We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Olympus

Manufactures optical and digital equipment for the healthcare and consumer electronics sectors, including endoscopy a... read more Featured Products: More products

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Mobile Phone-Based Microscopes Diagnose Intestinal Parasites

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 13 Jul 2016
Print article
Image: Handheld- and mobile phone-based microscopes: A) The Newton Nm1-600 XY portable field microscope B) The reversed-lens CellScope attached to an iPhone 5s (Photo courtesy of University Health Network).
Image: Handheld- and mobile phone-based microscopes: A) The Newton Nm1-600 XY portable field microscope B) The reversed-lens CellScope attached to an iPhone 5s (Photo courtesy of University Health Network).
Handheld, mobile phone-based microscopes can be used in developing countries after minimal training of community laboratory technicians to diagnose intestinal parasites quickly and accurately.

Intestinal worms affect almost two billion people world-wide, predominantly in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water and in children, these parasites may lead to malnutrition, stunted growth and development and can lead to chronic disability, with serious health and economic consequences.

An international team of scientists led by those at the University of Toronto (ON, Canada) trained local laboratory technicians to operate the two handheld microscopes. In total, the technicians examined stool and urine samples from 226 individuals for the detection of parasites. The accuracy of all slides was evaluated by all microscopes: the two handheld devices, as well as a conventional, “gold standard” microscope.

The two portable handheld microscopes:tested were a commercial Newton Nm1 microscope (Newton Microscopes, Bedford, UK) and a mobile phone-based CellScope (CellScope Inc, San Francisco, CA, USA) which is essentially a smartphone with a special custom-fitted lens attached over the camera and light source, developed by engineers, to detect intestinal parasites. Slides were first evaluated using an Olympus CX21 microscope (Volketswil, Switzerland) as the gold standard.

The scientists reported that the two handheld microscopes were very good at ruling in infections, and the Newton portable microscope was able to detect even very low-burden infections. The CellScope missed some low-burden infections, however newer iterations of this device are currently being tested to increase its sensitivity.

Isaac I. Bogoch, MD, the lead investigator said, “It was heart-warming to see how well and easily these portable, handheld field microscopes were adopted and used in a rural setting. This will help us map out the areas of greatest need. Novel diagnostic approaches for common parasitic infections could have a profound impact on care of patients, as well as on public health approaches to screening in resource-poor areas.” The study was published on June 27, 2016, in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Related Links:
University of Toronto
Newton Microscopes
CellScope
Olympus
Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
Gold Member
Real-time PCR System
GentierX3 Series

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.