Agilent Technologies Demonstrates New Digital Echo LabCapabilities as Works in Progress at ACC...

Healthcare Writers

ACC 2000

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2000

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) will feature new capabilities for its industry-leading EnConcert echocardiography image-management system as works in progress at the American College of

Cardiology conference (ACC 2000), being held at the Anaheim Convention Center March 12-15 (Agilent Booth No. 3605). These new capabilities, which will be made available later this year, include connectivity enhancements, improved image handling, expanded measurements, and more flexible reporting options for the EnConcert system.

The Agilent EnConcert echo image-management system is an integrated solution for image acquisition, diagnostic review, measurement, reporting and archiving of echo data. The digital acquisition, storage, analysis and retrieval of echo data using the EnConcert system result in vast improvements in efficiency and cost savings over traditional videotape and analog reporting methods.

Using the EnConcert system, clinicians can instantly access complete echocardiography studies from any EnConcert workstation connected to the hospital network or intranet. Echocardiography studies are stored in an open-access database that maintains image quality and echo measurement integrity. Because it is built with off-the-shelf PC components and requires no proprietary special-purpose hardware, the Agilent EnConcert system can easily expand to serve changing customer needs and can be upgraded to take advantage of improvements in PC performance.

"Healthcare is catching up with the rest of the world that moves at Internet speed," said Greg Petras, general manager of Agilent's Imaging Systems Division. "We pioneered digital echo information management with the first generation of EnConcert. These new features make the system even more powerful, connectable and clinically beneficial than ever before."

Connectivity Across the Echo Spectrum

EnConcert is based on industry standards, such as Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R) and SQL Server database, Intel-based PC hardware and HTML reporting. A new DICOM network storage capability enables users to import spatially calibrated images from third party ultrasound systems with DICOM network interfaces. The system supports HL7 and DICOM modality worklist protocols for patient demographic input, as well as HL7 results reporting interfaces.

A new Web Server option enables clinicians to view finalized reports, compressed images and loops using a standard Web browser anywhere on the hospital intranet. Images can also be exported from the EnConcert user interface as DICOM, AVI or BMP files.

New Measurements and Image Handling

New Stress Image handling functionality enables users to review stress studies by view, stage, or sequence, speeding stress image review. The EnConcert system features more than 400 echo-specific measurements and calculations. Measurements can be made using configurable automated M-Mode and 2D protocol measurements to increase exam efficiency and consistency.

Expanded Reporting Options

To speed the report generation process, the Agilent EnConcert system features user-customizable reporting macros that accelerate the reporting process. In addition, configurable reporting profiles enable users to create customized reporting frameworks for a variety of clinical applications and protocols.

About Agilent's Healthcare Solutions Group

Agilent's Healthcare Solutions Group is a worldwide leader in clinical measurement and diagnostic solutions for the healthcare industry. The group has 4,800 employees and had revenues of more than $1.5 billion in its 1999 fiscal year.

Agilent holds leading market share worldwide in patient monitoring, cardiovascular ultrasound imaging and for critical-care information-management systems. Information about Agilent's Healthcare Solutions Group can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com/healthcare/.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: A) is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With 42,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent Technologies is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. The businesses comprising Agilent, a subsidiary of HP, had net revenues of more than $8.3 billion in fiscal year 1999.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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