Redmond, Washington-based Mobisante announced the launch of a tablet-enabled version of its portable ultrasound system, which received FDA 510(k) clearance in early 2011. The tablet version of the offering enables physicians to use more powerful ultrasound probes and, of course, brings a larger screen for review of high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Because the tablet provides the power for the peripheral ultrasound probe, the tablet version of MobiUS, called TC1, can power probes used for endocavity probes for gynecology or prostate imaging.

MobiUS TC1 will cost about the same as the smartphone version, Mobisante's CTO and Co-founder David Zar told MobiHealthNews. While various pricing options are offered through Mobisante or its channel partners, Zar said physicians can also rent the system, which includes a tablet running Windows 7 and Mobisante's software, for about $400 a month.

Zar said the 2011 FDA clearance actually cleared MobiUS for use on a tablet, but the company ran into issues with that particular model and is now using a different tablet, which Zar declined to name. Zar said because Mobisante changed the hardware it did have to go through more testing to update its 510(k), but a new 510(k) clearance wasn't needed.

"Fundamentally [the tablet version] has the same look and feel, but with the more powerful platform, we can provide a higher frame rate and additional probes," Zar said. "Our users have asked for these larger screens and frame rates, so we can give them that now. Some are using both the smartphone and the tablets versions. The tablet might be set-up in the exam room, while the smartphone version can be in their pocket while they're wandering around."

According to the Mobisante site, the tablet version of MobiUS provides up to 4.5 hours of continuous scanning time on a full charge, while the smartphone version can handle about 60 minutes of continuous scanning.

Both the smartphone and tablet versions leverage WiFi and email to transmit the images. The data can be moved via USB stick, SD card, or network drive, too, according to Mobisante's FAQ. Zar said a crucial next step would be integrating their offering with various existing PAC systems and cloud-based imaging systems.