Healthcare news

Medical technology & trends

Devices, digital health, AI in care, research and where care is heading.

Check the original source before acting.

OpinionTech & trendsCanada

Governance requirements remain for digital health tools built using AI

Health organizations using AI to accelerate digital tool development must still complete standard privacy, security, and procurement reviews. While AI can speed up coding, it does not automate the necessary governance documentation. Custodians remain accountable for personal health information regardless of the development method used.

Before adopting AI-built tools, confirm with vendors that they use enterprise agreements with zero data retention and only synthetic data in development environments.

RecallTech & trendsCanada

QuidelOrtho reports potential for biased results in Vitros A1c slides

QuidelOrtho has identified an issue where certain generations of Vitros chemistry products A1c slides may produce positively biased results. The manufacturer has received 58 complaints regarding this performance issue as of October 15, 2026. No adverse events have been reported to date.

If you use these slides in your lab, contact the manufacturer for further guidance on managing potential result inaccuracies.

RecallTech & trendsInternational

Philips Azurion imaging systems face potential power failure and functionality loss

Philips identified a safety issue where power supply units in certain Azurion systems may fail during startup or restart. Energy surges can cause these components to malfunction, preventing the system from completing its boot process. This failure renders the imaging equipment unavailable for clinical use.

If you operate this equipment, contact the manufacturer for further guidance on managing potential startup failures.

RecallTech & trendsCanada

RotaFlow console battery charging failure identified by manufacturer

The manufacturer identified a software issue affecting all RotaFlow consoles on the market. This fault can prevent the device from charging its battery after the unit has operated in battery mode. Users should contact the manufacturer for further information regarding this device defect.

If you use RotaFlow consoles in your clinical practice, contact the manufacturer to determine how this charging issue affects your equipment's reliability.

RecallTech & trendsInternational

Software error in Siemens cardiac imaging systems causes inaccurate flow measurements

A software defect in syngo.via MR Cardiac Analysis affects the evaluation of 2D cardiac flow data. The algorithm fails to include the final cardiac phase in calculations, leading to systematic underestimation of flow quantification parameters like forward volume. This issue specifically impacts beat sensor-triggered data where flow peaks occur during the final cardiac phases.

If you use these imaging systems, be aware that cardiac flow measurements may be underestimated and require manual verification of data.

Tech & trendsCanada

Siemens releases software update for Magnetom MRI scanners

Siemens has released service pack NX VA60A-SP04 for Magnetom MRI scanners. This update addresses image loading errors, improves system stability, and adjusts coil specifications for breast and body imaging. It also implements new data access requirements and ensures compliance with safety standards for table movement.

If you work with Magnetom MRI systems, check with your technical team to ensure this update is installed for improved system performance and safety.

RecallTech & trendsCanada

BioMérieux reports false negative risks for specific BIOFIRE BCID2 panel lot

BioMérieux identified a product issue with lot 0727226 of the BIOFIRE BCID2 Panel kit. Unintended movement of pouch chemistry in this specific lot may cause false negative results across all analytes on the panel. No other product lots are affected by this safety notice.

If your lab uses this specific lot, contact the manufacturer for guidance on managing potential false negative results.

Health policyCanada

Public funding for ovarian cancer drug Elahere moves closer to approval

The Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance and the manufacturer of Elahere have reached a funding agreement. This targeted chemotherapy for FRα-positive, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is now recommended for public reimbursement by Canada’s Drug Agency. Provincial and territorial governments must now finalize the process to include the drug in their respective public plans.

If you treat patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, this agreement moves the drug closer to being covered by provincial public drug plans.

Public healthCanada

Saskatchewan hospitals implement rapid HIV testing for mothers during labor

Saskatchewan hospitals are now using a rapid test that gives a mother with HIV her viral load on site within about two hours, instead of waiting days for a central lab, so treatment decisions for mother and newborn can be made at once. The practice is in use in Regina and Saskatoon and is rolling out to Melfort and more remote communities. Saskatchewan is the first province to use the test this widely; in 2024 its first-time HIV diagnosis rate was three times the national average, second only to Manitoba.

A two-hour result instead of days means treatment for mother and baby can start before they leave the hospital.

News source: CBC News (opens in a new tab)

RecallTech & trendsCanada

Philips warns of potential system failures in Azurion 7 imaging units

Philips has issued a notice regarding Azurion 7 systems that may contain unauthorized solid-state drives. These incorrect components could lead to system failures, including the loss of imaging capabilities, motorized movement issues, or the inability to access and store patient data.

If you use an Azurion 7 system, be aware that unauthorized drives may cause sudden equipment failure or loss of patient data.

RecallTech & trendsCanada

Abbott recalls specific i-STAT cardiac troponin test cartridges over accuracy concerns

Abbott has issued a recall for specific lots of i-STAT hs-TnI cartridges due to manufacturing variability. These cartridges may produce falsely elevated cardiac troponin I results because of reduced interference mitigation. There is no evidence of falsely low test results.

Check your i-STAT hs-TnI cartridge lots against the recall list and stop using any affected units immediately.

Health policyCanada

Health ministers meeting in Winnipeg focuses on workforce mobility and health data

Federal, provincial, and territorial health ministers met in Winnipeg on October 16, 2026, to discuss healthcare system reforms. Key priorities included improving workforce mobility for internationally educated professionals, advancing national public health data sharing, and ensuring the sustainability of long-term funding for rare disease treatments and community care services.