Computer-aided detection (CAD) refers to sophisticated pattern recognition software radiologists use to help them read medical images. This software identifies features on medical images and brings them to the attention of the radiologist in order to decrease false negative readings. It does not replace the imaging technology; rather it is an interpretive aid to be used during image review. R2 Technology pioneered the use of CAD for mammography in 1998 when the ImageChecker® system became the first CAD system approved by the FDA for screening mammography. The ImageChecker CAD system was also the first system approved for use with diagnostic and digital mammography. More than nine million women a year have their mammograms interpreted with the aid of this leading CAD system. R2 Technology leveraged its mammography CAD expertise in the area of multi-detector CT (MDCT) chest exams and in July 2004 received FDA approval for its ImageChecker® CT CAD system, the first CAD system to receive approval for the detection of solid lung nodules during review of MDCT chest exams. CAD and Mammography Computer-aided detection is used by increasing numbers of radiologists as “a second pair of eyes” when reading mammograms. Radiologists review a mammogram then activate the CAD software and re-evaluate the marked area(s) before issuing a final report. Clinical trials demonstrated that use of the ImageChecker system can result in earlier detection of up to 23.4% of cancers currently detected with screening mammography in those women who had a prior screening mammogram nine to 24 months earlier. CAD has received broad support from radiologists, the American College of Radiology, Medicare, and patient advocacy groups. The American Cancer Society has recognized the benefits of CAD as a technology for breast cancer screening in women of average risk. Recently updated guidelines state: “…CAD systems may aid the average radiologist by substantially improving detection of early stage malignancies with no more than a proportionate increase in recall rate.” CAD and Muti-Detector CT (MDCT) Examinations Computer-aided detection is also used as "a second pair of eyes" by radiologists when reading CT chest exams. As with mammograms, radiologists review the CT exam then activate the CAD software and re-evaluate the marked area(s) before issuing a final report. The ImageChecker CT CAD system and related software components are designed to improve the accuracy of the radiologist in detecting lung nodules and address the information overload & efficiency issues that occur with MDCT chest exams. Clinical trials demonstrated that use of the ImageChecker® CT system can help increase the detection of actionable solid lung nodules by significantly (p=.003) reducing oversights by calling attention to potential abnormalities.2