FDA gives clearance to portable x-ray system with potential for diagnosing COVID-19

Plano, Texas-based Aspenstate has gained Food and Drug Administration clearance for its portable x-ray system. The device has potential as a first-line tool to gather images from patients with COVID-19.

The machine—AirTouch—is handheld, weighing 5.5 pounds, and can be brought to a patient’s bedside to acquire chest x-ray scans. Users can then wirelessly send the images directly to a picture archiving and communication system.

David Lee, vice president and COO of Aspenstate, said the device’s portability has proven useful for drive-through screening centers in South Korea.

“Our clients have noticed a dramatic increase in capacity and the ability to move patients through quickly and efficiently,” Lee said in a statement. “They find that the device is very simple to use, and the integrated software and portable features allow them to work outside of the limitations of traditional x-ray solutions.”

In addition to aiding in the fight against the coronavirus, the company sees uses for its device in urgent care imaging, ambulances, sports medicine and other fields.

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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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