HP jumps into radiology ultrasound

Hewlett-Packard has dominated the cardiology ultrasound market for years, and is now preparing to enter the radiology ultrasound market as well. The company's Andover, MA, Medical Products Group plans to unveil a new digital ultrasound scanner at its RSNA booth.

HP received 510(k) clearance for the scanner in June (SCAN 9/25/96), but was reticent about revealing details of the product prior to the RSNA meeting. Until now, HP's involvement in radiology ultrasound has been limited to the company's joint venture with Philips, a relationship that produced sonoDiagnost 800, a color-flow system introduced by Philips two years ago (SCAN 12/14/94). It's unclear whether the new scanner will impact that relationship.