GE Healthcare’s ImageQuant to be used for Olympic drug testing

GE Healthcare has highlighted the key role its ImageQuant LAS4000 biomolecular imager will play in anti-doping efforts surrounding the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The device is to be utilised at the new Anti-Doping Science Centre in Harlow, which is being operated by GlaxoSmithKline and King's College London for the duration of the Games.

It will be used as part of the testing process for recombinant erythropoietin, a performance-enhancing drug that vastly improves oxygen flow by boosting the number of red blood cells in the body.

The LAS4000 is capable of capturing a high-quality image with great sensitivity and with short exposure times.

Johan von Heijne, head of research products at GE Healthcare Life Sciences, said: "We're delighted that our ImageQuant has been chosen by Professor Cowan and his team at the Olympic anti-doping laboratory as a key part of their work there."

MRI, X-ray, ultrasound and electrocardiogram devices from GE Healthcare will also be used to help monitor athletes' health and wellbeing during the Olympics.