FDA has just cleared a new mobile radiology application to allow physicians to view medical images on the iPhone and iPad. The application is the first to be cleared by the FDA for viewing images and making medical diagnoses based on computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine technology such as positron emission tomography (PET). It is not intended to replace full workstations and is indicated for use only when there is no access to a workstation.
Radiology images taken in the hospital or physician’s office are compressed for secure network transfer than sent to the appropriate portable wireless device via software called Mobile MIM. Mobile MIM, manufactured by Cleveland-based MIM Software Inc., allows the physician to measure distance on the image and image intensity values, display measurement lines, annotations, and regions of interest.
The FDA reviewed performance test results on various portable devices and measured luminance, image quality, and noise in accordance with international standards and guidelines. The FDA also reviewed results from demonstration studies with qualified radiologists under different lighting conditions. All participants agreed that the device was sufficient for diagnostic image interpretation under the recommended lighting conditions.
The display performance of mobile devices can experience significant variations in luminance levels even between mobile devices of the same model. The Mobile MIM application however, includes sufficient labeling and safety features to mitigate the risk of poor image display due to improper screen luminance or lighting conditions.
The device includes an interactive contrast test in which a small part of the screen is a slightly different shade than the rest of the screen. If the physician can identify and tap this portion of the screen, that the lighting conditions are not interfering with the physician’s ability to discern subtle differences in contrast.
