Hologic Inc. has agreed to integrate its algorithms with Clarius Mobile Health’s wireless, handheld ultrasound scanners, as part of a co-developing partnership between the two.

Hologic announced the signing of the development and distribution agreement at the 2017 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual conference last week, with the aim being to support Hologic’s commitment to early detection and ensure global access among women to the most accurate breast health solutions with demonstrated clinical superiority.

“Just like Hologic, Clarius Mobile Health places the utmost value on image quality, accuracy and innovation, which is reflected in the architecture of their scanner,” Shawn St. Pierre, senior director of strategic innovation at Hologic, told HCB News. “In our search for a partner, a foundational platform with exceptional imaging was critical to ensure Hologic can continue to deliver quality breast solutions to physicians and the women they serve across the world.”

The rugged design and handheld form factor of the Clarius scanner enables portability, particularly within space-constrained areas of health facilities. It also offers integrated cloud storage capabilities and multiple imaging modes, including B, M, Doppler, Color and needle enhancement, and is wireless, with a direct Wi-Fi connect and the ability to deliver information to any smartphone device.

Hologic will optimize the scanner for new and extended breast applications, with current AI developments set to focus on interventional procedures such as biopsy and localization.

The integration of algorithms will enable greater detection of invasive cancer as well as more accurate callout rates, and a reduction in unnecessary recalls.

“As a result of the partnership, you can expect to see simplified interventional workflows as we enable physicians to deliver ultrasound services in real time, at the point of care,” St. Pierre said. “This means facilities can offer a more efficient and cost-effective biopsy procedure without sacrificing image quality or accuracy. On a broader level, the partnership allows Hologic to advance its commitment to early detection and help ensure that women around the globe have access to the most accurate breast health solutions.”

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