Michael Barbella, Managing Editor05.10.23
PreciPoint has launched its iO:M8 Digital Live Microscope, a solution for the digitization of intra-operative examinations during cancer surgery. The device recently received certification as an CE-IVD product under the new IVDR regulation.
PreciPoint is a young medical technology company that collaborates with many pathologies in Germany in developing its products. In many government-funded projects, promising approaches in the therapy of numerous cancers are being advanced on the one hand, but at the same time the devices are being developed that make these research results visible while simplifying laboratory processes. “Where you live should not define whether you live. The possibilities of digital pathology enable better patient care, and our products facilitate access to digital pathology,“ PreciPoint GmbH CEO Dominik Gerber explained.
The company’s iO:M8 microscope offers a distinctive solution in the digitization of intra-operative cancer examinations. In these examinations, pathologists determine during surgery whether the tumor tissue has been completely removed from the patient’s body and whether the edges of the operated site are free of cancer cells. Traditionally, these examinations are performed at a specific location and time using classical light microscopy. The iO:M8, however, was developed for this specific application. Tissue removed during surgery is cryostatically frozen in a frozen section process, sectioned and applied to glass slides. The iO:M8 can accommodate up to four slides simultaneously. It provides high-resolution, real-time images of the samples while being easy to use. “In view of the ever-increasing shortage of pathologists while the number of cancer cases is rising in Germany, Europe and worldwide, solutions like ours are essential,” said Nicolas Weiss, who heads the company together with Gerber. Due to its field of application, the iO:M8 is a medical device used for medical therapy. Therefore, the basic principles of safety and performance must be demonstrated for use. Only the CE-IVD marking provides this security.
“We are pleased to announce the launch of our CE-IVD certified iO:M8 digital live microscope, which has passed all necessary tests and regulations to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality and reliability as IVD medical device. This microscope will help advance digitization in healthcare, and we are excited to see the impact it will have in the medical community”, Gerber stated.
“The CE-IVD certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who have put in countless months to ensure that this microscope meets the highest standards of performance and safety. With this certification, our customers can be least assured that they are getting a safe, reliable, and effective tool for their diagnostic tasks," Weiss noted. "We are thrilled to be able to bring this cutting-edge technology to the market and contribute to the advancement of medtech and healthcare.”
PreciPoint is a German digital microscopy company specializing in digital microscopes and digital pathology solutions. Its innovations help bridge the gap between digital workflows and pathologists. The company has developed and marketed fully motorized light microscopes and scanners worldwide with a passion for harnessing the digitization of microscopy in pathology. PreciPoint products include the M8 microscope and scanner, the O8 oil microscope and scanner, and the FRITZ slide scanner. These products generate high-resolution digital images of specimens for review and interpretation by professionals. In addition to hardware products, the company also offers multipurpose software applications and services, including MicroPoint, ViewPoint, PreciCloud, ScanPoint, and ConvertPoint, and other customized solutions for pathologists, researchers, and other microscopy professionals.
PreciPoint is a young medical technology company that collaborates with many pathologies in Germany in developing its products. In many government-funded projects, promising approaches in the therapy of numerous cancers are being advanced on the one hand, but at the same time the devices are being developed that make these research results visible while simplifying laboratory processes. “Where you live should not define whether you live. The possibilities of digital pathology enable better patient care, and our products facilitate access to digital pathology,“ PreciPoint GmbH CEO Dominik Gerber explained.
The company’s iO:M8 microscope offers a distinctive solution in the digitization of intra-operative cancer examinations. In these examinations, pathologists determine during surgery whether the tumor tissue has been completely removed from the patient’s body and whether the edges of the operated site are free of cancer cells. Traditionally, these examinations are performed at a specific location and time using classical light microscopy. The iO:M8, however, was developed for this specific application. Tissue removed during surgery is cryostatically frozen in a frozen section process, sectioned and applied to glass slides. The iO:M8 can accommodate up to four slides simultaneously. It provides high-resolution, real-time images of the samples while being easy to use. “In view of the ever-increasing shortage of pathologists while the number of cancer cases is rising in Germany, Europe and worldwide, solutions like ours are essential,” said Nicolas Weiss, who heads the company together with Gerber. Due to its field of application, the iO:M8 is a medical device used for medical therapy. Therefore, the basic principles of safety and performance must be demonstrated for use. Only the CE-IVD marking provides this security.
“We are pleased to announce the launch of our CE-IVD certified iO:M8 digital live microscope, which has passed all necessary tests and regulations to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality and reliability as IVD medical device. This microscope will help advance digitization in healthcare, and we are excited to see the impact it will have in the medical community”, Gerber stated.
“The CE-IVD certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who have put in countless months to ensure that this microscope meets the highest standards of performance and safety. With this certification, our customers can be least assured that they are getting a safe, reliable, and effective tool for their diagnostic tasks," Weiss noted. "We are thrilled to be able to bring this cutting-edge technology to the market and contribute to the advancement of medtech and healthcare.”
PreciPoint is a German digital microscopy company specializing in digital microscopes and digital pathology solutions. Its innovations help bridge the gap between digital workflows and pathologists. The company has developed and marketed fully motorized light microscopes and scanners worldwide with a passion for harnessing the digitization of microscopy in pathology. PreciPoint products include the M8 microscope and scanner, the O8 oil microscope and scanner, and the FRITZ slide scanner. These products generate high-resolution digital images of specimens for review and interpretation by professionals. In addition to hardware products, the company also offers multipurpose software applications and services, including MicroPoint, ViewPoint, PreciCloud, ScanPoint, and ConvertPoint, and other customized solutions for pathologists, researchers, and other microscopy professionals.