Fluorescence fibre-optic confocal microscopy of skin in vivo: microscope and fluorophores.

Background/aims: Fibre-optic confocal imaging in vivo is a new approach in the assessment of human skin. The objective is to describe a novel instrument and its operation and use in combination with fluorophores.

Methods: The Stratum is a fibre-optic fluorescence confocal microscope especially developed for the study of skin and mucous membranes.

View of normal human skin in vivo as observed using fluorescent fiber-optic confocal microscopic imaging.

Fluorescence confocal scanning laser microscopy, using a miniaturized handheld scanner, was performed to visualize the microscopic architecture of normal human epidermis in vivo. Fluorescein sodium (approximately 20 microL of 0.2% wt/vol) was administered via intradermal injection to normal skin on the volar forearm of 22 patients.

Instruments and new technologies for the in vivo diagnosis of melanoma.

The principal objective of screening individuals at risk for melanoma is detection of cutaneous melanoma during the curable stages of its early evolution. Unaided visual inspection of the skin is often suboptimal at diagnosing melanoma. Improving the diagnostic accuracy for melanoma remains an area of active research.