Philips introduces Diagnostic Imaging cabins in the Philippines

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, has introduced Diagnostic Imaging cabin/container solutions, an offsite computed tomography (CT) and Diagnostic X-Ray (DXR) solutions in the Philippines. The cabins are designed for rapid, CT scanner and DXR systems deployment suitable for epidemic prevention, emergency rescue, and disaster relief situations.

Hence, beyond COVID-19, these solutions can not only be used in emergency situations but also in scenarios requiring rapid capacity expansion of Diagnostic Imaging facilities.

The Philips CT Cabin is a container converted into a functional and portable CT facility that can be placed in the hospital, just outside of it or even in a mobile environment like a truck. This is assembled offsite in order to enable healthcare professionals to perform diagnostic imaging procedures remotely, thereby limiting their exposure to infected patients. The CT Cabin is equipped with a protective lead shield to manage radiation exposure, UV light that sterilizes the space, and a laboratory grade computer room for immediate analysis of results. Some of the products that can be deployed in the cabins are Philips Access CT and Philips Incisive CT range.

CT is considered the modality of choice when diagnosing pulmonary damage. Hence, this is one of the most common method used in healthcare institutions for COVID-19 bedside patient management. Although CT is a reliable diagnostic imaging method, this is not always readily available in emergency room settings.

The Philips DXR Cabin is also a container converted into a functional and portable facility. The cabin installation has a fast turnaround and deployment time. Some of the products that can be deployed in the cabins are DuraDiagnost and DuraDiagnost F30. While X-Ray alone cannot be used to diagnose COVID-19, some facilities are using it for detecting inflammation in the lung as an indication of a potential COVID-19 infection. This is done as a rapid first triaging step due to time pressure as the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests can take up to 48 hours.

“The global COVID-19 pandemic has severely increased patient volume and impacted clinical workflow, resulting in challenging working conditions for our frontline health workers. As the mobile and flexible diagnostic imaging cabins enable healthcare professionals to perform medical procedures remotely, this minimizes health workers’ exposure to patients in the hospital, thus minimizing their risk of cross infection”, said Ashwin Chari, country manager, Philips Philippines.

“The innovative, plug-and-play cabins aim to improve the working conditions of health workers to allow for better health outcomes for them, their patients, and the society as a whole,” he added.