Ultrasound has become an important tool in diagnosing and managing patients with COVID-19 due to its ease of use and the ability to take scanners directly to a patient's bedside. Ultrasound scanners are also easier to disinfect after use than imaging systems like CT scanners.

The FDA clearance applies to Philips ultrasound scanners including the company's Epiq, Affiniti, Lumify, CX50, and Sparq diagnostic ultrasound scanners, as well as to off-cart solutions like Qlab advanced quantification software. It covers specific presets, transducers, quantification tools, and other capabilities that can be used to assess and manage COVID-19-related lung and cardiac complications, according to the company.