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Snap it, post it, diagnose it: The Instagram of medicine

By Meera Senthilingam, for CNN

Updated 5:10 AM ET, Tue February 10, 2015

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Medical photo-sharing app <a href="https://figure1.com/" target="_blank">Figure1 </a>is used by healthcare professionals to share photographs and information about their patients to increase knowledge and aid diagnoses. Here, a person uses Figure 1 to see a sigmoid volvulus, which causes obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Medical photo-sharing app Figure1 is used by healthcare professionals to share photographs and information about their patients to increase knowledge and aid diagnoses. Here, a person uses Figure 1 to see a sigmoid volvulus, which causes obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract.
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An image uploaded of a patient with alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. The angle of the photo ensured the patient remained anonymous. The app also requires users to obtain permission from patients before posting.
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An image uploaded of a patient with alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. The angle of the photo ensured the patient remained anonymous. The app also requires users to obtain permission from patients before posting.
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Figure1 is working in partnership with NGO <a href="http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/" target="_blank">Doctors Without Borders </a>to help bring awareness to the ebola crisis in Africa. Here, a post from the NGO provides insight into a treatment facility in Guinea.
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Figure1 is working in partnership with NGO Doctors Without Borders to help bring awareness to the ebola crisis in Africa. Here, a post from the NGO provides insight into a treatment facility in Guinea.
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Images of test results, symptoms, X-rays and scans can be posted for consultation from a global pool of experts as well as to train others using the app. Here, a photo of red cerebrospinal fluid is uploaded. Blood in the fluid may be a sign of bleeding or spinal cord obstruction.
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Images of test results, symptoms, X-rays and scans can be posted for consultation from a global pool of experts as well as to train others using the app. Here, a photo of red cerebrospinal fluid is uploaded. Blood in the fluid may be a sign of bleeding or spinal cord obstruction.
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When users upload an image, any identifying information is removed before the image is posted. Here, an X-ray of a patient's veins, known as a venogram, is uploaded for consultation.
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When users upload an image, any identifying information is removed before the image is posted. Here, an X-ray of a patient's veins, known as a venogram, is uploaded for consultation.
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Users working in health professions are able to comment on images posted to the app either out of interest or to impart their wisdom to help with diagnosis.
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Users working in health professions are able to comment on images posted to the app either out of interest or to impart their wisdom to help with diagnosis.
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Photo-sharing app Figure1 lets medics share photographs and information about their patients to help diagnosis.