Data-Driven Prediction Tools Designed for PET/CT

Unplanned downtime from clinical equipment can negatively affect virtually every aspect of care delivery--from patient to staff productivity and cost control. A new application utilizes data-driven prediction tools to monitor specific system components. Originally deployed on GE's computed tomography (CT) and interventional cardiovascular imaging systems, the technology is now being used in nuclear medicine and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT to proactively monitor system performance, alert GE field engineers to variations in specific component performance, and forecast maintenance needs to enable the least amount of disruption to operations.

GE Healthcare (Chalfont St. Giles, UK), a unit of General Electric (Fairfield, CT, USA), introduced InSite OnWatch, a feature of GE's AssurePoint Services product range, at the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) 2010 annual meeting in Salt Lake City, UT, USA, June 5-9, 2010. InSite OnWatch, available only with GE's AssurePoint Rapid and AssurePoint Performance service offerings (USA and Canada only), remotely resolves small performance issues and forecasts maintenance on certain larger issues to reduce unplanned downtime--improving efficiencies and helping to lower the cost of care. InSite OnWatch is now available on GE's Discovery NM 530c, the Discovery NM/CT 570c and the Discovery PET/CT 600 series systems with the new Discovery Dimension console.

AssurePoint Services are backed by a network of more than 3,500 local field engineers as well as dedicated remote online engineers with deep industry and technology expertise to deliver fast, professional response when it is needed. "The addition of InSite OnWatch to GE's leading AssurePoint Service platform helps minimize the risk of having to reschedule patients and allows customers to schedule required maintenance around their schedule, minimizing unplanned downtime,” said Mike Swinford, vice president and general manager, Americas Service. "Introducing InSite OnWatch to the nuclear medicine and PET/CT communities will only enhance our proven performance-- providing exceptional service to improve system workflow and overall patient care.”

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