Medtronic pioneers new MRI scan solution for patients with

IRELAND — Medtronic has launched its MRI Care Pathway, a technology designed to streamline the process of MRI scanning for patients with MRIcompatible cardiac devices.

USA — Abbott has received clearance from the US FDA for its Alinity i TBI test, the first commercially available laboratory test for traumatic brain injury.

The Alinity i TBI test measures two biomarkers in the blood that are correlated with brain injury and takes 18 minutes to provide clinicians with an objective way to assess individuals with mild TBIs or concussions. The test could reduce the need for CT scans by up to 40%, offering potential cost savings to the healthcare system and patients.

Abbott's i-STAT TBI Plasma test was already cleared by the FDA as the first rapid blood test for concussion. Abbott has been leading the way in TBI testing technology for over a decade and this clearance complements their efforts to broaden the availability of the TBI blood test for use on lab-based instruments.

This is significant as up to 70% of patients with implanted cardiac devices will require an MRI at some point in their lifetime, and cardiac disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, patients with implanted cardiac devices have traditionally been excluded from MRI scans due to potential risks. Medtronic's MRI Care Pathway addresses these challenges by providing a user-friendly platform that can help healthcare providers safely conduct MRI scans on patients with MRI-compatible cardiac devices.

The system includes a website and tablet-based application that allows clinicians to independently verify whether a patient's cardiac device is MRIcompatible. Meanwhile, Applied Medical Resources has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Medtronic over the alleged use of its size to eliminate competition in the US market for advanced bipolar surgical devices.

SOUTH AFRICA — Medical Diagnostech, a manufacturer of rapid diagnostic test kits, has launched South Africa's first Covid-19 antigen selftest with a companion mobile phone application called HealthPulse TestNow.

The application provides detailed instructions on how to perform the self-test and assists in interpreting the results through image capture of the rapid test device. HealthPulse TestNow also helps ensure the accurate use of rapid diagnostic tests through easyto-follow instructions, process control timers, and guided result interpretation.

The solution integrates with public health reporting systems and ensures that self-testing data is reported. The rapid test and companion application were subject to rigorous evaluations by the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) of South Africa, the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).