Development and applicability of a smartphone torch based emergency light source for microscopy.

Abstract

Modern microscopes are equipped with built-in illuminator. However, during a power outage, microscopy is not possible with extra mirror system if an alternative light source is not available. Smartphone torch can serve as a light source. Holding it under the microscope is difficult when both hands are engaged in microscopy. The aim of the study was to develop a stand for smartphone torch and to check the applicability of smartphone torch-based light source in microscopy. A stand was made with cardboard for keeping the smartphone on it. An optical diffuser was made with white polyethylene plastic. Smartphone with the stand and optical diffuser can serve as a soft light source. A convenient sample of 16 faculty member rated 11 slides first under the microscope with its built-in light source and then twice with the new device as a light source on 10-point Likert type scale. Applicability of the device was checked by validity and reliability by Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) with α = 0.05. The raters were able to examine the slides under the microscope with the new devices as a light source. An overall score (11 slides, 16 observers) for the image quality was 9.36 ± 0.86 (range 6-10). Interrater, intrarater, and test-retest ICC were 0.939 (P < 0.001), 0.853 (P = 0.003), and 0.889 (P < 0.001) respectively which indicate "good" to "excellent" level of reliability. Developed smartphone torch stand with an optical diffuser can serve as an emergency light source in microscopy. This may be a useful tool for settings with a frequent power outage.