Low-dose low-cost 3D X-ray imaging for reduction of CT referrals

Many people will have had a Computed Tomography (‘CT’) scan to see a 3D image of the human body as part of their diagnostic and treatment pathway. These machines are miracles of engineering and have transformed clinical practice, with their use doubling over a decade. However, many of the people you know may have had to wait sometime to have their scan, due in part to the expense of such machines restricting availability in the UK. In addition, doctors have to balance their use with associated radiation exposure. Adaptix is developing an innovative Flat Panel X-ray Source (FPS), which can be integrated in imaging devices to allow truly portable low-dose, low-cost 3D imaging, using Digital Tomosynthesis (DT). Since we don't need to physically move the X-ray source to acquire a 3D image, the exam will be very fast. We do not intend to eliminate CT scans – they will always be with us for many clinical applications. What has been already shown however, is that high-cost fixed DT systems present excellent 3D images at a fraction of the dose and far better imaging information than a traditional planar X-ray and provide a low-dose and more accessible alternative to CT in many occasions. The low-cost and portability of our solution will allow even more patients to benefit from this technology. We are the nation that invented the CT and the Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner, both of which are now made off-shore. Supporting Adaptix will help bring another transformational UK technology to market that will reduce the cost of world-class healthcare and keep production on-shore to secure UK manufacturing jobs.