We live in an age of highly advanced technology, and are presented each day with a new concept, gadget, or technical innovation that is about to rock the world. However, technology isn’t just about having the nicest smartphones or voice activated homes—the medical community has many new innovations to anticipate in 2015. As technology advances, great strides are being made in the name of medicine, and there are always new ideas on the horizon. These breakthroughs hold the potential to distinctly increase the level of care providers are able to deliver to their patients. Keep reading to learn about the new medical innovations to keep an eye out for in 2015.

Rural Ultrasound Technology

Adequate healthcare for those who live in isolated areas is often difficult to provide. Aside from the shortage of medical providers, diagnosis can be hindered due to the lack of sophisticated equipment available for use. Phillips has partnered with health providers in under-served rural areas to deliver portable ultra-sound technology. This equipment relays results to qualified clinicians via the internet. Remote diagnostics are an important development that will continue to flourish in 2015.

Revolutionized Blood-Testing

Using syringes to draw test-tubes of blood may become an outdated practice in 2015. Elizabeth Holmes, a Stanford University dropout, has developed a method of blood analysis that requires only a single drop of blood. Hundreds of tests can be performed using this small amount of fluid, reducing cost and labor. Theranos, the proprietary company delivering this service, plans on charging only 50 percent of standard Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates. This innovation could potentially save taxpayers untold thousands of dollars.

Single Dose Breast Cancer Treatment

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more positive a patient’s prognosis becomes. In early stages of cancer, the tumor is usually removed during a procedure called a lumpectomy. Weeks of general radiation therapy is prescribed to reduce the overall risk for development of new cancer. With a state-of-the-art treatment called Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT), patients are now able to undergo a focused, 1-dose radiation treatment that targets only the tumor tissue.

Dengue Fever Vaccine

Dengue Fever is a viral infection that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Dengue Fever is reemerging as a health threat in tropical and subtropical regions, responsible for thousands of deaths. Until recently, there has been no effective vaccine to treat this illness. However, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has developed and successfully tested a vaccine, anticipated to be released on the market in late 2015.

Mobile Stroke Units

Time is of the essence when treating victims of suspected stroke. Mobile Stroke Units (MSUs) are a new concept that utilize advanced diagnostic equipment aboard ambulances. By transmitting information to experts who can aid in diagnosis and treatment en route to the hospital, medical teams can coordinate immediate treatment upon arrival to the facility.

As you can see, technology is allowing for big strides in the medical community these days. As we better understand the technology we already have access to and make advancements in other areas, medical care will only improve. Technology has made medicine and quality medical care more accessible to people that didn’t have proper care before, and continues to help save lives every day.

AUTHOR BIO: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, health, and women’s interests. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. Dixie got advice for this article from professionals at ADU, who offer a bachelor of science in radiologic sciences for those who wish to specialize in medical imaging.

You can follow Dixie on Twitter, @DixieSomers

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