The Skin Hospital has invested in Nikon’s new Eclipse Ui Digital Upright Microscope.
Not-for-profit dermatology centre The Skin Hospital has taken delivery of Australia’s first Nikon Eclipse Ui Digital Upright Microscope.
The Skin Hospital, which has the largest number of training positions for dermatology registrars in NSW, plans to use the state-of-the-art microscope across its operations, including training and education; accurately sharing high quality microscopy-based observation imaging remotely; and in research and clinical trials.
Associate Professor John Frew, director of research at The Skin Hospital, said the microscope – Nikon’s latest development – would provide a major clinical, training and research boost.
“The Nikon UI has excellent capabilities in terms of providing high quality microscope images, along with intelligent assistance features which include autofocusing, matching features of multiple slides and aiding with processes such as cell counting,” he told Dermatology Republic.
“It also has fantastic capabilities in allowing remote access to microscope slides which can aid both in skin cancer surgery such as Moh’s surgery, accessing second opinion from external dermato-pathologists and great potential as a teaching tool to train the next generation of dermatologists.”
He said it would be particularly useful for rural and remote patients and dermatologists.
“The Nikon UI will have great potential in streamlining processes in the laboratory with slide photography,” he said.
“It will have an immense impact on the ability to gain offsite second opinion regarding biopsy slides, as well as enabling the education of trainees and registrars, even in rural and remote areas.”
The Skin Hospital’s CEO Georgie Blundell said the arrival of the microscope was a significant milestone for Australian dermatology.
“We are delighted to have the first Eclipse Ui Upright Microscope from Nikon in Australia,” she said.
“Across The Skin Hospital’s three facilities, we have over 55 doctors, including more than 40 dermatologists and over 60 specialist nurses, plus other healthcare professionals.
“It’s imperative that our team has access to innovative technology that delivers the highest levels of imagery and allows us to share images and information efficiently between our facilities.”
She said ensuring the availability of clear and accurate images enabled specialists to more accurately assess and diagnose conditions. It also enables remote access to specialists who can support diagnosis and allows more accurate records for future comparisons.
“With the expanse of a county like Australia it also enables us to test the Nikon Eclipse UI’s remote access capability which is essential for diagnosis and support from experts into remote locations,” Ms Blundell told DR.
Nikon’s Australian managing director James Murray said it was “encouraging” to see the innovative technology being embraced.
“This really is the cutting edge of digital microscopy,” he said.
“The Skin Hospital’s dermatologists and researchers will be able to view and share high quality images in real time with remote connectivity for a more streamlined workflow.”
