The Technology

For Delivering Quality and Value

Echotech invests in the latest generation technology and infrastructure to create a 'virtual’ department. The IT and communications network ensures efficient and secure transfer of data between the key parties.

The Laptop Ultrasound Machine
The laptop-based Siemens P50 Ultrasound machine is at the heart of Echotech’s technology investment. The unit, state of the art ultrasound hardware linked to an Apple Macbook, is compact and robust, and is easily portable between different clinic locations. Furthermore the P50 offers superb image quality and diagnostic support features.

The P50 system runs on a proven software platform. A back-up machine is always available for each clinical region in the unlikely event of being required.

Lean Thinking
By using an ultrasound machine with business computer capabilities, Echotech has greatly reduced the amount of equipment that needs to be transported to each clinic location.

Utilising a single machine across multiple locations creates a very lean model of service delivery.

The Internet
A vital element in the 'virtual department’ is the need for sharing echo studies from our clinics with the respective medical experts for diagnostic and peer review purposes. Echotech also set themselves an ambitious target to make the images available in real time.

To achieve this, a partnership was forged with UltraLinq.co.uk,  a company based in the USA who have developed an FDA approved solution for encrypting and transmitting echo studies using the internet.

Studies carried out in the community are therefore encrypted and uploaded within minutes of completion to a secure central server. From there, the images and reports can be reviewed and assessed by authorised personnel using a standard PC on a broadband link.

Peer Review
This technology allows the 'peer review’ of studies if the Cardiac Physiologist requires a second opinion. It also enables Echotech to operate a very thorough quality assurance process with great efficiency.

The Local Cardiologist
Physicians in the local cardiology network are able to access the studies, thereby greatly reducing the need for a hospital re-scan. Accessing the studies in this way is also very convenient for the Cardiologist as well as being time efficient.

Data Security
In recognition of stringent data security measures Echotech have successfully completed the NHS IGSoG (Information Governance Statement of Compliance). As such there is documented assurance that all data security measures are in place to support full connectivity with NHS data systems.