For many years elasticity measurements with the Cutometer® have been recognized as standard in dermatology and cosmetology and have been used to support the latest discoveries in both fields. Due to its precision and ease of use compared to other elasticity measurement methods, the Cutometer® is mentioned in most studies on this subject worldwide. The Cutometer® MPA 580, the successor instrument of Cutometer® SEM 575, is equipped with the most up to date electronics and offers the possibility of connecting other CK skin measurement probes for simultaneous use.
Well established Elasticity Measurement by Suction
Together with other CK probes, e.g. with the Reviscometer® RVM 600 which measures the elastic properties of the skin by resonance frequency time measurement, the user can create an ˇ°elasticity measurement centreˇ± allowing the examination of this parameter from different angles. Also all future CK probes will be compatible with the MPA systems.
The Cutometer® MPA 580 is controlled by a Windows® based software and thus must be connected to a PC.
The Measuring Principle
The measuring principle is based on the suction method. Negative pressure is created in the device and the skin is drawn into the aperture of the probe. Inside the probe, the penetration depth is deter- mined by a non-contact optical measuring system. This optical measuring system consists of a light source and a light receptor, as well as two prisms facing each other, which project the light from transmitter to receptor. The light intensity varies due to the penetration depth of the skin. The resistance of the skin to be sucked up by the negative pressure (firmness) and its ability to return into its original position (elasticity) are displayed as curves at the end of each measurement. From these curves interesting measurement parameters can be calculated.
The Probe
The small, convenient size of the probe allows successful measurement of skin areas that are difficult to reach. The probe contains an elastic spring that provides constant pressure of the probe on the skin. In addi- tion, the probe can be fixed to the measured skin area by double-sided adhesive rings. The specific calibration values of each probe are stored in its plug, thus allowing simple and quick exchange for servicing purpose. The probe can be delivered with several aperture sizes (2, 4, 6 and 8 mm Ø) to fit different skin sites and the different study requirements.
Advantages
The Cutometer® MPA 580 offers many hardware and software advantages over the previous model: New parameters deliver additional information to the already well established elasticity parameters.
All data of the curves at any time of the measurement and their results are immediately available for statistical evaluation e.g. in Excel®. Thus the users can even create their own measurement parameters.
The convenient Windows® based software is very flexible and allows the user many options (setting of the pressure etc.). There are also different measurement modes at their disposal, e.g. measurement with constant or increasing negative pressure. Four measuring curves and their results can be displayed at the same time (even in 3D). They can easily be saved and called up again.
Check Calibration
The new technology of the probe does not require frequent, complicated and time consuming recalibration. The accuracy of the probe can be checked at any time by a small check calibration cap.
Technical Data
Dimensions: Device: 26 cm x 25.5 cm x 7 cm, Probe: 12.8 cm, Ø 2 mm, Weight: Device: 3.2 kg Probe with cable: 170 g, Cable length: 1.5 m
Power Supply: 100-240 V AC, 0.3 A, 50-60 Hz Serial Interface: USB
Technical changes may be made without prior notice.
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