Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
10:09
Rapid Genetic Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Signaling During Hair Regeneration
Published on: February 28, 2013
Critical study of hair growth analysis with computer-assisted methods
1Skinterface, Tournai, Belgium. info@skinterface.be
Summary
Automated hair growth analysis using Trichoscan shows significant limitations in accurately measuring hair fibers, impacting its use in clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Imaging
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Computer-assisted image analysis offers potential for human hair growth studies.
- Automated systems aim to streamline hair growth measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the performance of Trichoscan, an automated hair growth measurement system.
- Compare Trichoscan's accuracy against a validated contrast-enhanced phototrichogram (CE-PTG) reference method.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of Trichoscan against CE-PTG on identical skin sites.
- Validation of the CE-PTG reference method using scalp biopsies and histological examination.
Main Results:
- Trichoscan analysis was affected by edge effects and failed to detect hair fibers due to thickness, pigmentation, closeness, and crossing.
- Identified issues with Trichoscan's signal detection remain largely unresolved by its processing software.
Conclusions:
- The Trichoscan method's accuracy for hair measurements in clinical trials is not supported by this investigation.
- Significant improvements in signal detection and error reduction are needed before Trichoscan can be reliably used for diagnostic purposes or hair cycle monitoring.
