
Through a $100,000 grant Microsoft awarded in 2008, this technology is compatible with Microsoft Windows mobile-based smartphones. "As a result, it is now possible to build smartphone-compatible USB ultrasound probes for imaging the kidney, liver, bladder and eyes, endocavity probes for prostate and uterine screenings and biopsies, and vascular probes for imaging veins and arteries for starting IVs and central lines." Dr. Richard notes that this medical innovation "could become the essential computer of the Developing World, where trained medical personnel are scarce, but most of the population, as much as 90 percent, have access to a cell phone tower."
"'With 70 percent of the world's population has no access to medical imaging,'" Mr. Zar said, this

This type of technology is often cost-prohibitive to become utilized in the developing world. "A typical, portable ultrasound device may cost as much as $30,000. Some of these USB-based probes sell for less than $2,000 with the goal of a price tag as low as $500." Should the price-point drop to a level that gives accessibility to hospitals and medical clinics in the developing world, can you imagine the impact of empowering a caregiver to perform a one-minute scan, transfer the data captured to a clinic anywhere in the world, and quickly receive the results?
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