Himel Mondal1, Shaikat Mondal2, Debasish Das1. 1. Department of Physiology, Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital, Balasore, Odisha, India. 2. Department of Physiology, Kalna SD Hospital, Kalna, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Modern microscopes are equipped with built-in illuminator. However, during a power outage, microscopy is not possible with extra mirror system if an alternative light source is not available. Smartphone torch can serve as a light source. Holding it under the microscope is difficult when both hands are engaged in microscopy. AIM: The aim of the study was to develop a stand for smartphone torch and to check the applicability of smartphone torch-based light source in microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stand was made with cardboard for keeping the smartphone on it. An optical diffuser was made with white polyethylene plastic. Smartphone with the stand and optical diffuser can serve as a soft light source. A convenient sample of 16 faculty member rated 11 slides first under the microscope with its built-in light source and then twice with the new device as a light source on 10-point Likert type scale. Applicability of the device was checked by validity and reliability by Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) with α = 0.05. RESULTS: The raters were able to examine the slides under the microscope with the new devices as a light source. An overall score (11 slides, 16 observers) for the image quality was 9.36 ± 0.86 (range 6-10). Interrater, intrarater, and test-retest ICC were 0.939 (P < 0.001), 0.853 (P = 0.003), and 0.889 (P < 0.001) respectively which indicate "good" to "excellent" level of reliability. CONCLUSION: Developed smartphone torch stand with an optical diffuser can serve as an emergency light source in microscopy. This may be a useful tool for settings with a frequent power outage.
BACKGROUND: Modern microscopes are equipped with built-in illuminator. However, during a power outage, microscopy is not possible with extra mirror system if an alternative light source is not available. Smartphone torch can serve as a light source. Holding it under the microscope is difficult when both hands are engaged in microscopy. AIM: The aim of the study was to develop a stand for smartphone torch and to check the applicability of smartphone torch-based light source in microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stand was made with cardboard for keeping the smartphone on it. An optical diffuser was made with white polyethylene plastic. Smartphone with the stand and optical diffuser can serve as a soft light source. A convenient sample of 16 faculty member rated 11 slides first under the microscope with its built-in light source and then twice with the new device as a light source on 10-point Likert type scale. Applicability of the device was checked by validity and reliability by Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) with α = 0.05. RESULTS: The raters were able to examine the slides under the microscope with the new devices as a light source. An overall score (11 slides, 16 observers) for the image quality was 9.36 ± 0.86 (range 6-10). Interrater, intrarater, and test-retest ICC were 0.939 (P < 0.001), 0.853 (P = 0.003), and 0.889 (P < 0.001) respectively which indicate "good" to "excellent" level of reliability. CONCLUSION: Developed smartphone torch stand with an optical diffuser can serve as an emergency light source in microscopy. This may be a useful tool for settings with a frequent power outage.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cell phone; creativity; hematology; household articles; medical device; microscopy