2011-02-22
Source: Los Angeles Times
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first mobile device application, which doctors can use to view magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and make diagnoses.
The application, which is called Mobile MIM, can be used on the Apple iPhone and iPad devices using diagnostic tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans. The app will also enable doctors to view positron emission tomography (PET) from their mobile devices.
Revolutionary Mobile Device App Details
The images taken at the hospital or doctor’s office are compressed so they can be transferred through a secure network to a doctor’s mobile device. The software will reportedly let doctors measure:
annotations
distance on the image
image intensity values
regions of interest.
Doctors can use this revolutionary mobile device app to receive tomography and magnetic resonance imaging on their Apple iPhone or iPad from their office or hospital. However, the FDA emphasizes that the application is not meant to replace the full workstation for doctors. Instead, it is something that should be used when doctors don’t have access to larger equipment.
One of the huge benefits of this latest technology from Apple is that it will let doctors view images instantly, without having to wait for film or having to go to a workstation.
FDA Tests Apple App Before Approving
The FDA reportedly reviewed performance test results on different mobile devices before approving the Mobile MIM. In the review, the agency measured for brightness, image quality, and distortion.
The agency also conducted studies with qualified radiologists under different lighting conditions to ensure that the mobile device would be sufficient for viewing tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Mobile MIM is set to be released in Apple’s App store in the United States next week. The mobile device application for iPhones and iPads will reportedly be available in 30 different countries.