According to the company Web site, MelaFind is a hand-held device that acquires and displays multispectral digital images from blue to near-infrared, for pigmented skin lesions. The computerized device uses automatic image analysis and statistical pattern recognition to help identify lesions that should be considered for biopsy to rule out melanoma. The device consists of an illuminator that produces light in 10 wavelengths, a lens system that creates the images, a light sensor, and an image processor that identifies discrete characteristics of each picture.
MELA Sciences sponsored the study. Dr. Monheit and 7 of the other 15 investigators are on the MELA Sciences Advisory Committee. Dr. Gross did not disclose any financial relationship with the company.