Diagnostic instruments commonly used for dermoscopic examination and image acquisition: 

1 - Dermatoscope
2 - Dermaphot
3 - Stereomicroscope
4 - Stereomicroscope according to Kreusch
5 - Videodermatoscope

Dermatoscope
The dermoscopic examination can be carried out easily and rapidly with a hand-held dermatoscope providing intra- and sub-epidermal illumination. The spherical, achromatic lens is paired with a bright halogen beam allowing a 10-fold magnification with 100% viewing area in focus. It can be used with or without immersion oil.

ADVANTAGES Easy to use  Low cost By using a special lens also lesion located in particular anatomic sites (e.g. interdigital areas) can be observed

DISADVANTAGES Modification of luminous intensity and magnification not possible Storage and retrospective analysis of the images and accurate patient follow-up not feasible Close working distance

Dermaphot
Dermaphot is a specially designed lens that, mounted on a conventional or digital reflex camera, permits to take clinical macrophotographs as well as dermoscopic pictures at 10-fold magnification.

ADVANTAGES Easy to handle High and standardized quality of the images

DISADVANTAGES Modification of light intensity and magnification not feasible

Stereomicroscope
The stereomicroscope is an binocular optical instrument providing high quality, three-dimensional visualization of epidermal and subepidermal structures. With the stereomicroscope various magnifications ranging from x6 to x40 can be easily used. The system includes three different light intensities and can be connected to a conventional or digital photocamera as well as to a videocamera for documenting images.

ADVANTAGES Excellent quality of visualization Three-dimensional view Various magnification

DISADVANTAGES Handling time-consuming Cumbersome equipment  Photograpy acquisition difficult

A hand-held, portable stereomicroscope has been recently designed by J. F. Kreusch (Bei der Wasserkunst 15, D-23564 Luebeck, [email protected]t-online.de) that is easier to use and less expensive.

 

Videodermatoscope
This instrument consists of a high resolution color video-camera which is incorporated into the final part of a probe (with or without interchangeable objectives) allowing the indirect visualization of pigmented skin lesions on a monitor. The images can be easily digitized and stored using a personal computer connected to the system.

ADVANTAGES Easy handling requiring only some technical skills Easy storage and retrieval of images for follow-up examinations Teledermoscopic consultation feasible when connected to telematic networks

DISADVANTAGES Indirect view of the lesion