Comparison of Foldscope to optical microscope to identify basic histology

Abstract

Introduction: The teaching of basic histology is crucial in the training of healthcare professionals. Traditionally, the optical microscope is used, but it has limitations such as cost and the need for specific infrastructure. The Foldscope (FS), a low-cost and easy-to-handle tool, emerges as a promising alternative. Objective: To validate the efficacy of the FS in teaching basic histology for healthcare training, comparing it with the traditional method of binocular optical microscopy. Method: We used a kit of prepared histology slides, first examined with an optical microscope and then with the FS. We used a smartphone for image capture, ensuring comparative accuracy between the methods. Results: The FS could observe structures seen with a 10x objective in conventional microscopy but with less sharpness and some peripheral distortions. The applicability of the FS proved effective in observing structures of various tissues, such as the thyroid, arteries, veins, and neurons, although it has limitations for teaching muscular and testicular tissues. Conclusion: The FS is an innovative educational tool that bridges the gap between theory and practice in histology teaching. It is a complementary resource to the optical microscope, effectively identifying structures with about 100x magnification. However, it does not completely replace the optical microscope due to its limitations in magnification and image quality.