19Labs shares insights and advice on the latest remote exam camera technologies
Exam cameras are a fundamental component of enhanced telehealth. As seen in our mobile phone cameras, technology can quickly improve the quality of images we take. Mobile devices now come with up to four cameras built-in, and few of us want to go back to phone cameras from a few years ago. The same can be said of remote exam cameras, so we thought it would be worth sharing insights and advice on the latest technologies in the market (note that all of these devices can be used with 19Labs' GALE platform):
1. Digital Otoscopes: "Sensor-at-the-tip" vs. Conventional Ones
Checking a patient's ear is one of the most important functions of exam cameras. For instance, one of our clients reported finding a dead insect in a patient's ear during a remote examination. A few years ago, the image sensor for digital otoscopes was relatively large and placed at the back of the device's tip. This meant that cameras had limited visibility and as a result, both clinicians and patients had to deal with uncomfortable maneuvering inside the latter's ear for a full view.
This has changed in the past three years. Image sensors are now so small that they can be placed on the tip of the otoscope - virtually eliminating the discomfort associated with older devices. As seen in the graphic above, devices with sensors at the tip have a wider field of view, which means clinicians get a full image without much probing. Additionally, these devices present an opportunity to reduce training costs and minimize training time due to their ease of use.
Click here if you'd like to book a demo of this otoscope.
2. High Quality Exam Cameras Can Be Affordable
The latest and greatest technologies aren't always the best long-term investments. Moore's Law suggests significant technological advances within a year or two; and the latest, most expensive devices right now might significantly depreciate in value over just a few months. Compare the two images below. One was taken with a $5,000 HD camera from 2017, and the other with a $100 HD camera from 2021. Can you see the difference? Is the cost justified?
Click here if you'd like to book a demo of this camera.
3. Latest Exam Cameras: Glasses and Dental Cameras
New technologies are being introduced all the time, and a strong telehealth solution should be able to utilize these out-of-the-box. Such is the case for glasses and dental cameras.
HD Glasses Cameras are lightweight and give clinicians a unique level of diagnostic insight by seeing things from the point of view of on-site personnel. This brings clinicians as close as possible to an actual face-to-face interaction with patients. Aside from diagnostics, glasses cameras can also be used to guide on-site personnel during hands-on demonstrations.
On the other hand, HD Dental Cameras are smooth-tipped and easy to clean, making them a perfect sanitary solution for remote oral examinations.
About 19Labs 19Labs is the creator of GALE, a Next Generation Point-of-Care platform for pharmacies, schools, workplaces, and rural communities. GALE brings together cutting-edge diagnostic technologies from industry leaders like Zoom, Elo, Amwell, Samsung Mobile, MIR, Omron, Viasat, EchoNous, PAP Link, and many others in one smart, efficient, and cost-effective platform. It was designed from the ground up to be operated by non-healthcare professionals in locations with limited infrastructure and optimized for low bandwidth and intermittent connectivity. To learn more about GALE, please visit www.19labs.com.