Currently, allergy testing is performed by exposing the skin to small quantities of potential allergens on the inner forearm thereby scratching the protective epidermis to increase exposure. After 15 minutes the dermatologist performs a visual check of the 'bump' induced by swelling and erythema. In this study, two high resolution 3D scanners (Artec Spider and EVA) were used to quantify the dimensions (circumference, surface area, thickness) of the bump and to assess which parameters correlate with the diagnosis of the dermatologist. For comparison and validation of the scanners and the analysis-software (Artec Studio and GOM Inspect), phantom 'bumps' were developed.
In a small clinical feasibility study, data of 3 patients with 17 positive allergic reactions were obtained and analyzed with the optimum settings based on the phantom study. Although both scanners could differentiate between the reaction grade 1, 2 or 3 assigned by the dermatologist, the results were not significant due to the small number of reactions at this time of the study.
Both in the phantom and clinical study, the Artec Spider 3D scanner showed the allergic reactions clearly but an practical method of analysis needs to be developed to grade them similar to dermatologists. The resolution of the Artec EVA 3D scanner is lower but this scanner is more practical for use in the clinic (fast and easy to use). 3D scanners have a great potential for quantitative imaging in dermatology and aesthetic surgery.
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