Colposcopy is a simple and painless gynaecological examination that enables the detection of precancerous stages of cervical cancer. It is performed with the aid of a colposcope. This device allows the doctor to examine the surface of the cervix, the lower part of the cervical canal, as well as the vagina and vulva in detail. What should doctors look for when choosing a new colposcope for their practice? Optical system The optical system is the most important component of the colposcope. The more advanced it is, the better the image the gynaecologist receives of the treatment area. The precision of the colposcope optics determines, among other things, the sharpness of the image and the optical resolution of the treatment area. The number of magnifications offered by the device is also very important. The cheapest devices with only one type of magnification have a lower diagnostic capability than devices with, for example, three types of magnification. Some colposcopes can even be upgraded to five levels of magnification. Digital colposcopes, which feature a high-quality digital camera at their core, are becoming increasingly common in gynaecologists' practices. In addition to the camera, the device is equipped with powerful lighting and a magnification function to ensure a clear image of the areas being examined. Illumination in the colposcope When choosing a colposcope, you should pay attention to the type of light it emits. For a reliable diagnosis, a cold light of about 12 V/100 W is required, which ensures accurate and stable colour reproduction. Of course, the doctor should be able to adjust it continuously. For a clearer image, the colposcope should be equipped with a green filter. Tripod or hand grip? Before purchasing a colposcope, the gynaecologist should also consider whether she would prefer to work with the device on a mobile tripod or on a chair. Both the tripod and the hand grip should be solid and stable, but still easy to move. Modern video colposcopes The most modern solution is, of course, the video colposcope, which records the examination, focuses automatically and magnifies the image continuously up to 20 times. The video colposcope has a function for "freezing" the image being viewed so that it can be conveniently analysed on a 19" monitor. Modern video colposcopes also allow images to be archived, which can be useful for later diagnosis and treatment. The video colposcope can also be equipped with a stand with a laptop tray or connected directly to a PC to make the examination as comfortable as possible for the doctor.
