Top 5 features to look for when choosing a dermatoscope

What features should you look for when you purchase a dermatoscope? In this short video, Matthew Smith (Managing Director, DocStock) walks through the top five features a skin cancer GP should consider before choosing a dermatoscope.

Matthew Smith is the Managing Director of DocStock, one of the most recognised brands for online medical equipment in Australia. Here are the essential features he thinks you should consider when buying a dermatoscope for day-to-day skin cancer work.

1. Field of view

"The main thing with the dermatoscope is that you need to have a decent field of view, of at least 25 mils," he says.

2.  Polarised and non-polarised modes

"Also, you want a dermatoscope with both polarisation and non-polarisation. Polarisation reduces surface reflections to help you see deeper under the surface of the skin. However, non-polarised has a a place as well, as blues and greys particularly come out."

3. Contact and non-contact modes

"The ability to change from a contact scenario to a non-contact scenario is important as well, because you will have lesions that are elevated and you may want to flatten them to see deeper, but sometimes you also want to blanch out the vessels. So it's important to have the ability to do both."

4. Consistent power 

"Rechargeability is a convenience thing. It's not critically important, but it generally means you've got a more consistent power source, which equals consistency in your light, brightness, and colour temperature."

5. Image capturing capabilities

"And then finally, I think the ability to attach a camera, smartphone, or iPad to capture images is really useful."

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Micro-Courses in Dermoscopy

Learn the essentials of skin lesion recognition in short, CPD-accredited online Micro-Courses. ➡️ Browse Micro-Courses >

🎓 Certificate Courses in Dermoscopy

Our university-assured, structured pathway to elevate your skills in dermoscopy. ➡️ Explore full program >

🎓 HealthCert 365 subscription

Prefer flexible, all-access learning across many topics? Access 4,000+ CPD hours on-demand with HealthCert 365 — an annual subscription for one flat fee. ➡️ Discover HealthCert 365 >

Choose your next dermatoscope: Visit DocStock's website

Watch more from Matthew Smith: Essential equipment for GPs starting out in skin cancer work 

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