Among the cutting-edge trends discussed at MEDICA 2023 were digital diagnostics. Providing innovative solutions to problems such as accuracy, speed, cost and geographical access to healthcare, a range of pioneering devices were showcased at the event.
A soaring trend in healthcare right across the world, digital diagnostics are allowing point-of-care testing and connected medical treatment. Devices in this field permit artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis for diagnosis and data-driven decision and support tools for monitoring and ensuring the continuation of treatment.
With digital technology, healthcare professionals and laboratories can better manage the flood of data and knowledge that is currently being generated. They can also ease the costly overheads—including power, clean water, trained staff and quality control—of traditional laboratories.
Digital diagnostics promise to deliver high-quality results much faster and to support the move towards the personalization of medicine and bespoke treatments. They are heralding a revolution in healthcare within low-income countries and hard-to-reach communities offering—as they continue to grow—much more affordable care to a wider swathe of the population.
Here are five of the digital diagnostic devices showcased at MEDICA 2023:
1/ A Mobile AI-Based Microscope for Haematology Tests
An affordable kit for easy-to-use, single-step blood sample preparation, the RevDx diagnostic device from EfA Technologies is designed for point-of-care, home care and use out in the field.
Amir Lubashevsky, Chief Marketing Officer of EfA Technologies, explained:
“RevDx, which is the flagship product of EfA Technologies, is a portable, affordable and easy-to-use hematology lab, that provides instant results like complete blood count (CBC).
The platform’s technology comprises multiple clinical applications and is based on an AI-based microscope plus additional diagnostic channels to be added.
It reduces cost, time and it improves the doctor-patient experience. RevDx is a completely portable device that does not require electricity, connectivity, or calibration.”
2/ A Handheld Digital Brain Scanner
InfraScan’s light-weight, hand-held brain scanner is designed for swift detection of traumatic brain injury, thereby minimizing tissue damage and improving patient outcomes. The Infrascanner Model 2000 provides a simple, positive or negative graphic report for detection of traumatic supratentorial hematomas greater than 3.5ml in volume and less than 2.5cm from the brain surface.
Its sensor includes an eye-safe, near-infrared diode laser and an optical detector. The detector signal is digitized and analyzed by a single-board computer (SBC) within the sensor.
The SBC receives the data from the detector and processes it to display the traumatic brain bleeding diagnostic results on the screen. The device has been ruggedized for use in remote locations and on the battlefield.
3/ Digital Radiography
A number of digital radiography platforms were featured at Medica 2023. Among them is the XFM, a mobile digital x-ray system from Italray Srl, designed to perform radiologic examinations and diagnostic investigations in a range of settings.
The device captures and processes radiographic images of body parts of the body even on bedridden patients in hospital wards. Images are acquired with a portable, digital, flat-panel detector featuring amorphous Silicon (a-Si) technology; this detector employs wireless image data transmission.
The company also showcased its Clinodigit Omega, a remote-controlled table for radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations, permitting the positioning of the patient and the control of rays to a generator.
4/ A Digital Hysteroscope
BESDATA’s Diagnostic Hysteroscope brings fast diagnosis and treatment in outpatient clinics. Suitable for early cancer screening, assisted reproduction clinics and problems such as abnormal uterine bleeding, the digital device requires no assembly or pre-operative preparation time.
It employs instant endometrial imaging and offers still image or video capture via an LCD screen.
5/ A Mobile Wireless Endoscopy Camera
Wireless camera manufacturer Firefly is presenting its digital endoscopy, one of its innovative camera products for telemedicine and other applications. Dan Lucey, Director of Sales, said:
“Video endoscopy has been traditionally limited to hospital use due to the size and cost of the equipment. The goal of Firefly is to offer video endoscopy in more affordable, easy-to-use systems that can be deployed in smaller clinics.
The DE1270 Mobile Wireless Endoscopy Camera achieves this goal by being entirely wireless at a much lower price point compared to traditional endoscopy camera systems.
We have seen that ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, urologists, and veterinarians have been drawn to these features and have been using our cameras worldwide.”
