UBC researchers working on laser microscope for skin diseases

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Imagine a tool that could allow doctors to identify skin problems and treat them immediately. University of British Columbia researchers are working on a device which aims to make that a reality.

It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie – a laser microscope capable of identifying and treating skin diseases without any uncomfortable biopsies or waiting for results.

Dr. Harvey Lui, a UBC researcher, says it is possible.

“It’s actually giving us a whole new way of examining and treating tissue that may be abnormal,” he says.

“Less invasive and hopefully more efficient, and hopefully highly precise and highly accurate. That’s what we’re aiming for. This was a theory at first for us, but we’ve now proven that the theory is possible to implement this.”

He’s hopeful it will reduce the number of biopsies.

“The whole point is to minimize or decrease the need for biopsies and also to combine a diagnostic procedure looking at the tissue, with the treatment itself.”

Now these researchers hope to move ahead with clinical studies.

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