Your next ultrasound scan – could it be by smartphone?
MobiUS is a medical ultrasound imaging system – all you need is the wand, some gel and a smartphone
The world’s first commercial ultrasound system for the smartphone has been created by US company Mobisante.
MobiUS is a medical ultrasound system with a difference – it works through a smartphone. The product is a portable way to perform ultrasound scans without the need for the bulky traditional ultrasound systems, and it’s been approved for use in the USA by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration).
The kit, consisting of a smartphone, an ultrasound wand and gel, is small enough to fit into a bag making it easy to perform scans outside of hospital. It‘s also easier for the doctor to share the digital images with other professionals and with the parents through the inbuilt Wi-Fi technology on the smartphone.
The MobiUS could prove to be incredibly useful for medical professionals in remote areas with limited resources. It would also be able to provide useful medical data in an emergency situation.
It’s unclear as to whether the system would ever be available for the public to purchase and use in the future. If it were to be made available, the concern would be that it could create a false sense of worry or wellbeing.
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Without the presence of trained sonographers, mums-to-be and dads-to-be may not fully understand the ultrasound image and this could result in unnecessary concern.
Last year, the Health Protection Agency warned against ‘souvenir’ baby scans like Coleen and Wayne Rooney had, as there may be unconfirmed health risks.
For now, it’s best to stick to the antenatal scans arranged through your doctor.
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