In the field of pathology, whole slide image analysis has numerous advantages. Not only are they able to be viewed on any computer, but the data transfer ability is bar none. Continue reading to learn five of the most important benefits.
For many medical students, pathology can be a dreaded subject. More so if you were a student before the boom of digital technology. Looking for an aberrant cell in a microscope slide is a lot harder than trying to find Waldo.
With the advent of digital pathology, you have an easier and more convenient way to study slides. Today, whole slide imaging is considered the primary method of image capture. You can convert your glass slides into digital images that you can view on a computer monitor, your phone, or even on a big screen TV.
You can avoid straining your eyes and other occupational hazards of microscope use.
Whole slide image analysis has numerous benefits and advantages over traditional microscopy. Read on to learn more.
1. Reduce Mistakes in Diagnosis
Sometimes, the key to making an accurate diagnosis hinge on the result of a biopsy. However, even an experienced pathologist can make mistakes.
A pathologist working long hours can miss something under the microscope because of eye fatigue.
With digital slides, the pathologist can study high-resolution images. They will appreciate the improved color, contrast, and image quality in order to make an accurate report. They can also view the pathologic slides on a computer or TV monitor to reduce eye strain.
2. Superior Archiving
There are so many things that can go wrong with storing information on glass slides.
As the name implies, they are very delicate and easy to break. Any fall from a sufficient height and you can say goodbye to a patient’s sample. Also, dyes that are used for staining techniques degrade over time.
You may have heard of the saying that anything you post on the internet lasts forever. The same is true for whole slide images. Data saved digitally can last virtually forever.
3. Computer-Aided Whole Slide Image Analysis
Because the images are saved in a language that a computer understands, you can access the superior processing speed of a PC to make your job easier.
Just like how a robot can locate Wally in seconds, you can improve the speed of analysis using computer-aided diagnosis (CAD). CAD can increase the efficiency and accuracy of routine tasks, such as finding markers or in grading.
Some of the algorithms are still being developed but the future is looking bright.
4. Streamlined Workflow
Remember the times when libraries still used the old card-catalog system? While it was an efficient system for its time, the online public access catalog has made it obsolete.
Most workplaces nowadays have adapted a digital system. It is simply more reliable and convenient.
By giving doctors the power to access pathology slides with the touch of a button, workflow becomes more efficient.
5. Research and Education
Digital pathology makes it effortless to collaborate with other doctors, researchers, and laboratories. Because it is easy to exchange data, there are more opportunities for progress and new discoveries.
You can also use the high-quality images for publishing your work.
Looking for Digital Pathology Solutions?
We can help. We offer Telepathology services including whole slide image analysis. We also offer Telecardiology and Teleradiology solutions. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us.