New Study Confirms Safer and More Efficient Brain Scans with Reduced Contrast Agent for MRI
A recent study conducted by Imaging Biometrics (IB), a subsidiary of IQ-AI Ltd, has demonstrated the effectiveness of its IB Neuro technology for brain scans using a reduced amount of contrast agent on 1.5T MRI scanners. The research, led by Dr Mark Shiroishi at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, builds upon previous findings from 2019 that showed the viability of using less contrast agent for MRI scans.
The groundbreaking study proves that IB Neuro can process data from scans that use 50% less gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA), making it a safer and more efficient option for patients. GBCAs are substances used to enhance the visibility of internal structures during MRI scans. By reducing the use of GBCAs, the study highlights positive implications for patient health, safety, cost, and the environment.
IB Neuro specifically focuses on Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (DSC) MRI, which is a commonly used method for assessing blood flow in brain tumors. This technology provides critical information about the severity of tumors and how well they respond to treatment. What sets IB Neuro apart is its ability to correct for any leakage of the contrast agent, ensuring accurate and comparable data over time.
The study confirms that IB Neuro is the only platform that can provide reliable data under these low-dose conditions on both 1.5T and 3T MRI scanners. This means that patients can benefit from safer and more efficient brain scans without compromising the quality and accuracy of the results.
The importance of reducing the use of GBCAs cannot be overstated. While they have been widely used in MRI scans to improve visibility, there have been concerns about their potential side effects. By demonstrating the effectiveness of IB Neuro in processing data with reduced GBCA, this study paves the way for safer and more sustainable medical imaging practices.
Dr. Mark Shiroishi, the lead researcher, emphasizes the significance of their findings: Our research not only confirms the viability of using less contrast agent for brain scans, but it also shows that IB Neuro is a reliable and efficient tool in this context. This has the potential to transform the way we conduct brain imaging and improve patient care.
The results of this study have far-reaching implications for both patients and the healthcare industry as a whole. With the ability to perform brain scans using reduced GBCA, medical professionals can ensure the safety and well-being of their patients while obtaining accurate and reliable results. Moreover, the decreased use of GBCAs contributes to cost savings and positive environmental outcomes.
As IB Neuro technology continues to evolve, it holds great promise for revolutionizing brain imaging practices and improving patient outcomes. The study conducted by Imaging Biometrics and led by Dr. Mark Shiroishi at the Keck School of Medicine of USC is a significant step forward in advancing medical imaging techniques. By providing a safer and more efficient option for brain scans, patients can expect improved healthcare experiences while achieving better treatment outcomes.
