MindwaysCT, an Austin, Texas firm, won FDA clearance to introduce its technology that can provide bone mineral density measurement from a contrast-free abdominal or pelvic CT scan. Previously, a calibration phantom had to be used near the patient to calibrate the final reading. MindwaysCT’s technology does this automatically, without requiring a phantom, which means that many scans ordered for other purposes can automatically provide bone density measurement without additional radiation exposure to the patient.

The technology relies on calibrating the software to the scanner ahead of time so that calibration for each patient is not necessary. The company has already studied the technology to work alongside CT colonoscopies to automatically screen for poor bone density. Additionally, since the original data from previously acquired scans is still stored within PACS systems, it should be possible to give all those patients a free screening without having them even visit the clinic.

Link: MindwaysCT homepage…

Press release: MindwaysCT Receives 510(k) Clearance for “no-dose” Bone Densitometry Technology…