Cervical cancer affects the lives of 500,000 women worldwide each year, resulting in more than 270,000 deaths annually. Because the majority of cases occur in low-income countries that cannot afford the tools commonly used in the United States, new solutions must be found.
The key innovation that will help us achieve our goal is a product called the Pocket Colposcope, which was created as a result of a 3-year human centered design process between Duke , 3rd Stone Design and clinical partners in the U.S., Peru, Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya.
learn more about the pocket colposcope >>Equivalent to that of the most expensive colposcopes
Simplified means of performing a cervical exam
About 1/10 the cost of tradtional colposcopes
Option to collect patient data in form of cervical images. An opportunity for aggregation of data on disease prevalence.
Lightweight and easy to transport. Paired with mobile screen
Allows for remote diagnostics and EMR data collection
WHO technical guidance and specifications of medical devices for screening and treatment of precancerous lesions in the prevention of cervical cancer
The Pocket Colposcope is featured in the WHO guidance documents >>Unlike traditional colposcopes, the tampon-shaped Pocket Colposcope is inserted through a speculum to provide a magnified image of the cervix. Close up imaging of the cervix achieves exquisite image quality that rivals that of one of the best colposcopes on the market without the need for high-end light sources, optics or cameras.
learn more about the pocket colposcope >>The Pocket Colposcope is significantly less expensive, smaller and lighter than a traditional clinical colposcope.
Weighing less than two pounds, it fits inside a pocket (hence the name). The device enables healthcare providers to optically zoom in and capture acetic acid, Lugol’s iodine and vascular images (green light imaging) by pressing a button with their thumb. Images taken with the Pocket Colposcope are transmitted instantly to a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
learn more about the pocket colposcope >>In clinical investigations in over 8 countries across 4 continents. The Pocket Colposcope received FDA clearance in September 2018.