Ultrasounds have officially entered the digital age.

Royal Philips has launched an app-based ultrasound solution it claims will extend the reach of ultrasound applications across the health continuum. Philips executives said Lumify offers high-quality imaging on a compatible smart device through a subscription model. Philips’ new ultrasound approach brings together mobile applications, advanced ultrasound transducer technology, integrated IT, training, education and support services to help healthcare providers improve care and reduce costs, the company said in a news release.

Already 510(k)-cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the first-generation Lumify transducer is designed for emergency departments and urgent care centers, as well as other clinical settings, and will operate from a compatible smart device connected to a Philips ultrasound transducer. Healthcare professionals also will have access to an online portal where they can manage their device and access Philips’ support, training and IT services.

“Ultrasound’s versatility, portability and safety enabled it to become one of the most widely used first-line diagnostic tools. With the advent of app-based ultrasound, we strive to bring the value and benefits of ultrasound to more places across the health continuum,” said Vitor Rocha, CEO of Ultrasound for Philips. “App-based ultrasound provides valuable information to the right people at the right time. It’s designed to drive transformation in care delivery and digital health – a combination that can extend the reach of ultrasound in a remarkable way.”

Cloud-enabled and tablet technology allows Lumify to offer users vast connectivity, flexibility and mobility. As a customized app-based solution, Lumify is designed to seamlessly integrate with patient profiles and a health system’s equipment using cloud-enabled technology. Additionally, data will be accessible on the Philips HealthSuite Digital Platform, an open and secure, cloud-based IT infrastructure, allowing users and health systems access to powerful data and analytics to help improve patient care, company bigwigs noted.

Lumify is part of Philips’ app-based ultrasound ecosystem, an open innovation platform aimed to deliver the benefits of ultrasound early in the health continuum and expand access among more healthcare providers. App-based ultrasound can help healthcare providers guide diagnosis, treatment and management in ways that ultrasound isn’t currently used, the company contends. Built on a flexible subscription-based delivery model, users –-- healthcare providers and institutions –-- have access to and can manage solutions based on their changing demands and needs.

Central to app-based ultrasound’s development and continued evolution is Philips’ Ultrasound Consortium launched last year to drive the creation of valuable applications. Consisting of experts from across the health continuum, the Consortium will explore ways to extend the reach of ultrasound applications into the hands of more healthcare providers as they guide patients from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.

“App-based ultrasound is a compelling vision, presenting healthcare professionals with a new way to provide on-demand point-of-care diagnostics in dynamic clinical environments,” said J. Christian Fox, M.D., RDMS, FAIUM. “In heavily trafficked, high-stress environments such as the emergency department, access to technology like app-based ultrasound that can promptly direct treatment is critical to both the provider and patient in achieving positive health outcomes.”