Digital imaging device vendor Alara announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration to market its new MetriScan tabletop bone densitometer in the U.S. The device scans a patient's fingers to estimate bone mineral density (BMD), according to Hayward, CA-based Alara.
MetriScan is a digital device that uses storage phosphor technology to store image data. The single x-ray of the fingers required for the exam exposes patients to less than 5% of the radiation dose of a typical dental exam, the company said. In large prospective studies, the imaging method has proved to be accurate and predictive of future hip fractures, according to Alara.
The company is offering a "fee-per-scan" lease program to promote the acceptance of in-office BMD testing, according to Alara president and CEO Allan Fleischer, Ph.D.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersJune 14, 2000
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