KTwo Technology Develops Advanced Software 'CytoSight' For Pathology

KTwo Technology Solutions has developed a software for Pathology which is expected to revolutionize lab operations not only in India but across the globe. The software known as CytoSight will be introduced in the Indian market end of this month.

Competence in pathology is critical for diagnosis. Keeping this in mind, CytoSight was designed to offer an affordable, efficient, simple and quick format for pathologists to log on and deliver results at the earliest, Anant R Koppar, chairman and CEO, KTwo Solutions told Pharmabiz.

CytoSight is a suite of products developed to address the pathology requirements. The software helps the technician or pathologist to accurately segment and classify cell images to automatically process identify and analyze the images. The main stage of the system includes image acquisition, image processing, image analysis and transmission for verification by the expert.

A clinical digital microscope is used t acquire cell images from the smears. These cell images are enhanced and analyzed to identify and count various types of cells. The system also assists in the labreport generation.

To begin with the, the company will introduce the CytoSight basic model which will provide the analysis of differential blood cells and detect malaria cells, stated the KTwo Solutions chief.

The CytoSight suite has four versions under development. CytoSight B is developed and it supports Whole Slide Imaging where complete image from a smear on a glass side is captured as a digitized image. The image is available for pathologists in the hospital network as well as for distant pathologists using tele-pathology. Including platelets, lymphocytes, basophiles and neutrophils. The product can be used to validate the results from a five part or three part haematology analyzer system.

(Ref: The Chronicle Pharmabiz dated 14, February 2008)

GE To Increase Market Reach With New Digital Tejas X-ray Version

GE Healthcare has now developed the next generation high frequency X-ray "Tejas XR 6000 the only system that can be  upgraded to digital. The systems will be manufactured at the company's facility in Bangalore. At present, the company holds a 25 per cent market share with an installation base of 17,000 in India.

The product is priced less than Rs 15 lakh and can be upgraded at a cost of Rs 60 lakh. The system, which is fully complaint from a regulatory perspective is known for its lower radiation dosage due to high frequency, making it safer for both patients and technicians. It provides superior images.

Current, X-ray systems available in India are low powered, bulky an employ outdated generators technology. A conventional model is available between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakhh. The next level digital model is priced between Rs 1.5 crore and Rs 2.5 crore. Tejas, a 'for Indian and from India' initiative, will promote the concept of 'Early Health' in India. Presently out of the 80 percent of X-rays, amounting to 60,000 installations in the country, 95 percent are conventional, outdated technology as the digital version is unaffordable at most healthcare facilities in the country. "We have taken a major step in this area to be able to address the issues of affordability and availability with Tejas X-rays," stated V Raja, President & CEO, GE Healthcare South Asia.

It was GE which revolutionized the radiology market investing over $500 million with the introduction of the first digital flat panel X-ray in 1999 and the company has also been granted over 100 patents.

"Tejas helps radiologists with better images, faster workflow through its high frequency generators, fine focal spot tube and other technology features. Its modern floating radiographic table is wider for higher patients convenience during trauma and critically ill conditions," explained Chiranjiv Singh, business manager, X-ray, GE Healthcare.

The company has the in-house capability to manufacture digital detectors globally and is backed by research and production expertise, stated Shireesh Sahai, general manager, 'In India, for India' Programme, GE Healthcare. There are 35,000 hospitals across India who are potential customers for Tejas, he added.

In the area of private public partnership, the company sees promising business opportunity valued at around Rs 800 crore generated through the tie-ups with hospital and the state government initiatives, informed Ashok K Kakkar, vice president, government relations & customer solutions, GE Healthcare, South Asia.

(Ref: The Chronicle Pharmabiz dated 14, February 2008)