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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
High-resolution Fiber-optic Microendoscopy for in situ Cellular Imaging
Published on: January 11, 2011
The feasibility of low-cost portable microscopes as an alternative to standard microscopes for rapid on-site
Mishaal Gardezi1, Mahtab Fakhari1, Diane Libert1
1Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
Background:
The high cost of professional-quality microscopes for pathology labs can create a barrier to the availability of diagnostic services, especially in resource-constrained settings. Low-cost portable microscopes (LCPMs) are popular for recreational use and widely available. To our knowledge, they have not been evaluated for use in rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). The aim of this study was to identify which LCPMs have the potential for clinical use.
Methods:
In this investigation, five LCPMs were evaluated by 18 pathology professionals to determine the adequacy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy readings using patient-generated material. Participants were surveyed to systematically assess preferred and undesirable characteristics of LCPMs and to provide feedback on their use.
Results:
Most expressed that though LCPMs were not a comparable replacement for standard microscopes, they were a better option than nothing and could be helpful in instances with highly cellular and relatively flat slide preparations. Most participants believed that LCPMs could be used for ROSE in resource-limited environments.
Conclusions:
Pathology professional evaluated LCPMs on simulated fine-needle aspiration biopsy smear slides. The feedback they provided in this study suggests that LCPMs may be a feasible alternative to standard microscopes for ROSE in resource-limited settings.
