LED lights used in tuberculosis detection

LED lights are being used in the fight against a debilitating disease.

Developed by Carl Zeiss and the Foundation for Innovative Diagnostics (Find), a new microscope has been unveiled that incorporates LED lights and is being used to detect tuberculosis.

Usually mercury lamps are installed in microscopes but they have been replaced by the LED lights which will last longer than traditional bulbs.

In addition to their increased ten-year lifespan, the LED lights do not need a warm-up or cool-down period so microscopes are more time-efficient.

The modern bulbs use less power than mercury lights and also help to protect samples from damage as less heat is emitted from them.

Reduced running costs mean that the microscopes are likely to be purchased by developing countries.

Giorgio Roscigno, chief executive of Find, said: “We are pleased that our collaboration with Carl Zeiss enables us to provide the fluorescence microscope to low resource countries at a favourable price.”

Albemarle Hospital, in North Carolina, recently unveiled a new emergency department which features LED lights chosen due to their long life, according to Daily Advance.