Education / Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Ultrasound Biomicroscopy is a technique that utilizes high frequency diagnostic ultrasound to examine living tissue at a microscopic level. Ultrasound medical imaging has been used for many years. It is probably best know as a tool for fetal imaging. It has been shown to be safe, reliable and cost effective. High frequency ultrasound takes this tool to a new level. Longport's technology utilizes ultrasound at frequencies up to 50MHz that allows for imaging tissue at a resolution down to 40 microns. Scientists and health care professionals have been seeking a way to examine tissue at a microscopic level without the need to perform damaging biopsies. High resolution ultrasound allows for a non-invasive biopsy to be performed on tissue to a depth to 2 to 3 centimeters.
High resolution ultrasound images detail the layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Subtle changes in thickness, density and fluid content can be clearly appreciated. This information can be utilized for a number of reasons. The human skin is the largest organ of the body. Pathology like chronic wounds, burns, skin cancers and skin lesions are very common. Also, the skin is affected by a number of systemic diseases making it a great indicator of these afflictions. High resolution ultrasound images provide the clinician with detailed anatomical information that can lead to better and more accurate treatments.