The FDA has given the go-ahead to MediSpectra, Inc to begin marketing the LUMA™ Cervical Imaging System. If the graphic doesn’t make it clear enough, we’re not talking about imaging the top 7 vertebrae in your neck. The FDA fills us in with 3 Ws and an H:
What is it? The LUMA™ Cervical Imaging System is an optical detection system that helps the doctor identify areas on the cervix that may have disease (i.e., areas that are likely to contain precancerous cells). The doctor uses this device immediately after colposcopy to decide where to take additional tissue samples (biopsies).
How does it work? The LUMA™ Cervical Imaging System shines a light on the cervix and analyzes how different areas of the cervix respond to this light. The LUMA System assigns a score to tiny areas of the cervix and produces a color map that helps the doctor decide where to biopsy. The colors and patterns on the map help the doctor distinguish between healthy tissue, potentially diseased tissue, and areas that cannot be interpreted (e.g. tissue at the edge of the screen).
When is it used? The LUMA™ Cervical Imaging System is used immediately after a procedure called colposcopy, a high magnification evaluation of the cervix for women who have recently had an abnormal Pap smear. The doctor first performs colposcopy and identifies areas on the cervix to biopsy. The doctor then evaluates the LUMA™ image to see whether or not there are additional areas of the cervix that should be biopsied. Only after both the colposcopy and LUMA™ procedures are completed does the doctor perform the biopsies indicated from the procedures.
What will it accomplish? The LUMA™ Cervical Imaging System will help improve the chances that the doctor does not miss an area that may contain precancerous cells.
With Ob/Gyn products, it’s hard to come up with snarky commentary without sounding exceedingly juvenile. Besides, preventing cervical cancer isn’t really something to joke about.
Had it been something colon related however…
Link to MediSpectra. After poking around their website, this appears to be their only product.
Link to the FDA…