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.
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.