Sectra

As the saying goes, sometimes less is more — a maxim that is proving true in the world of medical imaging as remote viewing systems continue to advance. While some manufacturers are still utilizing software-based systems for reading and sharing imaging data, many are embracing browser-based models, otherwise known as zero-footprint viewers.

Sectra announced successful completion of testing of the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) profiles MAMMO and DBT (digital breast tomosynthesis) at the North American IHE Connectathon, Jan. 26-30 in Cleveland.

Sectra is now launching Sectra Image Lab — a platform that offers healthcare providers with straightforward access to medical image analysis as a service. The recently signed partner, Riverain Technologies, will offer its lung disease detection software via Sectra’s platform. 

Imaging is critical to all medical specialties so it is logical that images should be available to specialists outside of radiology. There is a trend to reduce repeat exams by making images more easily accessible, including prior exams. This traditionally has been accomplished using the cumbersome process of mailing or physically carrying CDs to referring physicians. Often these CDs do not open or take a long time to download. Stage 2 Meaningful Use requirements for certified electronic medical records (EMR) also call for the sharing of medical images electronically to help improve efficiency and reduce healthcare costs. All of these factors have given rise to remote image access systems. 

Better management of X-ray radiation doses starts with recording and tracking each exposure patients receive. Dose tracking has come to the forefront of medicine in recent years with the realization that medical imaging has doubled the public’s exposure to ionizing radiation since the 1980s, largely due to the rapid expansion of computed tomography (CT) and minimally invasive angiography procedures.