EquiCap
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving equity in imaging nailfold capillaries across skin tones (EquiCap)
IRAS ID
369410
Contact name
Andrea Murray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, also called scleroderma) is a rare connective tissue disease characterised by vasculopathy (damage to capillaries) and fibrosis (thickening/scarring) of the skin and internal organs; and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity.
SSc affects the microvascular system, with disruption to the structure, and subsequent loss of capillaries. This disruption leads to significant tissue hypoxia (insufficient oxygen), which exacerbates disease progression. Thus, monitoring these changes has been a resent focus of SSc research, using techniques such as nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC). This technique involves imaging the capillaries at the nailbed and assessing their shape, density, and the presence of haemorrhage. The nailfold ‘pattern’ can then be identified as normal, abnormal, or indicative of scleroderma.
NVC is usually performed under white light illumination, with a standard camera used to capture images of the capillaries. However, it is more difficult to visualise the capillaries in skin that contains a high amount of melanin (skin of colour) compared to skin with a low amount of melanin. It is therefore important to develop methods of imaging the capillaries that improve visibility in the presence of melanin.
One method is to use a combination of visible light and near-infrared light for imaging. The strong absorption of light by melanin decreases when moving towards the near-infrared end of the spectrum.
In this study we will test a visible and near-infrared multispectral camera system designed for NVC against a standard white-light camera system to assess whether the new system shows increased visibility of capillaries in skin of colour.
Thirty healthy controls will be recruited of varying skin tone; to attend a ‘one off’ study visit at Salford Royal Hospital, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. Participants will have their capillaries assessed using both camera systems to determine which visualises capillaries more clearly in participants with skin of colour.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0399
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion