FDA approves Mobile MIM as first mobile radiology app
updated 07:30 pm EST, Fri February 4, 2011
Allows doctors to view CT, MRI, PET scans
The continuing evolution of iOS devices, particularly the iPad, as medical tools took a historic step forward as the US Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mobile MIM from MIM Software as the first mobile radiology app for viewing images and making medical diagnoses. While not intended to replace institutional workstations, it allows doctors to view CT, MRI and PET (et al) scans when there is no access to a workstation and without waiting for film. With the FDA's 510(k) clearance, the app should be available in the US App Store within a week.
Mobile MIM works by sending compressed images over a secure network for viewing, and allows the physician to compare scale, image intensity values and display measure lines, and highlight regions of interest with annotations. The software features built-in compensation for differing lighting conditions or improper screen luminance, a small square with ideal values. If the physician can identify and tap that portion of the screen, lighting conditions are not interfering with their ability to discern subtle differences in contrast. Other recommendations for proper usage are included in a safety guide aimed at making sure diagnoses made from mobile observation of scans is safe and accurate.
Mobile MIM won the Apple Design Award for Best iPhone Healthcare & Fitness Application in 2008, and is already available in 14 languages and many other countries, but needed FDA approval to be listed in the US App Store. It features real-time multi-modality fusion and blending (from, for example, hybrid PET/CT scanners), and can create a 3D depth-shaded MIP movie from multiple scans. Image data is transferred to the device using the MIMcloud hosting service or MIM 5.1 (or higher) workstation software.
The free app is available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad, requiring iOS 3.2 or later.
