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Gothenburg / Yokohama, 1^st of March 2013

RaySafe i2 for personal dosimetry now available in Japan

Unfors RaySafe: worldwide lack of awareness about unnecessary radiation

According to Unfors RaySafe, medical staff in hospitals and clinics around the world is not yet sensitized enough to the risks of unnecessary radiation. The company is a leading supplier of radiation measurement solutions and will present its innovation “RaySafe i2” in Japan during the ITEM exhibition in Yokohama, April 12-14. RaySafe i2 is an active dosimeter especially for interventional radiology that gives real time insight into radiation exposure. With the help of the dosimetry system, medical staff can immediately adjust their behavioral routines and avoid unnecessary radiation exposure in their workplaces. “In the U.S., recent information campaigns have had a large impact raising awareness and motivation to optimize dose among patients. There remains a need for more training and education to give doctors and nurses the knowledge and confidence to work safely in a radiation environment”, explains Bart Leclou, Vice President Business Area “Personal Dosimetry” at Unfors RaySafe. RaySafe i2 has been available in several European countries and in North America since the beginning of 2012.

“RaySafe i2 has already attracted a lot of interest in Europe and the US”, says Bart Leclou. “Real time measurement and analysis are the most important arguments for medical staff.” The personal dosimeters are easy to handle, they are maintenance free and can simply be attached to the work clothes. The collected data is sent wireless to the “real time display” that is placed in the examination room, so that all staff members can see their current exposure. Colored bar charts give an overview of individual dose, making it easy to allocate data to single users. The integrated software not only analyses but also gives access to time stamped dose data. As a result, hospital staff can change their behavior immediately in order to minimize their radiation exposure. All data is also available to hospital management for further analysis.

Studies presented during the RSNA and ECR last year have shown that staff dose can be reduced significantly by using such measuring systems. They are already an integral part at renowned hospitals like the Charité in Berlin and Erlangen University Hospital in Germany. Introducing the RaySafe i2 across the Asian markets is part of further raising the awareness of unnecessary radiation exposure.

According to Bart Leclou, the overall awareness of unnecessary radiation is significantly higher in Europe and North America than in the rest of the world. This is due to recent campaigns like the initiative ‘Image Gently/Image Wisely’ in the USA by the American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America drawing attention to the matter of patient dose. “Due to the growing knowledge among patients, the necessity of certain x-ray examinations is questioned more frequently.” But hospital staff still has to pay more attention to keeping their personal dose within the limits, says the Unfors RaySafe manager. “The lead apron only covers some parts of the body while others – no less important – are still exposed to the harmful rays.”

The RaySafe i2 basic package comes with a real time display, four personal dosimeters and a dose viewer software.

Unfors RaySafe shows new solution RaySafe S1 at ECR 2013

Higher patient safety by cloud-based dose management

• Improved justification, optimization and monitoring of the patient dose
• Optimum image quality with minimized radiation
• Long-term reduction in costs by improved process quality

Ulm/Billdal, 28^th February 2013. At this year’s European Congress of Radiology (ECR, March 7^th – 11^th 2013, Vienna) Unfors RaySafe presents the new software solution RaySafe S1 for the first time in Europe: The cloud-based solution enables efficient dose management within diagnostic imaging process at hospitals. By providing accurate and easy-to-use radiologic information, RaySafe S1 helps healthcare workers in order to to avoid unnecessary radiation to their patients. Furthermore, the software helps to reduce faulty images and contributes to long-term reduction in costs by improved process quality. RaySafe S1 has already been successfully launched in the USA and Canada in November 2012.

Unfors RaySafe (formerly Unfors Instruments), the international market leader in the field of measurement devices for the quality assurance in diagnostic radiology, now expands its product portfolio with RaySafe S1. The software solution can smoothly be integrated in radiology departments with X-ray equipment from different manufacturers that support the DICOM standard. Magnus Kristoferson, CEO at Unfors RaySafe, emphasizes: “Having dose reduction solutions for equipment, staff and patient we aim to minimize hazards for the hospital staff and the patients and to optimize the technical performance. With RaySafe S1, we are the only company worldwide to provide a comprehensive solution for the X-ray room.” Thus, the combination of Unfors RaySafe’s measurement devices and related software solutions enables reliable dose management at each stage of the diagnostic X-ray process.

In the field of “Quality Assurance for Diagnostic X-ray”, Unfors RaySafe also presents the measurement device RaySafe X2 at the ECR, which has been launched successfully in November 2012. The solution is specially designed for quality assurance of radiographic and fluoroscopic X-ray equipment and is characterized by advanced sensor technology paired with intelligent signal processing as well as intuitive user guidance. The sensor of RaySafe X2 captures all relevant parameters and provides the user with easy-to-read information such as dose, dose rate and waveforms on the touch sensitive display. RaySafe X2 has been available in Europe since January 2013 as part of the comprehensive line-up for the quality assurance of X-ray equipment.

Unfors RaySafe at ECR, hall C, booth 334

With a mission to help people avoid unnecessary radiation, and the continuing launch of related products, the Swedish company points out that it is now the world’s only provider of comprehensive solutions to measure, monitor and manage X-ray radiation dose.

Source: European Hospital 6/2012

Measuring radiation for doctors and hospital staff: Real-time results instead of a four week wait. RaySafe i2 outperforms conventional film badge dosimeters at Erlangen's university hospital.

Source: ARAB Medico 4/2012

Real-time dosimetry makes strides at RSNA 2012 – Unfors and Philips in new collaboration announced at conference

Billdal, 11^th December 2012 At this year’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference in Chicago, Unfors RaySafe took important steps to establish real-time dosimetry as an industry standard.

Among several new developments in the field, the conference saw the signing of a new collaboration between Unfors RaySafe and Royal Philips Electronics to develop the next generation of the Philips DoseAware system, announced on November 30. The aim of the agreement is to provide seamless access and communication between Philips DoseAware and Philips Allura interventional X-ray systems. Philips and RaySafe are developing an Allura X-ray environment with an integrated real-time dosimetry solution, providing staff with improved, personalized and directly accessible dose information.

Philips is the worldwide leader in angiographic systems for cardiology labs. The Philips Allura Xper system offers customers exceptional image quality and deeper insight for diagnosing and treating cardiac disease.

According to Magnus Kristoferson, CEO at Unfors RaySafe, “Making real-time insight an integral part of the interventional suite will help medical staff avoid unnecessary radiation. The fact that the industry is stepping forward and taking responsibility for integrating radiation protection into X-ray equipment is something that has been received very well at the conference.”

In addition to its wide range of proven products for quality assurance of diagnostic X-ray and real-time personal dose monitoring, the company successfully launched its new “RaySafe S1 Dose Management” software, a cloud-based solution that helps medical staff to manage patient dose. Through this expansion Unfors RaySafe is the only supplier worldwide to offer comprehensive solutions for the X-ray room, from quality assurance of X-ray equipment, to real-time dose monitoring for medical staff and dose management solutions for the benefit of the patient

Unfors Instruments has changed its name to Unfors RaySafe

About Unfors RaySafe

Unfors RaySafe is the leading supplier of radiation measurement solutions in the medical field offering comprehensive solutions for the X-ray room – from quality assurance of X-ray equipment, to real-time dose monitoring for medical staff and dose management solutions for the benefit of the patient. These products combine advanced technology with simple use and transparent data overview. Unfors RaySafe also provides extensive customer service and helps increase awareness of unnecessary radiation. The company’s headquarters are in Billdal, Sweden, where Unfors RaySafe was founded in 1994. Subsidiaries in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Singapore, India, Japan and China and a tight sales network address the global market. Among the clients are major X-ray manufacturers as well as some of the most well-known university hospitals worldwide. With a team of 150 employees, Unfors RaySafe generated revenue of about 20 million euros in the fiscal year 2011/2012. Up to now, the company has been certified in compliance with the ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 quality management standards. The Swedish Sixth AP Fund has been majority owner of Unfors RaySafe since 2006.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2011 sales of EUR 22.6 billion and employs approximately 121,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming, home and portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Philips Royal Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEZ: PHIA) and Unfors RaySafe AB announced at November 30 the signing of a joint Development Agreement that will see the development of next generation Philips DoseAware system, with the aim of offering seamless access and communication between Philips DoseAware and Philips Allura interventional X-ray systems.

Source: PHILIPS PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE 

Unfors RaySafe launches new solution to lower patient dose

Unfors RaySafe will be announcing its extended product portfolio for the X-ray room at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from November 25th-30th, 2012 in Chicago, IL, USA. In addition to the wide range of products for quality assurance of diagnostic X-ray and real-time personal dose monitoring solutions, the company now offers a new Software Solution "RaySafe S1 Dose Management" to also cover the increased demand on patient dose management. Through this expansion Unfors RaySafe is the only supplier worldwide to offer comprehensive solutions for the X-ray room – from quality assurance of X-ray equipment, to real-time dose monitoring for medical staff and dose management solutions for the benefit of the patient.

RaySafe S1: Justification, Optimization, Control

Unfors RaySafe is the leading supplier of radiation measurement solutions in the medical field offering comprehensive solutions for the X-ray room – from quality assurance of X-ray equipment, to real-time dose monitoring for medical staff and dose management solutions for the benefit of the patient. These products combine advanced technology, simple use and transparent data overview with competitive pricing. Unfors RaySafe also provides extensive customer service and helps increase awareness of unnecessary radiation. The company’s headquarters are in Billdal, Sweden, where Unfors RaySafe was founded in 1994. Subsidiaries in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Singapore, India, Japan and China and a tight sales network address the global market. Among the clients are major x-ray manufacturers as well as some of the most well-known university hospitals worldwide. With a team of 150 employees Unfors RaySafe generated revenue of about 20 Million Euros in the fiscal year 2011/2012. Up to now, the company has been certified to the ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 quality management standards. The Swedish Sixth AP Fund has been majority owner of Unfors RaySafe since 2006.

Göteborg

2012-03-01

PRESS RELEASE 

Unfors RaySafe introduces RaySafe i2 personal dosimetry system

During the European Congress of Radiology in Vienna 2012 Unfors RaySafe launched the RaySafe i2. By using RaySafe i2 during imaging procedures, medical personnel are able to get instant information on their current exposure to X-ray, giving them prerequisites to adjust their behavior to minimize unnecessary exposure. Unfors RaySafe is the world’s only manufacturer of real-time personal dosimetry systems.

Studies presented at ECR and RSNA indicate a reduction in dose to personnel up to 40% by using Unfors RaySafe’s real-time dosimetry technology. Workplace efficiency and safety can be improved, and work processes streamlined, by facilitating the time-stamped, dose data collected by RaySafe i2.

"RaySafe i2 is proven to reduce staff dose, and makes it easy to work correctly and achieve a well-functioning radiation safety culture in hospitals" says Magnus Kristoferson, CEO of Unfors RaySafe.

The basic package comes with one real time display, 4 dosimeters, and can be extended with additional dosimeters and advanced data management software.

Unfors RaySafe, previously Unfors Instruments, also introduced its new name and canary logo at ECR.

"Like the canary in the coal mine helped miners avoid dangerous gases, the RaySafe solutions, now and in the future, will enable users to help themselves and others avoid unnecessary radiation. The RaySafe brand will better represent our mission and company as we continue to expand our solution portfolio", says Magnus Kristoferson.  

For additional information, please contact:

Europe, Middle East and Africa:
Izabella Dantas, +49 731 175 492 23, izabella.dantas@raysafe.com

America:
Kelly Fitzgerald, +1 978 888 1641, kelly.fitzgerald@raysafe.com

Asia Pacific:
Anna Wanland, +65 82 28 74 70, anna.wanland@raysafe.com

About Unfors RaySafe

Unfors RaySafe helps people avoid unnecessary radiation by offering a wide range of solutions for personal dosimetry and quality assurance of diagnostic X-ray. Our philosophy of combining the simple and intuitive with the most advanced and innovative technology has made us a world-leading supplier of radiation measurement solutions in the medical field. Headquarters are in Sweden, where the company was founded in 1994. Unfors RaySafe serves a global market through subsidiaries in the United States, Germany, Singapore, India, Japan and China, and a global sales network. Unfors RaySafe has 130 employees and its sales for fiscal year 2010-11 were SEK 143 million. The Sixth AP Fund has been majority owner of Unfors RaySafe since 2006. For additional information, please visit www.raysafe.com.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RAYSAFE i2

PRESS RELEASE

Singapore, 17. September 2012

Unfors RaySafe: worldwide lack of awareness about unnecessary radiation

RaySafe i2 for personal dosimetry now available in Australia and Singapore

According to Unfors RaySafe, medical staff in hospitals and clinics around the world is not yet sensitised enough to the risks of unnecessary radiation. The company is the world’s leading supplier of radiation measurement solutions and has now presented its product innovation “RaySafe i2” in Australia and Singapore. RaySafe i2 is an active dosimeter especially for interventional radiology that gives real time insight into radiation exposure. With the help of the dosimetry system, medical staff can immediately adjust their behavioural routines and improve the radiation safety culture in their workplaces. “In the U.S., recent information campaigns have had a large impact raising awareness and motivation to optimize dose among patients. There remains a need for more training and education to give doctors and nurses the knowledge and confidence to work safely in a radiation environment”, explains Bart Leclou, Vice President Business Area “Personal Dosimetry” at Unfors RaySafe. Since the beginning of this year, RaySafe i2 has already been available in several European countries and in North America.

“RaySafe i2 has already attracted a lot of interest in Australia and Singapore”, says Bart Leclou. “Real time measurement and analysis are the most important arguments for the professional public.” The personal dosimeters are easy to handle, they are maintenance free and can simply be attached to the work clothes. The collected data is sent wireless to the “i2 real time display” that is placed in the examination room, so that all staff members can see their current exposure. Coloured bar charts give an overview of individual dose, making it easy to allocate data to single users. The integrated software not only analyses but also gives access to time stamped dose data. As a result, hospital staff can change their behaviour immediately in order to minimize their radiation exposure. All data is also available to hospital management for further analysis.

Studies presented during the RSNA and ECR last year have shown that staff dose can be reduced significantly by using such measuring systems. They are already an integral part at renowned hospitals like the Charité in Berlin, Germany. RaySafe i2, which has been approved in most European countries as well as in the United States and Canada, can be purchased directly from Unfors RaySafe or the major x-ray manufacturers. Following the product launch in Australia and Singapore, Unfors RaySafe will soon introduce RaySafe i2 in other Asian markets and also plans activities to further raise awareness of unnecessary radiation exposure.

According to Bart Leclou, the overall awareness of unnecessary radiation is significantly higher in Europe and North America than in the rest of the world. This is due to recent campaigns like the initiative ‘Image Gently/Image Wisely’ in the USA by the American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America drawing attention to the matter of patient dose. “Due to the growing knowledge among patients, the necessity of certain x-ray examinations is questioned more frequently.” But hospital staff still has to pay more attention to keeping their personal dose within the limits, says the Unfors RaySafe manager. “The lead apron only covers some parts of the body while others – no less important – are still exposed to the harmful rays.”

About Unfors RaySafe

Unfors RaySafe is the leading supplier of radiation measurement solutions in the medical field. Products range from personal dosimetry to quality assurance diagnostic x-ray equipment. They combine advanced technology, simple use and transparent data overview with competitive pricing. Unfors RaySafe also provides extensive customer service and helps increase awareness of unnecessary radiation. The company’s headquarters are in Billdal, Sweden, where Unfors RaySafe was founded in 1994. Subsidiaries in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Singapore, India, Japan and China and a tight sales network address the global market. Among the clients are major x-ray manufacturers as well as some of the most well-known university hospitals worldwide. With a team of 150 employees Unfors RaySafe generated revenue of about 20 Million Euros in the fiscal year 2011/2012. Up to now, the company has been certified to the ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 quality management standards. The Swedish Sixth AP Fund has been majority owner of Unfors RaySafe since 2006.