A VivaScope® confocal imager can be used by a dermatologist (or a dermatologist's assistant) during a routine skin examination to quickly and noninvasively image areas of concern with cellular resolution. Using Lucid’s VivaNet® DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standards based, HIPAA-compliant network the dermatologist can transfer these images—along with other relevant patient data—to other medical specialists for collaboration and further evaluation in a near-real-time context.

The dermatologist may mark the area(s) to be imaged. In some cases, there may be many moles to be imaged on the same day - making it easier for the dermatologist to receive pathological reports on each lesion he may have concerns about.

The dermatologist's assistant then places a tissue ring on the area to be imaged. The ring stabilizes the patient's skin and provides registration between the VivaCam®, a dermoscopic imager, and the VivaScope® cellular resolution confocal imager.

During a typical imaging session, a VivaCam® dermatoscopic camera captures a full color image of the lesion. This picture of the lesion becomes a "map" for the imaging technician.

Using painless, noninvasive optical imaging technology, a VivaScope® captures high-resolution cellular images of thin layers of the skin at various depths in the tissue. Most imaging sessions require just a few minutes to complete.

Once the suitability and image quality are assessed, images and other patient data is encrypted, and transferred to the VivaNet® server.

VivaNet® is Lucid’s Internet-based, DICOM standards based, HIPAA-compliant network. DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine ) is an internationally accepted and widely used standard for the secure storage, retrieval, and transfer of medical images. HIPAA compliance, privacy, and data integrity are ensured by using proven DICOM-compliant software that incorporates advanced encryption techniques.

The patient’s images are then transferred to another medical specialist for on-the-spot review and collaborative consultation.

The specialist’s collaborative evaluation is returned to the dermatologist’s office over either the VivaNet® or via fax, according to the physician’s personal preference

The specialist’s evaluation, rapidly returned to the dermatologist’s office, allows a face-to-face review of the results with the patient.