Effectiveness of DermaSensor device in Primary Care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
To evaluate the effectiveness of DermaSensor as a diagnostic aid in identifying and prioritising suspected skin lesions in the primary care setting in North West London
IRAS ID
363150
Contact name
Nasim Rouhani
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Not applicable , Not applicable
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 4 days
Research summary
Skin cancer represents a common malignancy with increasing incidence. In primary care, many people with worrying moles are referred urgently, but a large proportion are later discharged without needing specialist treatment. This creates longer waits for those who do need care and puts pressure on NHS services. This study asks whether a handheld, non-invasive device called DermaSensor can help GPs identify and prioritise suspicious skin lesions more accurately at the first appointment.
DermaSensor shines brief pulses of light onto the skin and analyses the reflected signals. It does not give a diagnosis; instead, it provides an objective aid to support a GP’s decision about whether a lesion needs further care. The device is for trained healthcare professionals only.
We will run a prospective, non-interventional study in up to four GP practices in North West London over 3–4 months. Around 100 adult patients (one lesion each) whose GP already suspects skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma) will be invited to take part. After the GP has recorded their usual clinical decision, they will use DermaSensor on the lesion (one quick calibration and up to five readings). The device adds about 10 minutes to the appointment, and there is no study follow-up. If the device suggests concern where the GP was not planning to refer, the GP may refer as a safety measure.
We will measure whether using DermaSensor improves identification and triage of suspicious lesions in primary care and whether it improves the quality of “two-week wait” referrals and helps reduce waiting lists. Findings will be shared to inform potential wider NHS use.
Sponsor: London North West Healthcare NHS Trust. Funding: none. Recruitment: three to four primary care clinics in North West London. Consent: verbal consent recorded in the medical record.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0217
Date of REC Opinion
2 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion