Hologic is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of medical imaging systems dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women, and a leading developer of state-of-the-art digital imaging technology for general radiography and mammography applications. Hologic's core business units are focused on osteoporosis assessment, mammography and breast biopsy, direct-to-digital X-ray for general radiography applications and mini C-arm imaging for orthopedic applications.
Hologic revolutionized the bone densitometry market with the introduction of the first dual-energy X-ray (DXA) bone densitometer in 1987. Currently, Hologic develops, manufactures and markets X-ray bone densitometers and ultrasound bone analyzers that address the market for osteoporosis prevention and treatment - a key element of women's healthcare. The Company's Quantitative Digital Radiography (QDR) X-ray bone densitometers are used for the precise measurement of bone density to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases. Hologic has continued to maintain a position of leadership in this field through its investment in research and development. The most notable, recent product introductions include the Discovery QDR series of bone densitometers and Instant Vertebral Assessment technology. The Company's densitometry systems are used by more leading medical schools, universities and osteoporosis opinion leaders than any other bone densitometer. The current installed base is over 10,000 bone densitometry systems.
In 1996, the Company diversified its product offering through the acquisition of Fluoroscan Imaging Systems, Inc., the pioneer of the mini C-arm imaging market. Fluoroscan, now a wholly owned subsidiary, develops, manufactures and sells low intensity, real time mini C-arm X-ray imaging devices. These mini C-arm systems are used primarily by orthopedic surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures on a patient's extremities, such as the hand, wrist, knee, foot and ankle.
Acquired in June 1999, Direct Radiography Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides dose-efficient, high productivity direct-to-digital X-ray image capture systems for the medical and nondestructive testing markets. The Direct Radiography proprietary flat panel technology, DirectRay, converts X-ray energy directly into electrical signals. This technology produces radiographic images in seconds that can be electronically displayed, transferred and stored, including in hospital Picture, Archive and Communication Systems, known as PACs. The DirectRay digital technology is offered as fully integrated radiographic systems, as an image capture upgrade for X-ray equipment and as a digital component for original equipment manufacturers to incorporate into their own products.
In September 2000, the Company significantly expanded its product breadth through the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of the United States operations of Trex Medical Corporation. The principal businesses acquired included Trex Medical's LORAD mammography and breast biopsy operations, and its general radiography operations. The LORAD brands of mammography and breast biopsy systems have long been recognized as a technology leader in the field of breast cancer detection. LORAD's mammography systems incorporate the High Transmission Cellular (HTC) Imaging System, which provides high quality contrast and resolution. Hologic plans to combine its DirectRay technology with the LORAD and other Trex Medical imaging products to develop new digital X-ray technology platforms.
Today, Hologic employs approximately 740 people worldwide. Hologic maintains an active research and development program dedicated to bringing a continuing series of new products to market that will allow Hologic to be a significant participant in the digital imaging market.
