Total Body Photography (TBP), an innovative technology that has transformed early melanoma detection, is increasingly gaining the attention of dermatologists and researchers alike. Lumo Imaging, at the forefront of TBP, recognizes the need for a universal format for storing data derived from TBP and proposes a strategic solution.

TBP holds the unique advantages of enabling temporal monitoring of skin lesions, offering efficient screening of large numbers of lesions, and providing precise anatomical locations for dermatoscopic images. With the advent of various digital imaging systems for TBP, the need for a unified format for data storage has become more evident.

Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM), the international standard for medical imaging, comes into play here. Thanks to significant efforts made towards developing dermatology-specific extensions to the DICOM standard, a recent supplement to the DICOM standard for individual dermoscopic images has been launched. However, this supplement does not cater to the requirements of TBP, which often comprises multiple wide field-of-view images.

TBP images can be acquired via several methods, including consumer-grade cameras, smartphones, or automated scanning machines, all of which necessitate a versatile storage solution.

Lumo Imaging’s publication outlines a “Work Item” leading to a Total Body Photography Information Object Definition (IOD). This "Work Item" is designed to inclusively accommodate current variants of TBP data, ensuring compatibility with the DICOM standard for dermoscopy. It is also adaptable to future TBP systems and potential use cases, thus demonstrating the robustness and flexibility of the proposed solution.

The feasibility of the proposed TBP DICOM was tested in an imaging-rich full-body scanning system, further demonstrating its potential to revolutionize dermatology practices. Lumo Imaging continues to lead in the development of smart imaging devices for dermatology, demonstrating our commitment to advance patient care and improve early detection of skin conditions, such as melanoma. By proposing the TBP DICOM standard, we aim to improve data standardization, enhancing the interoperability and efficacy of digital dermatological solutions.