The Gambia starts the first national TB prevalence survey in Western Africa, as Rwanda starts theirs in Central Africa, using the latest digital technologies.

Banjul, October 2011

The Medical Research Council in Banjul, The Gambia, recently put three mobile X-ray systems from Delft Imaging Systems into operation, which are supported by Computer Aided Detection software for automatic interpretation of chest images. The digital X-ray systems will be used in the first national Tuberculosis prevalence survey in western Africa.Dr. Adetifa Ifedayo of the Medical Research Council /MRC enthousiastically showed the mobility of the new equipment and his team took the first thorax images with ease. The team will be running the prevalence study in 10 months, visiting most of The Gambia and screening over 60.000 people. The outcome is much sought after by the authorities and WHO as it is regarded as a potentially new model for national TB programs.
MRC Gambia will also be the first site in Western Africa which will use the innovative CAD4TB diagnostic software to interpret Chest X-Ray images ‘in the field’. The Computer Aided Detection system is a unique product that analyses CXRs in less than 2 minutes and gives a probability if the image is abnormal. The CAD4TB software will be used in the field as a ‘second reader’.

The compact mobile X-ray machine and its innovative diagnosis system are packed in two sturdy flight cases and can be set up in just 30 minutes. Furthermore, a complete foldable thorax stand with integrated patient lift allows for a high screening throughput with constant high image quality. The complete set-up only covers 3 sq. meters and the direct digital system weighs less than 80kg. A battery backup system is also included and ensures continuous operation of the unit even when external power is not available. The system comes as a complete package including a Picture Archive and Communication System and dedicated TB viewer for storage and viewing of the X-ray images

Rwanda has started the first national TB prevalence study in Central Africa, strengthening the national health system by using Teleradiology.

Kigali, October 2011

In Kigali Dr. Patrick Migambi of the National TB Program started the pilot project for the TB prevalence study in Central Africa. The two direct digital X-ray systems from Delft Imaging Systems are installed in two self sufficient 20 ft shielded containers. Each container equipped with Teleradiology options, airco and a generator, is loaded on a truck enabling the coverage of most of Rwanda. A battery backup system is also included and ensures continuous operation when external power is not available.
Innovative teleradiology over the GSM network permits a second reading by radiologists in Kigali and instant feedback to the clinical officer ‘in the field’. In addition, the new digital X-ray machines can also be used for other medical examinations than chest X-rays. The multifunctional X-ray systems strengthen the health system in Rwanda in the post-prevalence survey use, as complicated cases of e.g. trauma can be transmitted for expert viewing.

Delft Imaging Systems: One Stop TB & innovative Teleradiology Delft Imaging Systems manufactures and supports innovative medical solutions. It finds its origin from Oldelft, the company that introduced the famous Odelca X-ray camera in 1950. Since then it has built a solid name at hospitals worldwide with over 20.000 units installed. Delft Imaging Systems assists the medical community in the fight against TB by providing innovative digital solutions. Active case finding close to risk groups with our ‘One Stop TB’ platform significantly reduces time and cost to diagnose. At the same time the platform boosts efficiency of national TB prevalence surveys and national health systems.

Le Rwanda a commencé la première étude nationale de prévalence de TB en Afrique centrale, renforcant le système national de santé en utilisant la téléradiologie.

Kigali, Octobre 2011.

A Kigali, le Dr. Patrick Migambi du Programme national contre la tuberculose a lancé le projet pilote pour l’enquête de prévalence de TB en Afrique centrale. Les deux systèmes aux rayons X numérique directe de Delft Imaging Systems sont installés dans deux conteneurs auto-suffisants de 20 pieds. Chaque conteneur équipé d’options de téléradiologie, airco et un générateur, est chargé sur un camion permettant la couverture de la plupart du Rwanda. Un système de batterie de secours est également inclu et garantit un fonctionnement continu lorsque l’alimentation externe n’est pas disponible. Téléradiologie innovants via le réseau GSM permet une deuxième lecture par des radiologues à Kigali et une réponse instantanée à l’agent clinique ‘dans le domaine’. En outre, les nouveaux appareils numériques peuvent également être utilisés pour d’autres examens médicaux que les radiographies thoraciques. L’appareil à rayons X multifonction peut renforcer le système de santé au Rwanda dans l’utilisation post-prévalence, comme par exemple des cas compliqués traumatismes peuvent être transmises pour la visualisation par experts.