DIGITAL PATHOLOGY ARTICLES

UK laboratories have received unprecedented funding for digital pathology in recent years, resulting in arguably the highest penetration of scanners in a public healthcare setting worldwide. Digitisation is not exclusively happening in the UK, however, and as other countries embark on their own digitalisation journeys, this article examines some pioneering implementations worldwide, ultimately asking what lessons can be learned.

The value of digital pathology is widely recognised, but quantifying the benefits so far has been challenging. Now, Source LDPath has introduced a new tool to model the impact on digital pathology services on a specific hospital or department. This Health Economic Model serves to estimate the value of implementing a digital pathology workflow.

Signify Research casts an eye into the future of AI in clinical digital pathology following the publication of its most recent market analysis. To have the greatest clinical impact AI vendors must evolve to meet the demands of tomorrow’s customers. But, asks Imogen Fitt, what will this evolution look like?

The cost/benefit ratio of digital pathology is particularly hard to quantify – especially with so many variables in play for NHS trusts and laboratory groups. Now, however, Source LDPath has introduced a new Health Economic Model to its offering, which the company says will make the departmental benefits of incorporating a digital pathology workflow crystal clear.

The adoption of digital pathology continues to see a remarkable surge in the post- COVID-19 era, with pathologists worldwide embracing the technology. Here, Dr Melissa Alexander, a practising pathologist and Medical Director for Leica Biosystems, shares her experience of transitioning from conventional pathology to digital pathology, including the challenges faced during the transition, but also the advantages of remote practice, collaboration, and quick second opinions.

For NHS Trusts and healthcare bodies across Europe, making the move to digital pathology has been a huge undertaking, but there is still much to learn. There’s a risk that planning ahead, especially with a view to the size and type of storage required, could be forgotten about as purchasers look to get the best short-term deals, says Imogen Fitt.

Digital pathology has been embraced by cellular pathology; but laboratories need to think beyond just a scanner and storage, explains Jake Morrow. To be fully utilised the new technology needs to be backed up with laboratory information systems with enhanced features to help drive quality workflow and support clinical integrated reporting.

Initially a digital sceptic, being introduced to digital pathology technology and methods has ignited a new passion for Dr Azzam Ismail, a Consultant Neuropathologist, Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Here, he tells Pathology in Practice how his working life has changed.

NHS patients throughout the West Midlands are to benefit from a digital pathology programme delivered by Sectra, designed to help reduce cancer backlogs, transform services, and improve the speed and accuracy of cancer diagnosis.

Sanj Lallie of Source LDPath looks at the benefits of transitioning to a digital pathology workflow and charts a vision of a virtual histopathology department for every NHS trust.

Offering improved cancer diagnosis processes in the face of increased pressures and workloads is a huge challenge for NHS laboratories. Here Daniel Plews of Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, explains how pioneering digital pathology in partnership with the NHS is helping to meet that challenge.

The National Pathology Imaging Co-operative has been driving towards a fully digital approach as well as paving the way for other laboratories to follow in their footsteps. Pathology in Practice looks at the role played by Leica Biosystems and the technological improvements offered by its equipment.