Mixed scattering as a problem in laser speckle contrast analysis

Static scattering is detrimental to the accuracy of laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) measurements on skin when, instead of percentile change monitoring, absolute perfusion values are needed, e.g., for tissue injury examination. Perfusion values were calculated using two evaluation models, while changing the dynamic/static scattering ratio of monitored skin and tissue phantoms. Results were strongly affected by the significant increase of static contribution. Measurements on a modified tissue phantom showed that the changes in the measured perfusion values were mostly caused by the mixed scattering, which was omitted by the tested models. Dynamic ratio values obtained by multi-exposure LASCA could be used for perfusion data correction.