Digital Radiography Collaboration

Agfa-Gevaert (Mortsel, Belgium) and Siemens Medical Solutions (Erlangen, Germany) have recently signed a bilateral agreement in the field of digital radiography.

The agreement comprises multiple areas. First, on a non-exclusive basis, Agfa will globally distribute Siemens direct radiography (DR) Mammomat Novation digital mammography system. Second, Agfa will source other components from Siemens to support the development of its digital radiography portfolio. Third, Siemens will additionally expand its offering of Agfa's computed radiography (CR) systems that complement existing agreements with Agfa.

Because of an increasing awareness of breast cancer, resulting in the growth of national screening programs, there is a strong interest in the analog-to-digital transition. Whereas breast cancer screening is still primarily film-based, digital mammography is predicted to play a central role in improving the efficiency and coverage of these programs.

Combining Siemens' Mammomat Novation digital mammography system with Agfa's knowledge in image processing and radiology information system (RIS)/picture archiving communication system (PACS) workflow integration will reinforce Agfa's capability to deliver customized systems to address different national needs, and will complement Agfa's existing mammography portfolio. Siemens' intention is to widen its distribution capabilities of Mammomat Novation.

"As a leader in radiology, we are dedicated to assisting our customers in the transition from analog to digital. Such an agreement contributes to the transition to the digitized hospital leading to more efficient and effective healthcare,” said Philippe Houssiau, president of Agfa's HealthCare Business Group.


Related Links:
Agfa
Siemens Medical Solutions