OpenFlexure Microscope v7.0: from DIY prototype to in-vitro diagnostic

Session

Clinical Diagnostic Imaging

Authors

Dr Julian Stirling (4), Mr Joe Knapper (6), Mr Filip Ayazi (5), Dr Samuel McDermott (5), Eng. Valerian Sanga (2), Mr Paul Nyakyi (2), Dr Catherine Mkindi (3), Mr Joram Mduda (3), Dr Daniel Rosen (1), Prof Pietro Cicuta (5), Prof William Wadsworth (4), Dr Richard Bowman (6)

Affiliations

1. Baylor College of Medicine
2. Bongo Tech & Research Labs
3. Ifakara Health Institute
4. University of Bath
5. University of Cambridge
6. University of Glasgow

Keywords

Open Source, Instrumentation, Calibration, Reproducibility, Diagnostics, Malaria, OpenFlexure, 3D Printing, Manufacturing, Open Hardware

Abstract text

The OpenFlexure Microscope is a motorised, digital microscope that is shared under open source hardware licenses, permitting anyone to make, modify, sell, or redistribute it [1]. Over the last six years this has led to a global community reproducing thousands of OFMs in over 40 countries. During that time, it has matured from a basic prototype to a workhorse instrument [2, 3], teaching us much about how to design for distributed reproduction [4] and growing a community of users from many disciplines.

Microscopy is key to many diagnostic procedures, and making automated, digital microscopy available more widely offers benefits in quality control, record keeping, training, and ergonomics [5]. It is also a foundation for telemedicine and machine learning [6], both approaches with transformative potential for access to diagnostics in rural areas, or low and middle-income countries.

The OpenFlexure Microscope can be produced and maintained in these contexts, by local engineers who are able to supply spare parts and service engineers far more effectively than expensive overseas manufacturers. Our latest major version of the microscope focuses on quality, reproducibility, reliability and production-readiness. This essential step towards locally produced diagnostic microscopes is enabled by a number of software, hardware, and quality management steps in the open source hardware project.

This talk will discuss the innovations in calibration and construction that make the OpenFlexure Microscope reproducible and reliable. These include built-in calibration routines for motion, image quality and resolution, together with design features that eliminate common failure modes and enable maintenance and customisation. It will also cover key aspects of project organisation that enable companies and labs around the world to have confidence that our open design is, and will remain, high quality.

References

1. "Robotic microscopy for everyone: The OpenFlexure microscope"
   J Collins, J Knapper, J Stirling, J Mduda, C Mkindi, V Mayagaya, G Mwakajinga, P Nyakyi, V Sanga, D Carbery, L White, S Dale, Z Lim, J Baumberg, P Cicuta, S McDermott, B Vodenicharski, R Bowman
   Biomedical Optics Express 2020
   https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.385729
2. "Fast, high-precision autofocus on a motorised microscope: Automating blood sample imaging on the OpenFlexure Microscope"
   J Knapper, J Collins, J Stirling, S McDermott, W Wadsworth, R Bowman
   Journal of Microscopy 2022
   https://doi.org/10.1111/jmi.13064
3. "Multi-modal microscopy imaging with the OpenFlexure Delta Stage"
   S McDermott, F Ayazi, J Collins, J Knapper, J Stirling, R Bowman, P Cicuta
   Optics Express 2022
   https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.450211
4. "HardOps: utilising the software development toolchain for hardware design"
   J Stirling, K Bumke, J Collins, V Dhokia, R Bowman
   International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing 2022
   https://doi.org/10.1080/0951192X.2022.2028188
5. "Web-based oil immersion whole slide imaging increases efficiency and clinical team satisfaction in hematopathology tumor board"
   ZW Chen, J Kohan, SL Perkins, et al.
   Journal of Pathology Informatics 2014
   https://doi.org/10.4103/2153-3539.143336
6. "Implementation of large-scale routine diagnostics using whole slide imaging in Sweden: Digital pathology experiences 2006-2013"
   S Thorstenson, J Molin, C Lundström
   Journal of Pathology Informatics 2014
   https://doi.org/10.4103/2153-3539.129452