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Mobile x-ray units delivered to Ukraine

Eleven Australian-made mobile bedside x-ray units are destined for hospitals in Ukraine to support the medical community in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Rover, designed and manufactured in South Australia by hi-tech company Micro-X Ltd, has its genesis in supporting trauma imaging in military medical facilities. Its lightweight and rugged construction means that medical staff can use the imaging machines in emergency settings, particularly in deployed and temporary hospital environments.

Four humanitarian non-government organisations have bought the lightweight Rover units for expedited delivery to hospitals in war zones, including Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, from Micro-X’s Seattle facility.

Four x-ray machines lined up in a warehouse

Rovers in Seattle before being shipped

The innovative, lightweight machines use ground-breaking carbon nanotube technology, with a simpler design and more reliable performance in a smaller, lighter and less complex unit than traditional mobile x-ray devices. The intelligent ergonomics make the machine easy to manoeuvre and permit precise positioning for x-rays. The long-lasting Lithium Iron-Phosphate battery means the Rover can run without mains power for up to 8 hours.

Micro-X General Manager of Digital Radiology Charlie Hicks said the Rover’s unique nano electronic x-ray technology (NEX Technology™) meant that people requiring emergency medical care could receive the full spectrum of radiology exams, even if they were in a combat operation or war zone.

“Caring for people is at the heart of what we do at Micro-X and we are proud to be supporting the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine,” Mr Hicks said.

“Our Rover is six times lighter than conventional mobile x-ray systems and its nimble design means that it can easily go where it’s most needed.”

“Our electronic x-ray tube is smaller, lighter and faster than anything the world has seen before and it’s creating new opportunities for industries across the world.”

Nova Ukraine’s Olena Stadnyuk trained as a doctor in Kyiv, Ukraine and resides in California, USA. She is currently volunteering to support the procurement of medical supplies to be sent as humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

She said the lightweight design of the Rovers and their ability to be easily transported to patients was particularly useful in areas where large numbers of critically ill patients were presenting to hospitals, and in smaller and older hospitals where traditional imaging rooms were not easily accessible.

“Since the start of Russian attacks on Ukraine, Nova Ukraine has been providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine in the form of medical supplies, food and other urgently needed supplies as well as helping Ukrainian refugees,” Dr Stadnyuk said.

“Since the war started, hospitals in Ukraine have been overwhelmed with a huge number of wounded who require immediate triage, diagnostics and treatment.”

“Rovers will allow Ukrainian doctors to run proper diagnostic procedures in a timely manner at a point of care, saving critical minutes needed to treat wounded patients.”

Media contact: Rebecca Puddy, Head of Corporate Communications, media@micro-x.com