GE Healthcare technology improves efficiency

GE Healthcare has demonstrated its new volume imaging protocol (VIP), which could improve the efficiency with which clinicians work.

The new ultrasound technology allows sonographers to collect data by sweeping across a target area of a patient, information that can later be rescanned by radiologists using new protocols without a rescan of the patient.

“Volume imaging produces a dynamic, real-time look that virtually eliminates any questions of missed information,” Dr Michael Smith, director of radiology ultrasound at Washington Hospital Centre in Washington, DC, said.

“With volume ultrasound, the information obtained is substantially more comprehensive and can be manipulated and analysed in any plane after the exam. In the past an ultrasound exam would take at least 30 to 40 minutes. With the new system, the exam is likely to take 15 minutes or less.”

The new GE Healthcare technology was displayed at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine in Washington, DC.

Dr Smith also said that the technology reduces the number of rescans needed, something that should improve both efficiency and patient experience.

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