The CT motion multi-dose syringeless injector delivers iodinated contrast media for computed tomography (CT) imaging procedures. It helps to reduce procedure setup time and increase patient throughput by eliminating time-consuming preparation steps. Additionally, it helps to optimize patient dosing and to reduce wasted contrast media.
According to a news release, recent research showed that CT motion could enable six additional CT exams each day. This could take place in a busy emergency department with up to three minutes saved per patient. Dr. Dushyant Sahani chair of radiology at the University of Washington, led and presented the research of more than 6,000 patients. It also demonstrated a reduction in cost from consumables and the saving of an average of 30 mL of contrast per procedure.
GE HealthCare continues to make moves around contrast media amid an ongoing supply chain shortage. Supply chain disruption related to contrast media caused thousands of Americans to have to wait for exams earlier this year. Earlier this month, the company announced an $80 million investment to expand contrast media production capacity in Norway. GE HealthCare said today that estimations project the contrast media injector market set to grow 4.3% annually between 2022-2030.
GE HealthCare expects demand to double
“Radiology departments are focused on managing increasing demand and on conserving contrast media,” said Marco Campione, Americas GM at GE HealthCare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics. “The CT motion supports efficient operational practices – saving time, saving contrast, saving on consumables, improving workflows and facilitates better patient throughput. We expect demand for iodinated contrast media to double in the next decade, so we are investing, both in production capacity expansion and also in technologies like this that conserve volumes and reduce leftover contrast media.”
Ulrich Medical CEO Klaus Kiesel added that GE HealthCare’s brand recognition and “great distribution power” can help expand the company’s market share on injectors.
“We are delighted to be working even more closely with our long-standing partner GE Healthcare, who have already been distributing our injector CT motion in the U.S. market,” said Kiesel.
Further efforts in the contrast media market
In addition to the Norway investment, GE HealthCare recently opened a $30 million manufacturing line in Cork, Ireland. It also announced a long-term agreement with Chile-based mining company SQM in October. That agreement secures its supply of iodine for vital imaging agents.
The company said it aims to produce 30 million more patient doses of iodinated contrast media annually by 2025.
GE HealthCare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics unit has all stages of its contrast media manufacturing managed entirely by the company. It features 4,000 employees globally and seven manufacturing sites.
