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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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A Novel Approach to Overcome Movement Artifact When Using a Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging System for Alternating Speeds of Blood Microcirculation
Published on: August 30, 2017
Protocol for Standardized Assessment of Systemic Microvascular Function in Human Cutaneous Microcirculation Using
Ernesto Novaes1, Andrea De Lorenzo1, Eduardo Tibirica2
1Research and Teaching Department, National Institute of Cardiology.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|July 13, 2026
Summary
This study presents a standardized Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) protocol for assessing human skin microvascular function. The method uses controlled conditions and provocative tests to reliably measure blood flow and endothelial responses.
Area of Science:
- Optical imaging
- Physiology
- Vascular biology
Background:
- Microvascular dysfunction is implicated in various diseases.
- Standardized, non-invasive methods are needed to assess microvascular health.
- Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) offers real-time visualization of blood perfusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a standardized protocol for evaluating systemic microvascular function in human cutaneous microcirculation using LSCI.
- To improve reproducibility and reliability of LSCI measurements by detailing strict standardization procedures.
- To facilitate the adoption of standardized LSCI methodologies in clinical and translational research.
Main Methods:
- Detailed environmental controls (temperature, acclimatization, minimal interference).
- Integration of LSCI with post-occlusive reactive hyperemia to assess integrated microvascular reactivity.
- Iontophoresis-driven pharmacological challenges (Acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside) to assess endothelial-dependent and -independent vasodilation.
Main Results:
- The protocol ensures high sensitivity and reliability in LSCI measurements.
- Successfully applied to identify microvascular impairment in conditions like resistant hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.
- Demonstrates reproducible and non-invasive assessment of microvascular reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Standardized LSCI provides a valuable tool for investigating systemic vascular health.
- Enables monitoring of disease progression and evaluation of interventions targeting the microvasculature.
- Facilitates reproducible, non-invasive assessment of microvascular reactivity for clinical and translational research.