Development and applicability of a smartphone torch based emergency light source for microscopy

• Main Authors: Himel Mondal (Author), Shaikat Mondal (Author), Debasish Das (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

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.

Item Description

0377-4929
10.4103/IJPM.IJPM_263_19