FAQ

What does Astron Clinica do?

Astron Clinica makes it possible to look at what is going on under the surface of the skin, using their flagship product, DERMETRICS, and patented skin-imaging technology, SIAscopy. DERMETRICS helps dermatologists, general practitioners, skincare product developers, and anyone else with a professional interest in the condition of the skin, to obtain information about the skin that no other skin-imaging method can provide.

Why was Astron Clinica founded?

Astron Clinica was founded to develop skin-imaging devices based on PhD research conducted by Dr Symon Cotton, Astron Clinica’s Scientific Director. Dr Cotton invented a technology called SIAscopy, which uses light to analyse the distribution of certain skin components to a depth of 2mm beneath the surface of the skin.

Why do we need skin imaging?

Skin imaging is a tool to help doctors diagnose, treat and monitor skin conditions and diseases more accurately. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and the number of different skin diseases and conditions is vast. Diagnosis of skin conditions is often based on visual examination and can therefore be subjective and reliant on previous experience. In the case of life-threatening skin diseases such as malignant melanoma, accurate diagnosis is critical. DERMETRICS, Astron Clinica’s skin imaging system, is the only method that lets the clinician look under the surface of the skin.

When was Astron Clinica founded?

Astron Clinica Limited was founded in the UK in 1998. Astron Clinica Pty Ltd was established in Australia in 2005.

Where is Astron Clinica based?

Astron Clinica has headquarters in Toft, near Cambridge, UK, and a wholly-owned subsidiary, Astron Clinica Pty Ltd, in Brisbane, Australia.

What are Astron Clinica’s products?

DERMETRICS is Astron Clinica’s flagship product, and SIAscopy is the technology upon which DERMETRICS is based.

What is DERMETRICS?

DERMETRICS is the software platform that makes it possible for a computer to be turned into a state-of-the-art skin imaging system, using either an Astron Clinica-specified digital camera, or our proprietary hand-held scanner.

What is SIAscopy?

SIAscopy is Spectrophotometric Intracutaneous Analysis, a new way of examining the skin with light. There are two methods, contact SIAscopy and non-contact SIAscopy. Both generate SIAscans, computer images that show the distribution of major skin components.

What are SIAscans?

SIAscans are the images generated on a computer screen that show the distribution of the major skin components in the top 2mm of the skin. Contact SIAscans show haemoglobin, melanin, dermal melanin and collagen. Non-contact SIAscans show haemoglobin and melanin.

What’s the difference between contact and non-contact SIAscopy?

As the names suggest, contact SIAscopy involves touching the skin, and non-contact does not. Contact SIAscopy uses a proprietary hand-held scanner, which is placed on the area of skin being examined. The scanner measures an area of approximately 11mm by 11mm. Contact SIAscopy can measure haemoglobin, melanin, dermal melanin and collagen up to 2mm beneath the surface of the skin. This system is appropriate where, for instance, a pigmented skin lesion is under investigation. It gives the examiner detailed information about the distribution of the four major skin components to aid diagnosis.

Non-contact SIAscopy uses an Astron Clinica-specified digital camera, does not touch the skin and can be used to image and monitor large areas of skin, such as the face or back. Non-contact SIAscopy can be used to examine haemoglobin and melanin. Not only does this system allow large areas of the skin to be imaged and monitored over time, but it is also important in instances where contact with the skin would alter the distribution of the skin components being measured.

How does SIAscopy work?

SIAscopy is based on a very detailed understanding of how the major components of the skin interact with light. Shining light of different wavelengths on the skin provides a great deal of information, which DERMETRICS then analyses to generate easy-to-understand images, or SIAscans, of the different skin components.

Does it hurt?

No. SIAscans are generated by shining light on the skin, followed by computer analysis of what happens to that light, so the technique is painless.

Why did Astron Clinica develop DERMETRICS?

Astron Clinica developed DERMETRICS for several reasons. The first was to make SIAscopy more widely available through the use of existing digital cameras and laptop computers. Secondly, DERMETRICS opens up other key areas of skin health to SIAscopic analysis, including conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, wound management, and the development of skincare products.

Does Astron Clinica do research?

Yes. Astron Clinica has a clearly defined clinical trials strategy that helps us to ensure that our products are clinically proven and meet the needs of our customers.

Who does Astron Clinica’s research?

Astron Clinica conducts research in collaboration with clinical and skincare specialists. Our Scientific Director, Dr Symon Cotton, is an acknowledged leader in the field of skin analysis, and works with doctors and organisations that are looking for ways to better understand and treat skin conditions and skin health.

Where are the research results published?

We publish the results of our research in journals and at meetings and conferences. All published information about our research is available here.

How do I get started with DERMETRICS?

We will install DERMETRICS for you, either at your clinic or in our offices, whichever is most convenient for you. Then we provide training to get you started, plus a follow-up training visit after a few weeks to make sure you are getting the most out of your DERMETRICS system.

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