Mildmay introduces accurate TB screening microscope
MILDMAY Centre in Kajjansi on Entebbe Road, has introduced the interscopic analysis system that screens for tuberculosis (TB), malaria and cervical cancer. It uses a specially-designed microscope (interscope) that is attached to a computer.
By Rehema Aanyu
MILDMAY Centre in Kajjansi on Entebbe Road, has introduced the interscopic analysis system that screens for tuberculosis (TB), malaria and cervical cancer. It uses a specially-designed microscope (interscope) that is attached to a computer.
The system has an in-built digital camera, which captures microscopic images using an interscope. The hospital recently signed an agreement with Interscopic Analysis; a US-based organisation to begin a pilot-testing programme for the analysis and diagnosis of TB.
Mildmay is using the system to screen for TB and soon will also screen for malaria and pap smears.
Brian Sroub, the founder of Interscopic Analysis, said this system would enable Mildmay to analyse and diagnose TB, malaria and cervical cancer accurately. He said the interscope is better than the ordinary microscope because it is more accurate. It uses a low magnification and high-resolution objective lens that produces clear images, contrary to the ordinary microscope. The system is also empowered with a strong light, which makes it much easier for the eye to see the microscopic images.
“The system eliminates the use of oil in the laboratory thereby reducing the chance of cross-contamination and increasing efficiency,†Sroub said.
He said when checking for TB, sputum is smeared on a slide in the interscope beneath the digital camera. The image is then reflected on a computer screen for analysis. It may also be uploaded by the interscopic team of TB technicians over the internet for analysis. Sroub said the results are then sent back within 24 hours.
Diagnosis of TB using this machine is free at Mildmay. Real Technologies Group, Kampala, is representing Interscopic Analysis and it is training personnel to operate the machine.
Sroub revealed that there are three interscopic diagnostic machines in the world with two of them in Uganda, while the other is in the US.
Margaret Mawanda, the public relations officer of Mildmay, said: “People with TB sometimes do not want to receive medication, while others live in denial.
With this machine, we can show them the seriousness of their condition and what the disease is doing to their lungs, to convince them to undergo treatment.â€
She thanked Interscopic Analysis and the Government for their commitment in fighting against TB, malaria and cervical cancer.
The Government opened Mildmay in 1998 to provide healthcare to HIV/AIDS patients. Mildmay International, which is based in the UK, manages the centre.
MILDMAY Centre in Kajjansi on Entebbe Road, has introduced the interscopic analysis system that screens for tuberculosis (TB), malaria and cervical cancer. It uses a specially-designed microscope (interscope) that is attached to a computer.
The system has an in-built digital camera, which captures microscopic images using an interscope. The hospital recently signed an agreement with Interscopic Analysis; a US-based organisation to begin a pilot-testing programme for the analysis and diagnosis of TB.
Mildmay is using the system to screen for TB and soon will also screen for malaria and pap smears.
Brian Sroub, the founder of Interscopic Analysis, said this system would enable Mildmay to analyse and diagnose TB, malaria and cervical cancer accurately. He said the interscope is better than the ordinary microscope because it is more accurate. It uses a low magnification and high-resolution objective lens that produces clear images, contrary to the ordinary microscope. The system is also empowered with a strong light, which makes it much easier for the eye to see the microscopic images.
“The system eliminates the use of oil in the laboratory thereby reducing the chance of cross-contamination and increasing efficiency,†Sroub said.
He said when checking for TB, sputum is smeared on a slide in the interscope beneath the digital camera. The image is then reflected on a computer screen for analysis. It may also be uploaded by the interscopic team of TB technicians over the internet for analysis. Sroub said the results are then sent back within 24 hours.
Diagnosis of TB using this machine is free at Mildmay. Real Technologies Group, Kampala, is representing Interscopic Analysis and it is training personnel to operate the machine.
Sroub revealed that there are three interscopic diagnostic machines in the world with two of them in Uganda, while the other is in the US.
Margaret Mawanda, the public relations officer of Mildmay, said: “People with TB sometimes do not want to receive medication, while others live in denial.
With this machine, we can show them the seriousness of their condition and what the disease is doing to their lungs, to convince them to undergo treatment.â€
She thanked Interscopic Analysis and the Government for their commitment in fighting against TB, malaria and cervical cancer.
The Government opened Mildmay in 1998 to provide healthcare to HIV/AIDS patients. Mildmay International, which is based in the UK, manages the centre.