Monday witnessed the commercial launch of a new, smartphone-size imaging tool by GE Healthcare, via which physician would be able to carry ultrasound technology wherever they go.

The group has received clearance by the FDA in the U. S. and has also acquired the CE Mark from the European Union along with the Medical Device License from Health Canada. Having done all this, the group has declared the commercial availability of its Vscan imaging device.

To be more specific, Vscan has been passed as a prescription device for ultrasound imaging, measurement, and analysis in the clinical applications of abdominal, cardiac (adult and pediatric), urological, fetal/OB, pediatric, and thoracic/pleural motion and fluid detection.

The device will enable the clinicians to diagnose and treat patients more quickly as Vscan helps them to peep inside the body without setting up ultrasound appointments at later dates. Vscan is equipped with image quality and is less than a pound in weight. Image quality was until recently only available through console ultrasounds.

The device also features a USB docking station for easy image uploading; voice annotation; and an online portal with training tools and trouble shooting, along with boasting a battery charger station and battery life of one hour of scanning (or up to 30 patients if each averages a two-minute scan).

Presently Vscan is priced at $7,900 per unit.