Medical testing meets SMS on GE's MAC 800

WAUWATOSA, Wisconsin — Medical testing meets medical “texting” with the US Food and Drug Administration clearance of GE Healthcare’s latest ECG (electrocardiogram) solution, the portable MAC 800, based on cellphone technology.

Targeting physician’s offices and the pharmaceutical industry, GE’s entry into the portable ECG market is as practical as it is innovative.

Originally developed and introduced in China, for China in 2008, the lightweight portable device combines the keypad of a phone with a full-size color display and world-class diagnostic software to help clinicians shape the future of healthcare in regions across the world.

“After reaching out to customers in the United States, we realized the market was ready for MAC 800’s unique SMS (Short Messaging Service) keypad,” said Dr. Matthias Weber, vice president and general manager of GE’s diagnostic cardiology business.

“With clinicians asking for a way to take communication and medical innovation into the 21st century and beyond, MAC 800 is a strong fit,” he said.

The innovation doesn’t stop there. MAC 800 has the features of a full-size, 65-pound ECG device, engineered down to less than seven pounds, battery included.

The unit’s integrated carrying handle enables clinicians to carry it like a briefcase, expanding access to care, regardless of patient location.

Its lithium ion battery keeps it running for roughly two hours and a quick, four-hour recharge ensures minimal downtime.

“In the US primary care market, portability, ease of use and EMR connectivity are essential,” said Weber.

With the MAC 800, physicians get the latest ECG technology innovation combined with the assurance of exceptional ECG analysis to help them diagnose patients faster and more efficiently.”

But its convenience doesn’t come at the expense of its quality. Connectivity within a physician’s work environment is key to coordinated care and improved diagnoses.

The MAC 800 helps make that vision a reality through its multiple communication options that fit the needs of most practices, including LAN, modem, SD card and serial port to store and send ECG data from any location.

Additionally, the MAC 800 offers the option of a PDF or XML output for universally recognized storing and data sharing.

It also connects seamlessly to a variety of vendors’ EMR solutions via Cardiosoft, GE’s cardiology information software system, creating a fully digital ECG workflow.

“In the MAC 800, we believe we have produced our most portable and connected ECG to date,” said Weber. “It’s an idea born from customer feedback. Physicians needed change and GE responded by introducing these innovations to help increase access and quality of care.”