GE wins FDA nod for Logiq 500

GE Medical Systems' bid for globalultrasound domination took a step forward last month when theFood and Drug Administration issued 510(k) marketing clearancefor its mid-range Logiq 500 scanner. GE now has the regulatorygo-ahead to sell both of the scanners in the Logiq series.

Milwaukee-based GE lifted the wraps on Logiq 500 at the InternationalCongress of Radiology meeting in Singapore in January, two monthsafter Logiq 700 debuted at last year's Radiological Society ofNorth America conference (SCAN 4/6/94 and 12/15/93).

Logiq 500 is designed to be a more portable, economical versionof the premium Logiq 700. Logiq 500 features 64-channel all-digitalarchitecture and is half the size and weight of Logiq 700.

GE began marketing Logiq 500 in Asia late last year and inEurope earlier this year. GE will begin shipping the scanner inthe U.S. in August, according to the company. Shipments of Logiq700 will begin in October, after the company finishes rampingup its manufacturing operations and putting the final toucheson the system's software.

GE's ultrasound business also received ISO 9000 certificationin June, according to the company.