GE Healthcare receives FDA approval for AI algorithms that prioritize chest x-rays

The FDA has cleared GE Healthcare’s Critical Care Suite, a collection of AI algorithms built into a mobile x-ray machine, according to a Sept. 12, statement.

UC San Francisco (UCSF) helped build the algorithms using GE’s Edison platform. The algorithms cut the turnaround time necessary for radiologists to review suspected pneumothorax. Critical findings are sent directly to the radiologist at the same time as the original image.

“Clinicians are always looking for clinically proven methods to increase outcomes and improve the patient experience,” said Rachael Callcut, MD, MSPH, associate professor of surgery at UCSF, who partnered in the development of Critical Care Suite, in the prepared statement. “When a patient x-ray is taken, the minutes and hours it takes to process and interpret the image can impact the outcome in either direction. AI gives us an opportunity to speed up diagnosis, and change the way we care for patients, which could ultimately save lives and improve outcomes.”

“X-ray—the world’s oldest form of medical imaging—just got a whole lot smarter, and soon, the rest of our offerings will too,” Kieran Murphy, president and CEO of GE Healthcare, said in the same statement. “By integrating AI into every aspect of care, we will ultimately improve patient outcomes, reduce waste and inefficiencies, and eliminate costly errors. Critical Care Suite is just the beginning.”

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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.

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