Watch the following video for some guidance on capturing good quality context and dermoscopic images. Underneath, you will find additional information on taking good quality images for the Skin Analytics service.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-P8Mud-2FA
Skin Analytics’ service needs two types of images for every mole or lesion that our dermatologists review. These are:
| Image Type | What it is | Why is it needed |
|---|---|---|
| Dermoscopic Image | An image taken with a special lens attached called a dermoscope. This covers just the mole in question. | The dermoscope provides uniform magnification, and also cross polarised light which gives a clearer image to the dermatologist to review. |
| Macroscopic Context Image | A regular image, taken without the dermoscope attached from c. 20cm away. | This is useful for the dermatologists to have some context for how the mole looks in comparison to wider skin tone and other moles. |
Top Tips for Taking Context Images : • Move to a well lit area, ideally with a plain background for the image. • Ensure the dermoscope is not attached to the phone • Take the image from c.20cm range of the mole in context with the nearby skin and any other lesions • If the patient has a lot of moles on the same patch of skin indicate which mole you are imaging using pen to point • Check that the image is clear and focused, then capture the image
Common issues with context images:
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Image taken with the dermoscope attached | The dermoscope is meant for close range images, not for taking regular photos so this will be unusable. |
| Image is blurry | The dermoscope is meant for close range images, not for taking regular photos so this will be unusable. |
| Unclear which mole is being investigated | If you have lots of similar moles, it can be unclear which one is being assessed. |
Common Macroscopic Issue 1: Image taken with the dermoscope attached example image
Common Macroscopic Issue 2: Image is blurry example image
Common Macroscopic Issue 3: Unclear which mole is being investigated example image
Top Tips for Taking Dermoscopic Images : • Attach the dermoscope to the phone using the magnetic clip, make sure it clips in firmly. • Turn on the light on the dermoscope (the button on the side of the dermoscope) • Press the dermoscope firmly against the skin, centred on the mole you want assessed • Check that the image is clear and focused, then capture the image • A good test is whether you can clearly see the mole and also the scale markers and mm sign on the image.
Common issues with dermoscopic images:
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Light not turned on | Without the dermoscope’s light turned on, the image is unusable. |
| Dermoscope not pressed against the skin | If the dermoscope isn’t pressed against the skin the image won’t be clear. |
| Image blurry | Light on and dermoscope pressed against the skin, but camera didn’t focus properly. |
| Mole completely covered by hair | Light on and dermoscope pressed against the skin, but camera didn’t focus properly. |
Common Dermoscopic Issue 1: Light is not turned on example image