Traditional diagnosis methods are time-consuming and prone to human error. As in other fields, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly popular in medicine. Clinicians can now use cutting-edge technologies in digital pathology to make more accurate and timely diagnoses.
Artificial intelligence is widely used in healthcare. It consists of various technologies that can automate and improve medical procedures.
Machine learning, for example, helps clinicians predict what treatments are likely to succeed. Natural language processing makes it easier to create, understand, and classify clinical documentation.
Some technologies have administrative applications, such as the management of medical records.
The role of AI in pathology is invaluable. This technology can outperform experts and eliminate human error.
Let’s see how artificial intelligence is transforming this field.
How Digital Pathology Can Benefit from AI
In 2019, the global digital pathology market was worth $767 million. Financial experts predict a compound annual growth rate of nearly 12 percent between 2020 and 2027. This rate is higher than that of most industries.
The rise of modern technology allows for faster diagnostic tools and higher workflow efficiency. Robotic light microscopy and other novel technologies are shaping this medical field.
The advent of modern image-based diagnostic techniques wouldn’t be possible without AI. The medical field is witnessing unprecedented advances in machine learning. Most applications of this technology revolve around digital image analysis.
Thanks to AI, medical professionals can now digitize slides in high throughput and process huge amounts of data at fast speeds. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and more personalized treatments. Automated diagnoses are possible, too.
Diagnostic errors account for about 10% of all deaths in the U.S.
One-third of these errors are due to a lack of access to images and other medical data required for an accurate diagnosis.
AI can significantly reduce medical error and predict or diagnose diseases at a faster rate than most clinicians do.
In a recent study, this technology achieved better performance in diagnosing breast cancer than a team of 11 pathologists.
The use of AI in digital pathology could save lives and improve patient care. It also enables real-time sharing of information and improves workflow efficiency. Plus, it eliminates manual or time-consuming tasks.
Let’s take a closer look at how AI is augmenting digital pathology and what to expect in the next few years.
AI and Medical Image Analysis
AI uses advanced image analysis algorithms to diagnose diseases. Pathologists can now share their findings and work together to detect the root cause of disease in real-time. This allows them to get a second opinion and make a reliable, accurate diagnosis.
The latest AI technologies not only serve as a validation tool in imaging analytics but also speed up the processing time.
Clinicians can process more slides at once and store them as high-resolution digital files. Whole slide imaging would not be possible without AI.
Artificial intelligence allows for automated image analysis. This gives pathologists more time to focus on the actual diagnosis and make accurate evaluations.
The Role of AI in Telepathology
Telepathology enables the transfer of pathology imaging data remotely. Pathologists can exchange digital records and images for research and diagnosis within minutes.
AI complements this technology, allowing for a more precise diagnosis.
Clinicians can access dozens of slides remotely and integrate digital scanners with laboratory IT systems. They are able to analyze the images faster, more accurately, and in new ways.
Integrating AI into this field can augment global pathology initiatives.
This technology facilitates the distribution of acquired knowledge. At the same time, it allows for expanded learning and accurate disease classification across the world.
AI Simplifies Complex Tasks in Digital Pathology
Pathologists often spend hours or days handling laborious tasks, such as screening for easily identifiable cancers. These tasks are not necessarily complex but rather time-consuming.
AI can simplify both mundane and complex tasks in digital pathology. Therefore, it can speed up case triage and reduce the workload of clinicians.
Normally, pathologists are responsible for the procurement and processing of tissue.
Once these steps are completed, they create and interpret glass slides locally within each medical team or clinic. Since the workflow is manual, it’s subject to human error and takes a lot of time.
AI software tools can speed up this process, allowing for more accurate readings and faster diagnosis. Pathologists can use computer-aided AI algorithms to double-check the diagnosis made by others.
Improved Patient Care
The use of AI in digital pathology leads to improved patient care and satisfaction. Early diagnosis is often the key to a successful recovery. In some cases, it can make the difference between life and death.
Artificial intelligence allows for more patient-centric treatments. The latest AI technologies can process and interpret data quickly. This results in a faster diagnosis and improved outcomes.
These tools provide actionable insights and make it possible to detect diseases at a very early stage.
Additionally, they can detect new links between systems and chemicals in the human body and help diagnose rare disorders.
Explore Other Uses of AI in Digital Pathology
Artificial intelligence is adding a new dimension to digital pathology. Along with telepathology, this technology provides new, exciting opportunities in the medical field.
Now it’s easier than ever before to diagnose rare diseases and interpret medical data. AI also allows for highly individualized treatments, leading to better patient outcomes.
The future of digital technology looks promising. If you’re interested to find out more, see our guide or contact us to discuss your needs!
