysis identified seven human pathogenic protozoa (Cryptosporidium meleagridis, C. tyzzeri, C. canis, C. felis, C. muris, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and E. hellem) that cross-react with the EP005 assays.
4. Analytical Reactivity (Inclusivity):
* Sample Size: Eighty-two isolates representing the eight target parasites (4-16 isolates per target).
* Key Results: The EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit detected all isolates at all tested concentrations (initially diluted to 1X-3X LoD).
5. Interfering substances:
* Sample Size: Twenty-three biological and chemical substances, tested with three target analytes (Dientamoeba fragilis, Giardia intestinalis/lamblia, Enterocytozoon bieneusi) at 2X LoD in ten replicates.
* Key Results: Whole blood and Mucin demonstrated potential interference with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit at concentrations greater than 0.63% and 0.75 mg/mL, respectively. All other substances showed no interference.
6. Microbial Interference:
* Sample Size: All target analytes in Panel A-C tested at 2X LoD in a negative stool matrix in presence or absence of eight (8) selected bacterial or fungal isolates at 10^6 CFU/mL, in ten replicates.
* Key Results: No microbial interference was observed. All targets showed
§ 866.3990 Gastrointestinal microorganism multiplex nucleic acid-based assay.
(a)
Identification. A gastrointestinal microorganism multiplex nucleic acid-based assay is a qualitativein vitro diagnostic device intended to simultaneously detect and identify multiple gastrointestinal microbial nucleic acids extracted from human stool specimens. The device detects specific nucleic acid sequences for organism identification as well as for determining the presence of toxin genes. The detection and identification of a specific gastrointestinal microbial nucleic acid from individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal infection aids in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal infection when used in conjunction with clinical evaluation and other laboratory findings. A gastrointestinal microorganism multiplex nucleic acid-based assay also aids in the detection and identification of acute gastroenteritis in the context of outbreaks.(b)
Classification. Class II (special controls). The special controls are set forth in FDA's guideline document entitled: “Class II Special Controls Guideline: Gastrointestinal Microorganism Multiplex Nucleic Acid-Based Assays for Detection and Identification of Microorganisms and Toxin Genes from Human Stool Specimens.” For availability of the guideline document, see § 866.1(e).
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May 29, 2024
Genetic Signatures Limited Neralie Coulston Global Head, Regulatory Affairs 7 Eliza Street Newtown, NSW 2042 Australia
Re: K232672
Trade/Device Name: EasyScreen Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit Regulation Number: 21 CFR 866.3990 Regulation Name: Gastrointestinal Microorganism Multiplex Nucleic Acid-Based Assay Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PCH, OOI Dated: April 28, 2024 Received: April 29, 2024
Dear Neralie Coulston:
We have reviewed your section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and 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 (the Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrb/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies.combination product submissions. 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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
1
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801 and Part 809); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safetyreporting-combination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerelv.
Ribhi Shawar -S
Ribhi Shawar, Ph.D. (ABMM) Chief General Bacteriology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Branch Division of Microbiology Devices OHT7: Office of In Vitro Diagnostics Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
2
Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K232672
Device Name
EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Genetic Signatures EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit is a rapid in vitro nucleic acid amplification assay for the qualitative detection of pathogenic gastrointestinal parasite nucleic acid from the stool of patients with signs and/or symptoms of gastroenteritis. The test, based on real-time PCR, detects the nucleic acid of the following organisms:
- · Cryptosporidium spp.
- · Giardia intestinalis
- Dientamoeba fragilis
- · Entamoeba histolytica
- Blastocystis hominis
- · Enterocytozoon bieneusi
- · Encephalitozoon intestinalis
- · Cyclospora cayetanensis
The kit is compatible with stool specimens that are unpreserved or frozen or in transport media including Cary Blair or C&S media from symptomatic patients with suspected gastroenteritis. It is required that the stool is first processed using the EasyScreen™ Sample Processing Kit. Nucleic acid extraction and real-time PCR set up are performed on the automated Genetic Signatures GS1 platform.
The EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit includes all reagents required to detect the specific protozoan gene sequences using real-time PCR amplification of the extracted nucleic acids and fluorogenic target-specific hybridization probes for the detection of the amplified nucleic acid. The EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection kit also incorporates an Extraction Control (EC) and an Internal Positive Control (IPC) to ensure the reliability of the extracted nucleic acid and to detect the presence of any inhibitors, respectively.
This device is an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) intended to be used by trained personnel in clinical, pathology or hospital laboratories as an aid in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal illness. This test is intended for use, in conjunction with clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and epidemiological information, as an aid in the differential diagnosis of infections by Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, Enterocytozoon bieneusis, Entamoeba histolytica, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. (including C. parvum), and Giardia intestinalis. Results of this test should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other patient management decision. Positive results do not rule out co-infection with other organisms that are not detected by this test, and may not indicate the sole or definitive cause of patient illness. Negative results in the setting of clinical illness compatible with gastroenteritis and/or colitis may be due to infection by pathogens that are not detected by this test or non-infectious causes such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn's disease.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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510(k) SUMMARY K232672
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Submitted by: Genetic Signatures Limited, 7 Eliza Street Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
Contact Person: | Neralie Coulston |
---|---|
Phone: | +61 2 9870 7580 |
Email: | neralie.coulston@geneticsignatures.com |
Date Prepared May 27th, 2024
Proposed Device | |
---|---|
----------------- | -- |
| Trade and Common Name: | EasyScreen™ PCR Gastrointestinal Parasite
Detection Kit |
|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Product Code(s): | PCH (Class 2) - Gastrointestinal Pathogen
Panel Multiplex Nucleic Acid-Based Assay |
| C.F.R. Section: | 866.3990 |
| Classification Panel/Medical
Specialty: | Microbiology |
| Device Class: | Class II |
Predicate Device
Predicate Device: | BD MAX™ Enteric Parasite Panel (EPP) |
---|---|
Predicate 510(k): | K143648 |
Predicate Product Code(s): | PCH (Class 2) – Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel |
Multiplex Nucleic Acid-Based Assay | |
Predicate C.F.R. Section: | 866.3990 |
Predicate Classification | |
Panel/Medical Specialty: | Microbiology |
Predicate Device Class: | Class II |
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DEVICE DESCRIPTION 2
2.1 Device Details
The EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit (EP005) is designed to simultaneously identify 8 potential pathogens of the gastrointestinal tract, from human stool samples. The device is only compatible with nucleic acids prepared using an EasyScreen™ Sample Processing Kit (SP008B).
A stool sample from a patient suspected of having gastroenteritis (usually liquid or soft stool) is collected and transported to the testing laboratory. A portion of the stool material is taken using a swab or pipette and processed with the EasyScreen™ Sample Processing Kit (SP008B), which lyses cells and converts the nucleic acid to a 3base™ form.
An aliquot of purified eluate is then added to the PCR reagents supplied in the EP005 kit, which selectively amplify the genetic targets of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, Enterocytozoon histolytica. bieneusi. Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Cyclospora cayetanensis. The reaction mix is manufactured to detect an Extraction Control (EC) and features an incorporated Internal Positive Control (IPC) to determine the reliability of the extracted nucleic acid and to detect the presence of any inhibitors after extraction from the primary sample.
Amplified targets are detected with probes labeled with fluorophores as detected by the real-time PCR platform. The PCR amplification takes approximately 150 minutes, depending on the PCR platform used. A positive control is included to ascertain that the detection reagents and analyzer are functioning correctly.
The detection channels for the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit are shown in Table 1 below.
Detection Channel | Reaction Mix A | Reaction Mix B | Reaction Mix C |
---|---|---|---|
Channel 1 | Dientamoeba fragilis | Blastocystis hominis | Enterocytozoon |
bieneusi | |||
Channel 2 | Extraction Control | Internal Positive | |
Control | Extraction Control | ||
Channel 3 | Cyclospora | ||
cayetanensis | Entamoeba | ||
histolytica | Encephalitozoon | ||
intestinalis | |||
Channel 4 | Cryptosporidium spp. | Giardia intestinalis | Not used |
Table 1. Protozoan Targets Detected in Each Fluorescent Channel. Note: spp. = species. | ||
---|---|---|
The amplified nucleic acid targets are detected by probes labeled with fluorophores, as detected by the real-time PCR platform. If no amplification occurs for a given target, then there will not be any significant increase in fluorescence. Each probe fluoresces at a given wavelength and the signals are measured and distinguished from each other by the real-time PCR platform. The realtime PCR software interprets all data collection and provides the information for automated or manual result analysis. The assay is semi-automated.
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2.2 Reagents
The EP005 kit contains 10 tubes of each panel (including 5 PCR components and 5 PCR mastermix), 3 tubes of Reverse Transcription Reagent and 5 tubes of Gastrointestinal Parasite Positive Control. The device should be stored at -15 to -25 ℃.
2.3 Intended Use
The Genetic Signatures EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit is a rapid in vitro nucleic acid amplification assay for the qualitative detection of pathogenic gastrointestinal parasite nucleic acid from the stool of patients with signs and/or symptoms of gastroenteritis. The test, based on real-time PCR, detects the nucleic acid of the following organisms:
- Cryptosporidium spp.
- Giardia intestinalis
- Dientamoeba fragilis
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Blastocystis hominis
- · Enterocytozoon bieneusi
- Encephalitozoon intestinalis
- · Cyclospora cayetanensis
The kit is compatible with stool specimens that are unpreserved or frozen or in transport media including Cary Blair or C&S media from symptomatic patients with suspected gastroenteritis. It is required that the stool is first processed using the EasyScreen Sample Processing Kit. Nucleic acid extraction and real-time PCR set up are performed on the automated Genetic Signatures GS1 platform.
The EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit includes all reagents required to detect the specific protozoan gene sequences using real-time PCR amplification of the extracted nucleic acids and fluorogenic target-specific hybridization probes for the amplified nucleic acid. The EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit also incorporates an Extraction Control (EC) and an Internal Positive Control (IPC) to ensure the reliability of the extracted nucleic acid and to detect the presence of any inhibitors, respectively.
This device is an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) intended to be used by trained personnel in clinical, pathology or hospital laboratories as an aid in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal illness. This test is intended for use, in coniunction with clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and epidemiological information, as an aid in the differential diagnosis of infections by Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. (including C. hominis and C. parvum), and Giardia intestinalis. Results of this test should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other patient management decision. Positive results do not rule out co-infection with other organisms that are not detected by this test, and may not indicate the sole or definitive cause of patient illness. Negative results in the setting of clinical illness compatible with gastroenteritis and/or colitis may be due to infection by pathogens that are not detected by this test or non-infectious causes such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn's disease.
2.4 Substantial Equivalence Device Comparison
The device with substantial equivalence to EP005 that was selected is the BD MAX™ Enteric Parasite Panel, 510(k) K143648, manufactured by Becton Dickenson, Franklin Lakes, NJ. Both
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Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image shows a snippet of text describing the similarities between a proposed device and a predicate device. It mentions that both devices have similar intended uses and technological characteristics. The proposed EP005 assay is compared to the predicate assay in Table 2 below.
Feature | Predicate | Device |
---|---|---|
Intended Use / | ||
Indications for | ||
Use | BD MAX™ Enteric Parasite Panel | EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal |
Parasite Detection Kit | ||
The BD MAX Enteric Parasite Panel | ||
performed on the BD MAX System is an | ||
automated in vitro diagnostic test for the | ||
direct qualitative detection of enteric | ||
parasitic pathogens. The BD MAX | ||
Enteric Parasite Panel detects nucleic | ||
acids from: | ||
• Giardia lamblia | ||
• Cryptosporidium ( C. hominis and C. | ||
parvum only) | ||
• Entamoeba histolytica | The Genetic Signatures | |
EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal | ||
Parasite Detection Kit is a rapid in | ||
vitro nucleic acid amplification assay | ||
for the qualitative detection of | ||
pathogenic gastrointestinal parasite | ||
nucleic acid from the stool of | ||
patients with signs and/or symptoms | ||
of gastroenteritis. The test, based | ||
on real-time PCR, detects the | ||
nucleic acid of the following | ||
organisms: | ||
• Cryptosporidium spp. | ||
• Giardia intestinalis | ||
• Dientamoeba fragilis | ||
• Entamoeba histolytica | ||
• Blastocystis hominis | ||
• Enterocytozoon bieneusi | ||
• Encephalitozoon intestinalis | ||
• Cyclospora cayetanensis | ||
Testing is performed on unpreserved or | ||
10% formalin-fixed stool specimens from | ||
symptomatic patients with suspected | ||
gastroenteritis, enteritis or colitis. The | ||
assay is intended to aid in the diagnosis | ||
of gastrointestinal infection when used in | ||
conjunction with clinical evaluation and | ||
other laboratory findings. The test is | ||
performed directly on the specimen, | ||
utilizing real-time polymerase chain | ||
reaction (PCR) for the amplification of | ||
specific targets. The test utilizes | ||
fluorogenic gene-specific hybridization | ||
probes for detection of the amplified | ||
DNA. | ||
This test is intended for use, in | ||
conjunction with clinical presentation, | ||
laboratory findings, and epidemiological | ||
information, as an aid in the differential | ||
diagnosis of Giardia lamblia , | ||
Cryptosporidium hominis and C. | ||
parvum , as well as Entamoeba | ||
histolytica infections. Results of this test | ||
should not be used as the sole basis for | ||
diagnosis, treatment, or other patient | ||
management decision. Positive results | ||
do not rule out co-infection with other | ||
organisms that are not detected by this | ||
test, and may not be the sole or | ||
definitive cause of patient illness. | The kit is compatible with stool | |
specimens that are unpreserved or | ||
frozen or in transport media | ||
including Cary Blair or C&S media | ||
from symptomatic patients with | ||
suspected gastroenteritis. It is | ||
required that the stool is first | ||
processed using the EasyScreen™ | ||
Sample Processing Kit. Nucleic | ||
acid extraction and real-time PCR | ||
set up are performed on the | ||
automated Genetic Signatures GS1 | ||
platform. | ||
The EasyScreen™ | ||
Gastrointestinal Parasite | ||
Detection Kit includes all reagents | ||
required to detect the specific | ||
protozoan gene sequences using | ||
real-time PCR amplification of the | ||
extracted nucleic acids and | ||
fluorogenic target-specific | ||
Feature | Predicate | Device |
Negative results in the setting of clinical | ||
illness compatible with gastroenteritis | ||
and/or colitis may be due to infection by | ||
pathogens that are not detected by this | ||
test or non-infectious causes such as | ||
ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel | ||
syndrome, or Crohn's disease. | hybridization probes for the | |
detection of the amplified nucleic | ||
acid. The EasyScreen™ | ||
Gastrointestinal Parasite | ||
Detection Kit also incorporates an | ||
Extraction Control (EC) and an | ||
Internal Positive Control (IPC) to | ||
ensure the reliability of the extracted | ||
nucleic acid and to detect the | ||
presence of any inhibitors, | ||
respectively. | ||
This device is an in vitro diagnostic | ||
(IVD) intended to be used by trained | ||
personnel in clinical, pathology or | ||
hospital laboratories as an aid in the | ||
diagnosis of gastrointestinal illness. | ||
This test is intended for use, in | ||
conjunction with clinical | ||
presentation, laboratory findings, | ||
and epidemiological information, as | ||
an aid in the differential diagnosis of | ||
infections by Dientamoeba fragilis, | ||
Blastocystis hominis, | ||
Enterocytozoon bieneusi, | ||
Cyclospora cayetanensis, | ||
Entamoeba histolytica, | ||
Encephalitozoon intestinalis, | ||
Cryptosporidium spp. (including C. | ||
hominis and C. parvum), and | ||
Giardia intestinalis. Results of this | ||
test should not be used as the sole | ||
basis for diagnosis, treatment, or | ||
other patient management decision. | ||
Positive results do not rule out co- | ||
infection with other organisms that | ||
are not detected by this test, and | ||
may not indicate the sole or | ||
definitive cause of patient illness. | ||
Negative results in the setting of | ||
clinical illness compatible with | ||
gastroenteritis and/or colitis may be | ||
due to infection by pathogens that | ||
are not detected by this test or non- | ||
infectious causes such as ulcerative | ||
colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or | ||
Crohn's disease. | ||
SIMILARITIES | ||
Feature | Predicate | Device |
Described | ||
intended | ||
Purpose of | ||
device | Detects nucleic acids of enteric parasitic | |
pathogens from the stool samples of | ||
patients with symptoms of | ||
gastrointestinal infection as an aid in the | ||
diagnosis of gastrointestinal illness. | Same | |
Analyte | Nucleic acids | Same |
Technology | Multiplex nucleic acid amplification and | |
detection | Same | |
Target | ||
organism | ||
nucleic acid | ||
detected | • Giardia lamblia | |
• Cryptosporidium hominis and C. | ||
parvum | ||
• Entamoeba histolytica | Same | |
Interpretation | ||
of test results | Automated (BD MAX™ System | |
diagnostic software) | Automated via a validated macro- | |
enabled Excel sheet. | ||
Specimen | ||
Types | Unpreserved and preserved stool (see | |
below for differences in the | ||
preservatives used) | Same | |
DIFFERENCES | ||
Feature | Predicate | Device |
Analysis* platform | BD MAX System | Life Technologies QuantStudio™ |
Dx or Applied Biosystems® 7500 | ||
Fast Dx | ||
Additional Targets | ||
Detected | none | • Dientamoeba fragilis |
• Blastocystis hominis. | ||
• Enterocytozoon bieneusi | ||
• Encephalitozoon intestinalis | ||
• Cyclospora cayetanensis | ||
Specimen Types | • Fresh stool | |
• 10% formalin-fixed stool specimens | • Fresh and frozen stool | |
• Stool in Cory Blair/C&S |
Table 2. Comparison of EP005 vs BD Max EPP
atures
Genetic Sig
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*The analysis platforms are manufactured by different suppliers with the predicate device using the BD MAX™ system and the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal parasite kit using the Life Technologies QuantStudio™ Dx or Applied Biosystems® 7500 Fast Dx, these perform the same function in terms of detecting an increase in fluorescence during amplification.
The differences noted above add extra sample types and target organisms, thereby increasing the breadth of the test's utility, while operating under the same Intended Use.
3 SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE TESTING
Overview of Analytical Performance Studies 3.1
Analytical studies were performed to establish functional parameters for the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit in accordance with the FDA's Class II Special Controls Guideline: Gastrointestinal Microorganism Multiplex Nucleic Acid-Based Assays for Detection and
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Identification of Microorganisms and Toxin Genes from Human Stool Specimens (issued November 2, 2015). The following studies were performed, and reports were submitted along with study protocol, line data, and summary of analysis.
(a) Analytical Sensitivity
The analytical sensitivity (Limit of Detection / LoD) of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit was established for all targets in a matrix of either unpreserved confirmed negative stool or Cary Blair media. All samples were evaluated following the device's Instructions for Use. For each target. LoD was established with a minimum of twenty (20) extraction replicates using two (2) different target isolates (or two (2) strains/genotype, where available) and is expressed as orqanisms (org/mL) or genome copy number (copies/mL) per mL of sample, where one organism is defined as one (1) haploid genome, determined by digital PCR or quantitative PCR for either the 18S rRNA qene, or a single-copy gene tarqet, and where necessary, divided by the published 18S rRNA gene copy number for that organism.
LoD is defined as the lowest concentration at which ≥95% of all replicates are expected to test positive. For any given target, the LoD acceptance criteria were set at ≥95% detection of the specified target AND 1 sites (which excludes C. cayetanensis), the overall site-to-site qualitative reproducibility percent agreement was 100% for all targets at the Low Positive (2X
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LoD) analyte level, as well as for all targets except C. parvum at the Medium Positive (4X LoD) analyte level. Overall detection of C. parvum at 4X LoD across all testing sites was at 98.9% (95% Cl: 93.8-99.9). Within-site reproducibility for C. cayetanensis (tested twice at a single site) was 97.1% (95% Cl: 91.64-99.39) for LP samples and 100% (95% Cl: 96.3-100) for MP samples. All True Negative (TN) samples (100%) were correctly identified in these tests.
Therefore, the analysis of site-to-site qualitative reproducibility of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit showed acceptably consistent performance of the EP005 workflow across all test sites.
(c) Analytical Specificity
Analytical Specificity or cross-reactivity of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit was established in a stepwise design.
A. Whole organism/genome wet testing:
A total of 94 organisms-represented by culture isolates where available or purified nucleic acids as substitutes-along with seven different microbiological media were tested for cross-reactivity with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit. The isolates/nucleic acids were diluted in neqative stool matrix to a range of 10°-10° CFU or copies/mL (except of Entamoeba dispar which could not be procured at a sufficiently high concentration, or in a culturable form, to achieve the desired input concentration). The potential cross-reactants were tested in triplicate with acceptance criteria set at no detection to signify no cross-reactivity for any given target in Panels A-C of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit. In the organism or genome wet testing, no cross-reactivity was observed with the viral, fungal, bacterial, and protozoal microorganisms tested at the concentrations indicated in Table 6, except for three cross-reacting protozoa—all of which were predicted from the in silico alignments with their congeneric protozoa in Panels of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit:
- i. Cryptosporidium muris (Strain Waterborne P104, tested at 6.25 x 106 organisms/mL), positive signal in Panel A.
- ii. Encephalitozoon cuniculi (ATCC 50789, tested at 106 organisms/mL), positive signal in Panel C, and
- Encephalitozoon hellem (ATCC 50604, tested at 5 x 105 organisms/mL), positive signal in = Panel C.
Organism; strain | ID details |
---|---|
Viruses (tested at 106–109 copies/mL) | |
Coxsackie virus B5 | Vircell MBC062-R |
Cytomegalovirus | Vircell MBC016 |
Sapovirus | ATCC VR3237SD |
Adenovirus Type 41 | ATCC VR-930DQ |
Astrovirus | ATCC VR-3238SD |
Bocavirus | ATCC VR-3251SD |
Enterovirus 71 | ATCC VR-1775DQ |
Norovirus G1 | ATCC VR-3234SD |
Norovirus G2 | ATCC VR-3235SD |
Rotavirus A | ATCC VR-2018DQ |
Adenovirus Type 5; Adenoid 75 | ATCC VR-5D |
Microbiological Media | |
Cooked Meat Media | ATCC 724 |
Diamond vitamin Solution | ATCC MD-2692 |
Organism; strain | ID details |
Keister's Modified TYI-S-33 Giardia Medium | ATCC PRA-2695 |
Modified Reinforced Clostridial Medium | ATCC 2107 |
Soybean-Casein Digest Medium | ATCC 18 |
Supplemented Tryptic Soy Broth | ATCC 2722 |
Tryptic Soy Medium with 5% Defibrinated Sheep Blood | ATCC 260 |
Yeasts (tested at 0.5-1 x 107 CFU/mL) | |
Saccharomyces cerevisiae | ATCC MYA-796 |
Candida albicans | ATCC MYA-2876D-5 |
Bacterial strains (tested at 106–109 CFU/mL) | |
Abiotrophia defectiva; Strain SC10 | ATCC 49176 |
Acinetobacter baumannii | ATCC 19606D-5 |
Actinomyces naeslundii | ATCC 12104D5 |
Aeromonas hydrophila; CDC 359-60 | ATCC 7965D |
Akkermansia muciniphila; Strain Muc | ATCC BAA-835D-5 |
Alcaligenes faecalis; subsp. faecalis | ATCC 8750D-5 |
Anaerococcus tetradius | ATCC 35098 |
Arcobacter butzleri | ATCC 49616 |
Atopobium vaginae | ATCC BAA55 |
Bacillus cereus; Strain 971 | ATCC 14579D |
Bacteroides fragilis | ATCC 25285D-5 |
Bifidobacterium adolescentis | ATCC 15703D-5 |
Bifidobacterium bifidum | ATCC 29521 |
Campylobacter hominis | ATCC BAA-381D-5 |
Campylobacter jejuni | ATCC 33560D-5 |
Campylobacter lari | ATCC BAA-1060D-5 |
Capnocytophaga gingivalis | ATCC 33624D-5 |
Cedecea davisae | ATCC 33431 |
Chlamydia trachomatis; Serovar D | ATCC VR-885D |
Chryseobacterium gleum | ATCC 35910 |
Citrobacter freundii | ATCC 8090D |
Clostridioides difficile | ATCC BAA-1870DQ |
Clostridium perfringens | ATCC 13124DQ |
Corynebacterium glutamicum; Strain 534 | ATCC 13032D-5 |
Cronobacter sakazakii | ATCC BAA-894D-5 |
Desulfovibrio piger; Strain VPI C3-23 | ATCC 29098 |
Edwardsiella tarda; Strain CDC 1483-59 | ATCC 15947 |
Eggerthella lenta; 1899B | ATCC 25559D-5 |
Enterococcus faecalis | ATCC 700802DQ |
Enterococcus faecium | ATCC BAA-472D-5 |
Escherichia coli; CFT073 | ATCC 700298D-5 |
Escherichia coli; Strain CDC EDL 1284 | ATCC 43893 |
Eubacterium rectale | ATCC 33656 |
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii; Strain: VPI C13-51 | ATCC 27768 |
Fusobacterium varium | ATCC 27725 |
Gardnerella vaginalis | ATCC 49145D-5 |
Gemella morbillorum | ATCC 27824 |
Hafnia alvei; HER 1272 | ATCC 51873D-5 |
Helicobacter pylori; J99 | ATCC 700824D-5 |
Klebsiella oxytoca | ATCC 700324D |
Lactobacillus acidophilus | ATCC 4357D-5 |
Lactococcus lactis; subsp. lactis | ATCC 19435D-5 |
Leminorella grimontii | ATCC 33999 |
Listeria monocytogenes | ATCC 19115D-5 |
Mycobacterium abscessus | ATCC 19977D-5 |
Organism; strain | ID details |
Mycobacterium avium; Strain K-10 | ATCC BAA-968D-5 |
Mycobacterium tuberculosis | ATCC 25177D-5 |
Mycoplasma hominis Strain PG21 | ATCC 23114D |
Mycoplasma salivarium | ATCC 23064D |
Neisseria flava | ATCC 14221D |
Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus | ATCC 14963 |
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius | ATCC 49031D-5 |
Plesiomonas shigelloides | ATCC 51903D |
Porphyromonas asaccharolytica | ATCC 25260 |
Porphyromonas levii | ATCC 29147 |
Prevotella melaninogenica; Strain VPI 2381 | ATCC 25845D-5 |
Proteus mirabilis | ATCC 12453DQ |
Proteus vulgaris | ATCC 29905DQ |
Providencia stuartii | ATCC 33672D |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa | ATCC 47085DQ |
Ruminococcus bromii; Strain VPI 6883 | ATCC 27255 |
Salmonella enterica; serovar Typhimurium | ATCC 700720DQ |
Serratia marcescens; CDC 3100-71 | ATCC 27137D-5 |
Shigella flexneri type 2 Strain 24570 | ATCC 29903D-5 |
Shigella sonnei | ATCC 29930 |
Staphylococcus aureus; subsp. aureus | ATCC 25923D-5 |
Staphylococcus haemolyticus | ATCC 29970D-5 |
Stenotrophomonas maltophila | ATCC 13637D-5 |
Streptococcus mitis NS 51 | ATCC 49456D-5 |
Streptococcus pyogenes | ATCC 12344D-5 |
Streptococcus sanguinis | ATCC 10556D-5 |
Streptococcus thermophilus | ATCC BAA-250D-5 |
Trichomonas vaginalis | ATCC PRA-98D |
Veillonella parvula | ATCC 10790D-5 |
Vibrio cholerae | Vircell MBC118-R |
Vibrio parahaemolyticus | ATCC 17802D-5 |
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis | ATCC 6902D-5 |
Protozoa (tested at 1.5 x 103 organisms/mL) | |
Entamoeba dispar SAW 760* | ATCC PRA-260 |
Orqanisms with NO cross-reactivity observed in the EasyScreen™ Table 6. Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit Analytical Specificity Study.
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- Entamoeba dispar was not available for shipment for testing at a higher concentration or culturable form. E. dispar was thus subsequently investigated as a synthetic RNA target at a higher concentration.
B. In silico analysis:
Sequence alignments were performed to identify organisms of high similarity using the BLAST tool to interrogate sequences in GenBank. Sequences with identity of 90-100% to the target sequence were analyzed in silico for cross reactivity potential where the organisms were not available for wet testing, with a focus on sequence identity under the EP005 assay primer and probe regions. When assessing the likelihood of cross reactivity, the number of mismatches and location of the mismatches were considered. The location of a mismatch was defined as "significant" if located within the first 5 nucleotides at the 3' end of the primer. ("Significant location" is not applicable to location of mismatches within probes.) Organisms were assigned into three (3) categories indicating their potential to cross-react based on the GenBank sequence match to the primers and probes (in the context of the "3base" sequences), namely,
- i. High level of sequence match with up to 5 mismatches with non-significant locations (cross reactive potential: High).
- II. Moderate level of sequence match with 4-6 mismatches that have non-significant locations (cross reactive potential: Moderate).
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- Low level of sequence match with 7 or more mismatches including in significant locations iii. (cross reactive potential: Low).
For potentially cross-reactive organisms, literature searches were also conducted to identify whether any such organisms were known to infect humans. The results are summarized in Table 7 below. In silico analysis identified several targets for further investigation as potential crossreacting organisms. However, only cases with three or more reported human infections worldwide were further analyzed and investigated as synthetic RNA targets as described below.
| Organism / representative
GenBank accession | Cognate EP005 target | Evidence for
human infection? |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| In silico predicted cross reactive potential: High | | |
| B. cycluri AY590116 | | No |
| B. lapemi AY266471 | Blastocystis hominis | No |
| B. pythoni AY266472 | | No |
| B. ratti AY590114 | | No |
| C. cercopitheci AF111185 | Cyclospora cayetanensis | No |
| C. colobi AF111186 | | No |
| C. papionis AF111187 | | No |
| C. bovis EF514234 | Cryptosporidium spp. | No |
| C. canis AB210854 | | YES |
| C. felis AF112575 | | YES |
| C. meleagridis EF179381 | | YES |
| C. tyzzeri OQ826430 | | YES |
| C. wrairi U11440 | | No # |
| Ecytonucleospora
hepatopenaei OR168078 | | No |
| Enterospora nucleophila
KF135641 | Enterocytozoon bieneusi | No |
| Obruspora papernae
HG005137 | | No |
| E. nuttalli LC042219 | Entamoeba histolytica | No # |
| G. microti AF006676 | Giardia intestinalis | No |
| In silico predicted cross reactive potential: Moderate | | |
| Eimeria hermani KJ000078 | Cyclospora cayetanensis | No |
| C. baileyi KT151546 | Cryptosporidium spp. | No # |
| C. muris L19069 | | YES |
| Histomonas meleagridis
AJ920323 | | No |
| Pseudotrichomonas keilini
HM581663 | Dientamoeba fragilis | No |
| Trichomitus sp. 1 (ex
Geochelone sulcata)
JX515400 | | No |
| Nucleospora salmonis
HQ418210 | Enterocytozoon bieneusi | No |
| E. lacerate AF067144 | Encephalitozoon intestinalis | No |
| E. pogonae KR998311 | | No |
Table 7. EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit in silico analysis summary. | |
---|---|
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| Organism / representative
GenBank accession | Cognate EP005 target | Evidence for
human infection? |
|---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Chilomastix mesnili
KC960586 | Giardia intestinalis | YES |
| G. ardeae Z17210 | | No |
| E. dispar KP722600 | Entamoeba histolytica | YES § |
| In silico predicted cross reactive potential: Low | | |
| Trochochilodon flavus
JN867018 | Blastocystis hominis | No |
| Isospora belli TDQ060661 | Cyclospora cayetanensis | YES |
| Colpodella tetrahymenae
AF330214 | | No |
| C. andersoni AB513869 | Cryptosporidium spp. | YES |
| C. fragile EU162754 | | No |
| C. serpentis AF093499 | | No |
| C. struthionis AJ697751 | | No |
| E. bangladeshi KR025412 | Entamoeba histolytica | YES |
| E. ecuadoriensis DQ286373 | Entamoeba histolytica | YES |
| E. moshkovskii MN536500 | | YES § |
| Giardia muris X65063 | Giardia. intestinalis | No |
^ Wet-testing of E. dispar whole organism was negative at low copy number (Table 6), but it was selected for wettesting with synthetic targets so that a high copy number (109 copies/mL) could be tested.
§ E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infect humans but are non-pathogenic.
Only one or two cases of human infection reported worldwide.
C. Confirmatory Wet testing of synthetic RNA targets from clinically relevant protozoa. Table 7 lists six potentially cross-reacting organisms (predicted cross-reactivity with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit: High or Moderate) that are also clinically relevant ("YES" to literature evidence for human infection). However, these organisms were generally not available in either a culturable form or as clinical samples. For their further testing, synthetic double-stranded DNA targets-incorporating the T7 promoter at the 5' end of the sequence-were obtained as a 'gBlock' from IDT using the Accession numbers in Table 7 and whole genome sequence where available. These sequences were used to make synthetic in vitro transcribed (IVT) RNA (800-1000 nucleotides in length). After quantitation, the IVT RNA was extracted using the SP008B kit at between 10° and 10° copies/mL (see below) and tested with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit. Results are presented in Table 8. With the exception of the Chilomastix mesnili and Entamoeba dispar, all in silico targets of clinical relevance that were predicted to cross-react in the cognate EasyScreen assay tested positive in that assay.
Organism | EP005 target to which similarity exists | gBlock Lot number | Copies/mL | Panel | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cryptosporidium meleagridis | Cryptosporidium spp. | 109271385 | $10^8$ | P | N | N |
Cryptosporidium tyzzeri | Cryptosporidium spp. | 109271386 | $10^8$ | P | N | N |
Cryptosporidium canis | Cryptosporidium spp. | 109271381 | 8 x $10^8$ | P | N | N |
Cryptosporidium felis | Cryptosporidium spp. | 109271383 | 8 x $10^8$ | P | N | N |
Entamoeba dispar | Entamoeba histolytica | 103550577 | $10^9$ | N | N | N |
Chilomastix mesnili | Giardia intestinalis | 109609223 | $10^9$ | N | N | N |
Table 8. Wet testing of synthetic IVT RNA targets (P = positive: N = negative):
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Therefore, wet testing of whole orqanisms or whole genomes or of synthetic RNA informed by in silico analysis identified the following seven human pathogenic protozoa that are congeneric to two target protozoal parasites in the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit and cross-react with the EP005 assays: Cryptosporidium meleagridis, C. tyzzeri, C. canis, C. felis, C. muris. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and E. hellem. According to literature, these cross-reacting organisms occur primarily in animals, are rare in humans, and do not show any difference in disease severity compared to the more commonly encountered pathogenic species.
(d) Analytical Reactivity
Analytical reactivity or inclusivity of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit was investigated by testing eighty-two isolates representing the eight target parasites (with 4-16 isolates per target, as available) (as shown in Table 9). Isolates were selected to represent various temporal, geographic, and phylogenetic diversity for each analyte. Isolates tested represent clinically relevant subspecies or serotypes and are biased toward more common species and known human pathogens. For clinically relevant organisms, genotypes were established with sequence-based analysis using genotyping assays and review of published literature. For inclusivity testing, target organisms were initially diluted to 1X-3X LoD for the corresponding target in unpreserved negative stool or transport media with preservative (C. cavetanensis only) and tested with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit, which detected all isolates at all tested concentrations.
Target organism | Strain/ Designation | Product ID / Clinical ID | Geographic Origin |
---|---|---|---|
Dientamoeba | |||
fragilis | Genotype 1 | Culture "B" | Sydney, AUS |
Genotype 2 | Clinical #598 | Sydney, AUS | |
Genotype 1 | Clinical #465 | Sydney, AUS | |
Genotype 1 | Clinical #351 | Sydney, AUS | |
inconclusive | Clinical #409 | Sydney, AUS | |
Genotype 1 | Clinical #862 | Sydney, AUS | |
Cyclospora | |||
cayetanensis | Genotype 1 | Clinical #054 | NY, US |
N/A | Clinical #17 | NY, US | |
N/A | Clinical #18 | NY, US | |
N/A | Clinical #1 | NY, US | |
N/A | Clinical #4 | NY, US | |
N/A | Clinical #5 | NY, US | |
N/A | Clinical #7 | NY, US | |
N/A | Clinical #12 | NY, US | |
N/A | Clinical #14 | NY, US | |
N/A | Clinical #15 | NY, US | |
N/A | Clinical #20 | NY, US | |
Cryptosporidium | |||
hominis | IbA10G2 | Clinical#249 | Sydney, AUS |
IbA10G2 | Clinical#246 | Sydney, AUS | |
IbA10G2 | Clinical#257 | Sydney, AUS | |
IbA10G2 | Clinical#444 | Sydney, AUS | |
Id | Clinical#205 | Sydney, AUS | |
IfA14G1 | Clinical#058 | NY, US | |
Cryptosporidium | |||
parvum | IlaA18G3R1 | Clinical#223 | Sydney, AUS |
IlaA18G3R1 | Clinical#243 | Sydney, AUS | |
Ila | Clinical#204 | Sydney, AUS | |
Ila | Clinical#244 | Sydney, AUS | |
Target organism | Strain/ Designation | Product ID / Clinical ID | Geographic Origin |
IlaA | Clinical#234 | Sydney, AUS | |
IlaA | Clinical#240 | Sydney, AUS | |
IlaA | Clinical#248 | Sydney, AUS | |
IlaA17G2R1 | P102C | Iowa, US | |
IlaA20G3R1 | Clinical#017 | NY, US | |
IlaA20G3R1 | Clinical#011 | NY, US | |
Blastocystis | |||
hominis | DL (ST- 3) | ATCC 50626 | unknown |
NTY (ST- 1) | ATCC 50610 | unknown | |
Nandll (ST- 1) | ATCC 50177 | Maryland, US | |
BT1 (ST- 4) | ATCC 50608 | US | |
ST- 3 | Clinical#851 | Sydney, AUS | |
ST- 3 | Clinical#910 | Sydney, AUS | |
ST- 3 | Clinical#690 | Sydney, AUS | |
ST- 3 | Clinical#835 | Sydney, AUS | |
ST- 4 | Clinical#198 | Sydney, AUS | |
ST-8 | Clinical#155 | Sydney, AUS | |
ST- 2 | Clinical#123 | Sydney, AUS | |
ST- 1 | Clinical#009 | NY, US | |
ST- 1 | Clinical#014 | NY, US | |
ST- 1 | Clinical#022 | NY, US | |
ST- 2 | Clinical#023 | NY, US | |
ST- 3 | Clinical#053 | NY, US | |
HU-21:AMC | ATCC 30457 | Arkansas, US | |
200:NIH | ATCC 30458 | unknown | |
H-458: CDC | ATCC 30889 | Asia | |
HK-9 clone 6 | ATCC 50544 | Korea | |
HB-301: NIH CL-1-3 | ATCC 50547 | Burma | |
unknown | Clinical#1 | Sydney, AUS | |
unknown | Clinical#3 | Sydney, AUS | |
Entamoeba | |||
histolytica | unknown | Clinical#4 | Sydney, AUS |
unknown | Clinical#6 | Sydney, AUS | |
unknown | Clinical#7 | Sydney, AUS | |
unknown | Clinical#047 | NY, US | |
unknown | Clinical#050 | NY, US | |
CM | ATCC PRA-242 | unknown | |
G1M | ATCC PRA-251 | unknown | |
Mario | ATCC PRA-244 | US | |
DAN | ATCC PRA-247 | US | |
BE-1 | ATCC PRA-249 | Canada | |
WB clone C6 (AI) | ATCC 50803 | Alaska, US | |
Portland-1 (Al) | ATCC 30888 | Oregon, US | |
Giardia lamblia | |||
(a.k.a. G. | |||
intestinalis) | PR-15 | ATCC PRA-42 | Brazil |
JH (AII) | ATCC 50584 | Alaska, US | |
GS clone H7 (B) | ATCC 50581 | Virginia, US | |
Genotype A | Clinical #7 | Sydney, AUS | |
Genotype D | Clinical #8 | Sydney, AUS | |
Enterocytozoon | |||
bieneusi | Genotype A | Clinical #5 | Sydney, AUS |
Genotype K | Clinical #587 | Sydney, AUS | |
Genotype D | Clinical #10 | Sydney, AUS | |
Genotype D | Clinical #11 | Sydney, AUS | |
Genotype K | Clinical #12 | Sydney, AUS | |
Target organism | Strain/ Designation | Product ID / Clinical ID | Geographic Origin |
Encephalitozoon | |||
intestinalis | CDC: V297 | ATCC 50651 | CA, US |
CDC: V307 | ATCC 50603 | Georgia, US | |
Nasal isolate | ATCC 50507 | NY, US |
Table 9. Isolates for inclusivity testing with EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit.
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(e) Interfering substances
Twenty-three biological and chemical substances that may be present in clinical stool specimens were evaluated for potential interference with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit with three target analytes-one representative chosen per panel, namely, Dientamoeba fragilis (Panel A), Giardia intestinalis/lamblia (Panel B), and Enterocytozoon bieneusi (Panel C)-tested at 2X LoD. Interferent concentrations chosen for evaluation were determined from the recommendations of FDA-recognized Consensus Standard CLSI EP37 along with a review of analytical studies from prior FDA-cleared GI panel devices. In ten replicates tested. Interference (1) was defined as 15% in the average Ct values in test (i.e., with interferent) samples relative (i.e., no interferent). Of all substances evaluated (as shown in Table 10), two of the tested substances (i.e. Whole Blood and Mucin) exhibited potential interference at different concentrations tested with the EasyScreen Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit assay.
| Potential Interferent / Active agent (use) | Interferent
conc. | D. fragilis
(panel A) | G. intestinalis
(panel B) | E. bieneusi
(panel C) |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Barium sulfate | 10 % w/v | No interference observed in any Panel | | |
| Calcium carbonate | 2.5 % w/v | | | |
| Canesten (Clotrimazole 200 mg; 1% v/v) (antifungal) | 30 % w/v | | | |
| Diaper rash cream (Zinc oxide) | 30 % w/v | | | |
| Doxycycline (antibiotic) | 10 mg/mL | | | |
| Dulcolax (Bisacodyl 5mg) (laxative) | 20 % w/v | | | |
| Fatty acids (Stearic acid, Palmitic acid) | 5 % w/v | | | |
| Fecal fat (Triglycerides, Cholesterol) | 5 % w/v | | | |
| Gaviscon 10 mL (Sodium Alginate 500mg, Sodium Bicarbonate 213mg, Calcium Carbonate 325mg) (antacid) | 10 % w/v | | | |
| Hydrozole (Hydrocortisone 1% v/v, Clotrimazole 1% v/v) (antifungal) | 30 % w/v | | | |
| Imodium (Loperamide hydrochloride) (Anti-diarrheal) | 10 % w/v | | | |
| KY gel (Chlorhexidine gluconate; Methyl benzoate) (lubricant) | 30 % w/v | | | |
| Metronidazole (antibiotic) | 10 % w/v | | | |
| Mineral oil | 50 % w/v | | | |
| Naproxen sodium 275 mg (pain reliever) | 10 % w/v | | | |
| Nystatin suspension (antifungal) | 25 % w/v | | | |
| Pepto-Bismol Max Strength (Bismuth subsalicylate) (Anti-diarrheal) | 10 % w/v | | | |
Table 10. Endogenous and exogenous substances tested with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit as potential interferents. (I = Interference noted.)
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| Potential Interferent / Active agent (use) | Interferent
conc. | D. fragilis
(panel A) | G. intestinalis
(panel B) | E. bieneusi
(panel C) |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|---------------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Rectinol (Zinc oxide 200 mg, Cinchocaine hydrochloride 5mg) (hemorrhoid cream) | 30 % w/v | | | |
| Vagisil (Benzocaine 50mg/g, Resorcinol 20mg/g) (feminine itching cream medication) | 30 % w/v | | | |
| Vaseline (white petroleum jelly) | 30 % w/v | | | |
| Wet Ones (Benzalkonium Chloride, Ethanol) (Antibacterial Hand Wipes) | 30 % v/v | | | |
| Purified Mucin protein | 3 mg/mL | No
interference | No
interference | I |
| | 1.5 mg/mL | Not tested | Not tested | I |
| | 0.75 mg/mL | Not tested | Not tested | No
interference |
| Whole Blood | 5 % v/v | I | No
interference | I |
| | 2.50% | I | Not tested | I |
| | 1.25% | I | Not tested | No
interference |
| | 0.63% | No
interference | Not tested | Not tested |
Whole blood and Mucin demonstrated potential interference with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit at concentrations greater than 0.63% and 0.75 mg/mL, respectively.
(f) Microbial Interference
The microbial interference study was designed to evaluate the ability of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit to detect low positive target analytes in presence of high concentrations of extraneous non-protozoal micro-organisms that may be present in high concentrations in clinical stool specimens. All target analytes in Panel A-C of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit were tested at 2X LoD in a negative stool matrix in presence or absence of the following eight (8) selected bacterial or fungal isolates at 10° CFU/mL: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 47085DQ), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 700802DQ), Candida albicans (ATCC MYA-2876D-5), Bacteroides fragilis (ATCC 25285D-5), Clostridioides perfringens (ATCC 13124DQ), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13883DQ), non-pathogenic Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922DQ), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC MYA-796).
In the ten target replicates tested, relative to baseline (i.e., with no interferent), microbial interference (1) was defined as 15% in the average Ct values in test (i.e., with interferent) samples; moderate microbial interference (MI) was defined as 100% (10/10) target positivity but showing 11–15% change in test Ct values; whereas no reportable interference (NI) was defined at 100% (10/10) target positivity with test Ct changes at or below 10%.
In the presence of potential microbial interferents for the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit, all targets showed 15% in the average Ct values in test (i.e., with competitor) samples; moderate competitive interference (MI) was defined as 100% (10/10) target positivity but showing 11–15% change in test Ct values; whereas no reportable interference (NI) was defined at 100% (10/10) target positivity with test Ct changes at or below 10%.
In the course of these studies, moderate competitive interference was observed when testing low positive (2X LoD) D. fragilis and G. intestinalis targets with C. cayetanensis and E. histolytica competitors, respectively, with average Ct change of 12% (relative to baseline). Further, competitive interference (at 20% positivity) was seen with low positive D. fragilis and B. hominis targets with C. parvum and E. histolytica competitors, respectively. Upon reducing the competitor concentrations to 5 x 104 org/mL and 104 org/mL, respectively, competitive interference was no longer observed. All other low positive targets were successfully detected by the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit when combined with other competing targets at a high concentration, as shown in Table 11 below.
| Panel | Target analyte
at 2X LoD | Competitor
analyte | Competitor concentration
(org/mL, *except C.
cayetanensis, copies/mL) | Competitive
Interference observed |
|-------|-----------------------------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| A | D. fragilis | C. cayetanensis | 108 * | Moderate |
| | D. fragilis | C. parvum | 105 | Interference |
| | D. fragilis | C. parvum | 5 x 104 § | |
| A | C. cayetanensis | D. fragilis | 105 | No reportable
interference |
| | C. cayetanensis | C. parvum | 105 | |
| | C. parvum | D. fragilis | 105 | |
| | C. parvum | C. cayetanensis | 108 * | |
| B | B. hominis | E. histolytica | 105 | Interference |
| | B. hominis | E. histolytica | 104 § | |
| | B. hominis | G. intestinalis | 105 | |
| B | E. histolytica | B. hominis | 105 | No reportable
interference |
| | E. histolytica | G. intestinalis | 105 | |
| | G. intestinalis | B. hominis | 105 | |
| | G. intestinalis | E. histolytica | 105 | Moderate |
| C | E. bieneusi | E. intestinalis | 105 | |
Table 11. Target analytes and potential microbial competitors tested in the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit assay.
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Panel | Target analyte at 2X LoD | Competitor analyte | Competitor concentration (org/mL, *except C. cayetanensis, copies/mL) | Competitive Interference observed |
---|---|---|---|---|
E. intestinalis | E. bieneusi | 105 | No reportable interference |
S Tests repeated at a lower concentration of competing targets, which showed no reportable interference.
(h) Cross-Contamination (Carry Over)
A carry-over study was conducted to investigate the potential for cross contamination or carry over between wells when using the workflow of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit. Pooled high positive samples were prepared containing one representative member of each panel (Cyclospora cayetanensis, Giardia lamblia and Enterocytozoon bieneusi) consisting of at least 1 x 10° copies/mL of each target in vitro transcript (IVT) in neqative stool matrix, following the recommendations provided in FDA-recognized voluntary consensus standard CLSI EP39. IVTs were used in this study as most of the analytical targets available were not able to be extracted at the high copy numbers required. A negative sample was prepared containing negative stool matrix containing no target analyte and tested in one stage.
Sixteen replicates of pooled high positive sample and fourteen replicates of negative sample were extracted in each run in an alternating negative and positive sample pattern. In this sample pattern, there were 6 and 8 negative wells surrounded by, respectively, 4 and 3 positive wells around them. A total of five extractions and PCR setups were performed with each run containing one negative processing control and thirty samples, which were then seeded into 96 wells of a PCR plate by the GS1 platform. Since each panel gets one set of reagents, one representative orqanism per panel is acceptable. Tarqet detection in PCR was assessed for all samples, with pre-defined acceptance criteria met at 100% (240/240) detection for pooled high positive samples and 0% detection for negative samples (0/210) and the negative processing control (0/15), demonstrating that in the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit workflow, there was no reportable carry over/cross contamination between the wells during sample preparation or PCR set up.
(i) Specimen Stability
To provide evidence in support of stability of specimens to be tested with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit, a range of transport and storage conditions were evaluated using the methodology described below.
A. Specimen stability at 2-8ºC.
From the EP005 Panels A-C, individual target analytes (i.e., whole organisms for targets except C. cayetanensis, which employed a synthetic RNA target) were spiked at 3X LoD into unpreserved negative stool matrix or Cary-Blair medium. Failure of testing in negative stool matrix at 3X LoD for C. cayetanensis and B. hominis necessitated re-testing at 10X LoD for these two targets in the negative stool matrix.
Baseline (time zero) test results were established by testing the contrived samples with EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit on the day of preparation. Aliquots prepared for each analyte in each matrix were stored at 2–8°C for at least three weeks with weekly testing and acceptance criteria set at 100% positivity (10/10 replicates). Based on the test observations, all target analytes are stable for three weeks in unpreserved negative stool matrix. For analytes in Cary Blair matrix, except C. cayetanensis and E. histolytica, all tarqets are stable for three
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weeks, whereas C. cayetanensis and E. histolytica are stable for two weeks in the Cary Blair matrix.
B. Fresh vs. Frozen specimen stability:
A fresh versus frozen study was conducted to support the use of frozen samples in the analytical studies and to provide a scientific rationale for the acceptable use of frozen prospective (Category II) and retrospective (Category III) samples in the clinical studies with the EasyScreen Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit. Individual sample dilutions were prepared for each analyte in the Panels A-C in unpreserved negative stool matrix. including Neqative (no target. 10 replicates), Low Positive (2X LoD, 20 replicates) and Moderately Positive (4X LoD, 10 replicates) samples. Baseline ("fresh") test results were established by testing the contrived samples on the day of sample preparation. Aliguots of each analyte at each concentration were stored frozen at -20 ± 5°C and thawed for examination at four weeks (28-30 days). Acceptance criteria for replicate results of each analyte were set at: 4X LoD, 100% (10/10 replicates) positive; 2X LoD, ≥95% (≥19/20) positive; and Negative, 0% (0/10) positive.
All eight target parasites showed 100% detection at 4X LoD and ≥95% detection at 2X LoD at the 4-week timepoint after being frozen at -20 ± 5°C, except for B. hominis, which was tested at earlier at 3 weeks due to time constraints. Average Ct values at the 4-week timepoint (3-week timepoint for B. hominis) were within ±10 % of the baseline average Ct values for all targets and concentrations assessed. The results support a frozen stability claim of three weeks for all targets other than B. hominis (frozen storage stability of two weeks for B. hominis is acceptable) when tested with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit.
(j) Reagent Stability/Shelf-Life
With the use of Panel A-C target analytes diluted to 2X LoD in an unpreserved negative stool matrix, a reagent stability (shelf life) study was conducted to evaluate the shelf life of the reagents in the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit workflow—i.e., the EasyScreen™ Sample Processing Kit (SP008B) and the PCR amplification reagents and controls (EP005)—following the recommendations in FDA-recognized Consensus Standard CLSI EP25-A and other guidelines.
Since there is no direct data output available for intermediate reagents in the Kit SP008B, stability of SP008B was assessed by using the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit in the stability studies. Three batches of the SP008B kit were stored at the standard storage temperature for the product (i.e., 15–25ºC) for 38–48 months and then used with one lot of EP005 for testing the contrived samples. Conversely, four batches of the EP005 kit were stored at the standard storage temperature for the product (i.e., frozen at -25°C to -15°C) for 19, 25, 30, and 32 months, and then used to test the contrived samples.
All samples (individual whole organisms at 2X LoD concentration) were extracted in sets of five extraction replicates using the GS1 instrument according to the EasyScreen™ Sample Processing Kit SP008B User Guide and real-time PCR was performed on the QSDX analyzer according to the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit User Guide. For both sets of studies, the acceptance criteria were set at 100% positivity of all targets in the EP005 assay at 2X LoD for all replicates at the timepoint(s) tested.
For all the batches of SP008B kit (aged 38-48 months) tested, all EP005 target analytes were detected at 5/5 replicates (i.e., 100% detection) at 2X LoD, thereby meeting the performance criteria. Similarly, for all the batches of EP005 reagents (aged 19-32 months), all analytical targets
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at 2X LoD were detected at 5/5 replicates (i.e., 100% detection). This study provided confirmation for a stable shelf-life of 24 months for the EasyScreen™ Sample Processing Kit SP008B when stored at room temperature (15-25°C) and for the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit when stored frozen (-25°C to -15°C).
Additionally, a similar study was conducted to verify the in-use (freeze thaw) stability of reagents of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit i.e., the PCR mastermix and PCR components—when these reagents are mixed and pooled on first thaw (the reaction mix) and then stored at -25°C to -15°C with up to five freeze-thaw cycles permitted per tube to simulate inuse conditions. Two separate tubes of mixed EP005 reagents that underwent five freeze-thaw cycles over days were used as before in testing Panel A-C target analytes at 2X LoD. As with the other stability studies, the acceptance criteria were set at 100% of analytical targets (5/5 extraction replicates) testing positive at a concentration of 2X LoD.
At the 5th freeze-thaw, all PCR replicates at 2X LoD achieved 5/5 positivity (i.e., 100% detection for all analytical targets), thus meeting the performance criteria. This study provided confirmation for the in-use (freeze thaw) stability of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit reagents for up to four (4) freeze thaws.
(k) C&S Matrix Equivalencv
A matrix equivalency study was conducted in support of the use of C&S media (e.g., Meridian Parapak #900612) as an alternative to Cary Blair media (e.g., Thermo Scientific Remel #R21610) when storing and/or transporting human clinical stool specimens for later processing with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit For each analyte in the Panels A-C, individual sample dilutions were prepared in C&S matrix to include Negative (no analyte), Low Positive (1X-2X LoD), and High Positive (5X LoD) samples. Performance characteristics of the samples contrived in C&S media were ascertained at the selected analyte levels using five extraction replicates of High Positives, twenty-five replicates of Low Positives, and ten replicates of Negative samples. Acceptance criteria for replicate results of each analyte were set at: 5X LoD, 100% (5/5 replicates) positive; 1–2X LoD, ≥95% (≥24/25) positive; and Negative, 0% (0/10) positive. For each target, the initial LoD values previously obtained with Cary-Blair matrix during Analytical Sensitivity studies served as the baseline for this study. As shown in Table 12, for all targets and analyte concentrations tested, the targets diluted in C&S matrix met the acceptance criteria based on LoD in Cary Blair matrix, demonstrating equivalence for use in the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit.
| Target analyte | Tested analyte level in C&S
matrix relative to LoD in Cary-
Blair matrix | Detection (%) | Avg Ct |
|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------|--------|
| D. fragilis | 1X LoD | 24/25 (96%) | 33.17 |
| | 5X LoD | 5/5 (100%) | 30.9 |
| C. cayetanensis | 2X LoD | 25/25 (100%) | 33.33 |
| | 5X LoD | 5/5 (100%) | 33.45 |
| C. parvum | 1X LoD | 25/25 (100%) | 29.69 |
| | 5X LoD | 5/5 (100%) | 26.94 |
| B. hominis | 1X LoD | 25/25 (100%) | 31.60 |
| | 5X LoD | 5/5 (100%) | 29.36 |
| E. histolytica | 1X LoD | 25/25 (100%) | 34.80 |
| | 5X LoD | 5/5 (100%) | 32.73 |
Table 12. C&S Matrix equivalency for targets with various analyte concentrations tested in EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit assay.
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| Target analyte | Tested analyte level in C&S
matrix relative to LoD in Cary-
Blair matrix | Detection (%) | Avg Ct |
|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------|--------|
| G. intestinalis | 1X LoD | 25/25 (100%) | 34.55 |
| G. intestinalis | 5X LoD | 5/5 (100%) | 31.34 |
| E. bieneusi | 1X LoD | 25/25 (100%) | 34.87 |
| E. bieneusi | 5X LoD | 5/5 (100%) | 32.69 |
| E. intestinalis | 1X LoD | 25/25 (100%) | 33.66 |
| E. intestinalis | 5X LoD | 5/5 (100%) | 29.97 |
3.2 Overview of Clinical Performance Studies
A multicenter clinical study was conducted to assess the performance of the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit for the identification of Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Giardia intestinalis, Dientamoeba histolytica, Blastocystis hominis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Encephalitozoon intestinalis using stool specimens from symptomatic patients with suspected gastroenteritis. The study evaluated results obtained with the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit, in comparison to those obtained with a reference method. Following FDA's Class II Special Controls Guidelines "Gastrointestinal Microorganism Multiplex Nucleic Acid-Based Assays for Detection and Identification of Microorqanisms and Toxin Genes from Human Stool Specimens" the reference method for the clinical studies was chosen to be two (2) well-characterized and validated Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT) followed by bi-directional sequencing (referred to as "alternative NAAT").
For the clinical study, sites were selected based on several criteria, including investigator and study staff availability. number of specimens of interest, target prevalence and familiarity with PCR methodology. The three participating US sites for prospective sample collection and testing were geographically diverse by location, and an additional US site performed retrospective sample procurement along with testing.
The clinical study was designed in an All-Comers mode to prospectively collect stool samples from symptomatic subjects to be tested fresh (Category I samples) or after frozen storage (Category II samples). Stool specimens were collected from patients of any age (ranging G. intestinalis | 760 | 50 | 9.5 | 90.5 | 99.7 | 99 | 100 |
| Cryptosporidium spp. | 760 | 33.3 | 6.1 | 79.2 | 100 | 99.5 | 100 |
| E. histolytica a | 760 | | | | 99.6 | 98.9 | 100 |
EasyScreen Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit identified no true-positive and three false-positive a) Entamoeba histolytica samples.
C. Co-infections detected by EP005 in clinical study samples with validation by the reference method.
This section summarizes the number of multi-parasite (n = 64) Category I–IV samples detected by the EasyScreen™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Detection Kit as presented in Table 24. Column N represents unique number of samples with targets validated by the reference method.
Samples for any analytes with discrepant results between EP005 and reference method were not considered for this summary.
Co-Infections | Na |
---|---|
B. hominis, C. cayetanensis | 3 |
B. hominis, Cryptosporidium spp. | 2 |
B. hominis, Cryptosporidium spp., G. intestinalis | 2 |
B. hominis, D. fragilis | 23b |
B. hominis, D. fragilis, C. cayetanensis | 1 |
B. hominis, D. fragilis, G. intestinalis | 1 |
B. hominis, E. bieneusi | 2 |
B. hominis, E. histolytica | 9c |
B. hominis, G. intestinalis | 10 |
B. hominis, E. bieneusi, G. intestinalis | 2 |
C. cayetanensis, D. fragilis | 1 |
C. cayetanensis, G. intestinalis | 1 |
Cryptosporidium spp., G. intestinalis | 2 |
Cryptosporidium spp., E. bieneusi | 1 |
Cryptosporidium spp., D. fragilis | 1 |
D. fragilis, G. intestinalis | 2d |
E. bieneusi, G. intestinalis | 1 |
Table 24. Tabulation of Co-Infections as detected by both EP005 and the reference method.
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Co-Infections | Na |
---|---|
Totals | 64 |
- Not counted in this enumeration are five (5) retrospective samples which were discrepant for a second target a) that was detected upon EP005 retests: #201-1161 (D. fragilis TP + Cryptosporidium spp. FN>>TP), #201-1187 (G. intestinalis TP + B. hominis FN>>TP), #201-1198 (B. hominis TP + G. intestinalis FN>>TP), #201-1211 (B. hominis TP + E. histolytica FN>>TP), and #201-1243 (G. intestinalis TP + Cryptosporidium spp. FN>>TP).
- Not counted in this category was one (1) discrepant prospective sample (#103-0050) that was additionally b) positive for D. fragilis by the reference method but FN by EP005 and enough sample was not available for EP005 retest.
- In this category, one (1) retrospective sample (#201-1066) was additionally positive for D. fragilis by the c) reference method but persistently FN by EP005. This was not enumerated under D. fragilis.
- Not counted in this category was one (1) discrepant retrospective sample (#201-1223) that was additionally d) positive for D. fragilis by the reference method but persistently FN by EP005.