American scientists have invented the world's firstultrasound scanner for smartphones, which could revolutionise healthcarein countries where the technology is not widely available.
The MobiUS scanner plugs into smartphonesand tablets to provide an instant scan image on the mobile device's screen.
Its inventors believe that the device's portability and small price tag could providea breakthrough in medical care in third world countries.
The scanner is supplied with its own Windows tablet or smartphone, but its inventors are working on versions compatible with Apple and Android operating systems.
The MobiUS costs £7,000 compared to £60,000 for a full-size ultrasound model.
Sailesh Chutani, CEO of US creators MobiSante, said: 'Ultrasound imaging is safe, effective and can save lives, however more than 70 per cent of the world's population does not have access to ultrasound because it is expensive and not portable enough.
'Devices like MobiUS enable more care to beprovided outside of expensive settings like hospitals into settings that are less expensive, such as clinics and other locations where the patient needs immediate care.
He believes accurate andinexpensive diagnostics at the point of care is critical to reducing healthcare costs, while also improving outcomes.
MrChutani said that theMobiUS interface is extremely simple and can be mastered in just a few minutes.
'MobiUS has built in network connectivity which allows easy sharing of images from the device, for storage as well as for secondopinion or remote diagnosis.
'The device starts in less than a minute and since it is battery powered, it can work off the electric grid.'
This could be extremely useful in poorer countries where power is limited or unreliable.
The company said: 'MobiUS fuses the power and wireless connectivity of a smartphone with the internet into a game-changing diagnostic solution that is personal and accessible.'
The MobiUS interface is simple to use so that nurses can master it quickly. The system has built-in network connectivity that allows easy sharing of images from the device for second opinion or remote diagnosis. As it is battery powered it can work in areas without reliable power.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2363964/The-ultrasound-scanner-plugs-SMARTPHONE-revolutionise-medical-care-world-countries.html