Digital capillaroscopes are handheld magnifying devices used to look at tiny blood vessels at the base of the fingernails. They will be used to carry out nailfold video capillaroscopy in patients with Raynaud’s—a circulatory condition causing colour changes and chilblains or ulcers on the fingers and toes and potentially severe complications.

With this technology, patients can receive a one-stop assessment and be discharged to their GP with a management plan, reducing follow up appointment costs. More critically, the equipment will enable earlier diagnosis of Scleroderma, a serious condition linked to severe Raynaud’s that is associated with complications in multiple other organs that carry significant risks of disability and mortality if picked up late.

This one-stop assessment service will eliminate the need for costly referrals to London as well as reducing the cost of multiple local appointments currently needed to make a diagnosis and treatment plan. For those with scleroderma, the test will enable earlier diagnosis, reducing the organ complications, and fewer inter-specialty referrals (Respiratory, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Renal) and high-cost medications. They will also accrue less disability and be less likely to need DWP support.