Unlock faster, sharper regulatory insights by mastering the art of prompting.
Agent Astro is designed to extract and synthesize intelligence from FDA regulatory databases—structured and unstructured alike. But to get the best results, it helps to know how to talk to it.
Here’s the good news: writing effective prompts isn’t rocket science. It just takes a little structure, some FDA fluency, and a few best practices. Whether you're drafting your first 510(k) or knee-deep in predicate comparisons, a well-written prompt can make the difference between a vague result and submission-ready insight.
Be Precise, Not Casual
Start with the official device name as listed in the FDA database. It might be tempting to use a product nickname, but even a small naming shortcut can throw off results. “Aspire RX-LP6 Aspiration Catheter” is a far stronger anchor than just “Aspire Catheter.”
Once you’ve nailed the name, be direct. Instead of asking open-ended questions like “What should I know about this device?”, aim for clarity: “List all contraindications for the Aspire RX-LP6 Aspiration Catheter.” Specificity = accuracy.
Think Like a Regulator
Agent Astro is trained on FDA language. When you phrase prompts using regulatory terms—like Indications for Use, Substantial Equivalence, or Technological Characteristics—you’re speaking its native tongue. And that means better results, faster.
Similarly, use command verbs to shape the output: ask it to List adverse events, Compare intended use, or Display results in a table. Think of these as shortcuts for the AI’s task selection.
Context Counts
More context = better answers. Want to compare devices? Say which ones. Need a date range? Include it. Hoping for a formatted output? Say so. A prompt like, “Compare K210122 and K222785 for design differences” works well. A great one might add: “Format your response as a table suitable for a Design History File.”
Want the AI to tackle a multi-step task? Chain the instructions: “Identify three predicates for the XYZ device, then compare their risk classifications and highlight postmarket safety alerts.” Astro can handle it.
Keep It Clean
Simple sentence structures are your friend. Break up long-winded thoughts into clear instructions. Avoid negative constructions when possible—“Which of these devices have…” tends to work better than “Which of these devices don’t have…”
Also, be careful not to stack contradictory instructions into one sentence. “Summarize in three sentences and include every detail” creates confusion for both humans and machines.
Mistakes That Cost You
We see it all the time—missed opportunities from:
Avoid these, and you’re already ahead of the game.
One Last Tip
Prompting is a skill. Great prompts come from practice, experimentation, and learning from others. Explore resources—blogs, tutorials, and expert tips—to sharpen your approach. A few hours of learning can unlock dozens of hours saved down the line.
Want help crafting a prompt or refining a query?
Reach out to us at info@agentastro.ai
