Review of the new HEINE DELTA X dermatoscope

One of the most accessed articles on my website is “Which Dermatoscope Should I Buy?” Dermoscopy is becoming ever more utilised in podiatry practice and many practitioners are considering training and adding this as a new dimension to their lesion recognition skills. One of the most common considerations is the cost of the device and training. This month, HEINE, the company that launched the worlds first dermatoscope, has released a new device into their product range - the HEINE DELTA X - offering a device suited to podiatry at a competitive price.

The new HEINE Delta X Dermatoscope

The Delta X

The DELTA X is the latest addition to the HEINE dermatoscope family, following the DELTA 30 and DELTA 30 PRO (review here) and DELTA ONE (review here), which I have reviewed previously. The Delta X is the smallest of the range so far measuring in at just 17 cm in length (below), and has a few interesting design features which may particularly appeal to the podiatrist.

The new DELTA X is compact at only 17cm in length.

Design

Firstly, it takes its basic shape from its big brothers, the DELTA 30 and 30 PRO, having a similar handle and angled head design which personally, I find more comfortable to hold than the DELTA ONE. Despite the device being the smallest in the range it is equipped with a standard 10X magnification lens with a diameter of 20mm, with an adjustable focus ring to accommodate most people's visual requirements. The light is provided from two angled LED bulbs in the head of the unit. One polarised and one non-polarised (white light).

On the front of the handle are three buttons - on/off, polarised/white light switch and uniquely, a switch for a torch located in the head just below main lens which allows illumination of the skin prior to dermoscopy - a benefit when looking at difficult to reach or dark places like under a foot (see below)! 

The Delta X has a torch located just below the head.

Another welcome addition is the easily removed and refitted contact plate which now comes in two flavours. Firstly, a standard back polymer plate with an incorporated measuring graticule (in mm) to allow accurate measurement of any viewed lesions. Secondly, it is also shipped with clear plastic plates which can easily be fitted, removed and disposed of, if the scope is coming into contact with any body fluids or if it is being used on ulcerated lesions or intra-operatively for example.

The Delta X comes with disposable clear plates and a standard reusable plate with measuring graticule.

The whole kit comes in a sturdy plastic case (below).

The device comes in a sturdy case.

Power 

The DELTA X has an auto power off function if left with the light on for a short period which helps to preserve the battery life. The device is charged fairly quickly by a USB - C cable which is the type that most newer smartphones use, although an additional desktop charger is available (below) if required. Three coloured lights at the base of the DELTA X remind you when the battery is getting low and requires a quick charge.

Figure 6 A separate charging stand is available.

Photography with the DELTA X

Photography is very straight forward with the Delta X as the new Heine style adapter (see my earlier blog here) is available for this device which ensures it fits to any smartphone, even the latest with multiple cameras and thicker camera bumps of the back of the phone.

A magnetic disc is stuck to the back of the phone case to which the arm magnetically attaches and then the aperture can be placed over the correct lens (below).

Figure 7 The adhesive magnetic sticks to the back of the phone case. The magnetic arm then attaches the phone to the device for photography.

The ring then magnetically attaches to the dermatoscope eye piece to allow an image to be taken (see below).

The phone attachment allows for easy photography on any smartphone .

Image Quality

When you buy a dermatoscope, the cost of the device is determined by the quality of two key components - the light source and the quality of the lens. On these two components, the DELTA X does not fall short - it provides crisp and bright images (below). 

An angiokeratoma under 10X magnification on the skin. The measuring graticule can be seen on the right of the picture (mm)

So where is the compromise? For a lower price the size of the viewing area is reduced (but still a respectable 20mm). Go back a few years and this was the industry standard.

Secondly, there is no brightness control button but that doesn't feel missed here. The optics are the second aspect of quality. The DELTA X lens gives a clarity right up to the edge with no distortion or aberrations. The mark of a good manufacturing process so often lacking on cheap devices.

Conclusion

The DELTA X is a welcome addition - a smaller, more compact and ergonomic device which I think has specific advantages particularly for use in podiatry - its portability, built-in torch and smaller head to access hard to reach places such as between the toes. At a time when consumer cost is all important, the lower price will appeal to practitioners not looking to invest in a larger device.

The new HEINE DELTA X and accessories will be available in the UK in February

from Entera Medical priced at  £739. Other retailers are also available.

Declaration

In writing this review, HEINE Optotechnik, Munich, Germany provided a device for the purpose of this review. They had no editorial control over the content. Opinions expressed in this article are purely my own.