Remi-d
Technology Development
We are dedicated to utilizing proven, low-cost, off-the-shelf technologies adapted for limited resource settings when available and innovating new solutions for needs that are unmet. Remi-d, our first new technology, is an example of this innovation.
Remi-d is a self-contained, remotely operated, digital chest X-ray system that provides X-ray screening capabilities for limited resource areas with a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB). The device makes it possible to rapidly deploy the equipment and medical personnel needed to effectively conduct chest X-ray screenings in less than one-day. Remi-d is designed to overcome the common hurdles to deploying X-ray in these areas including, lack of adequate facilities, lack of trained medical personnel and lack of stable power sources. Remi-d gives health authorities the tools they need to capture, manage and leverage critical information about the incidence and prevalence of TB. This allows them to better track, treat and halt the spread of this highly infectious disease.
Addressing Tuberculosis Around the World
Tuberculosis is often called the “forgotten disease” because many believed that it had been contained or even eliminated decades ago. However, this highly infectious respiratory disease has experienced a global resurgence fueled by a lack of awareness and reduced vigilance, an increase in HIV/AIDS infections, and insufficient public health investments in the tools needed to diagnose and treat it. Each year, TB sickens more than 9 million people and causes nearly 2 million deaths. It is prevalent in every region of the world, easily crossing borders as populations become increasingly more mobile. Screening populations for the presence of TB using tools such as chest X-ray is critical to halting the spread of the disease. Unfortunately, screening opportunities are very limited around the world for various reasons: diagnostic tools require specialized facilities, equipment and personnel—all of which are in short supply. Remi-d was created 
to help alleviate some of this burden for communities around the world.
Introducing Remi-d by WHITIA
Remi-d is a self-contained, digital chest X-ray system that provides screening capabilities in areas with limited resources. This device makes it possible to rapidly deploy the equipment and medical personnel needed to conduct chest X-ray screenings in less than one day. It is designed to overcome many of the common hurdles to deploying X‐ray equipment in these areas and to provide additional capabilities that can help to improve the quality and delivery of healthcare.
Hurdles to Screening and the Remi-d
Lack of Appropriate X-ray Facilities
The CXR unit comes in a
self-contained, lead lined booth designed to fit into an existing room
without the need for renovations making it possible to convert
virtually any room into an X-ray room.
Lack of Skilled X-ray Technologists
Remi-d’s design enables it to be remotely operated by a skilled X-ray technologist. The technologist can see and communicate with the patient via a live two-way video connection, explain the procedure and properly position the patient. A centrally located technologist can operate multiple units, leveraging the skills of a single technologist across multiple facilities and reducing staffing costs.
Lack of Radiologists
Digital images can be transmitted to remotely located radiologists for interpretation and diagnosis eliminating the need to have a radiologist on site.
Unreliable Power
The X-ray unit and additional electronic equipment can be powered using Remi-d’s alternative power sources in the event of unstable power outages.
Additional Benefits
Health data collection, storage and sharing
The X-ray images and diagnoses can be stored and tracked, improving data collection on the incidence and prevalence of TB. Additionally, with Remi-d, medical facilities can create and maintain patient health records which can be used to monitor patient progress and to share patient information among clinicians.
Quality Control
Leveraging X-ray technologists and radiologists across multiple facilities enables the ability to standardize the imaging process and diagnosis. This in turn makes it possible to apply standards designed to ensure that quality images of diagnostic value are produced consistently and that there is consistency in the way in which the disease is diagnosed.
X-ray services when and where they are needed
While Remi-d is not designed to be mobile, it is portable which means that the system can be moved to another location if demand for screenings decrease in one area and increase in another.
Screening for more than just TB
Chest X-rays account for more than 50% of all X-rays taken globally which means that Remi-d can be used to screen for many other conditions including black lung diseases and pneumonia.
By investing in healthcare infrastructure, we are making it possible to drastically change many lives around the world. Remi-d serves as a virtual TB clinic in a box that makes possible what has been very difficult to do for so long, screen for tuberculosis in order to halt the spread of it.
*NOTE: Remi-d has not yet been submitted for approval to the FDA. There are significant risks and uncertainties in product research and development. Scientific and regulatory hurdles may cause the project to be discontinued or delayed or fail to reach the market. There can be no guarantee that Remi-d will receive regulatory approval, or that it will be commercially successful.
