Telepathology and digital pathology are important developments in the future of healthcare. Check out this guide to learn more about important trends to follow.
Much of healthcare depends on pathology — about 70% to be exact. Most medical determinations rely on results from pathology testing.
Pathology covers the study of diseases. However, the future of pathology is digital. Telepathology is what lies ahead and it’s changing the future of healthcare.
Telepathology is the long-distance practice of pathology. Pathologists use digital mediums to transfer pathological information across the globe to diagnose, treat, and study diseases.
Let’s look at some key important trends in telepathology.
Telepathology and Organ Procurement Organizations
Digital pathology plays an important role in organ procurement. Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) examine and care for the organs of deceased people. They get them ready for transplantation. 58 non-profit OPOs hold office here in the United States.
OPOs rely on the expertise of pathologists to complete the experience between donor and recipient. Pathologists perform autopsies on donors to examine the health of the donor and organ. Digital pathology assists in interpreting images and microscopic slides for accuracy.
This expert interpretation by pathologists allows OPOs to expand their donor base globally.
If the recipient is in a foreign country, telepathology may be used between pathologists to study the health of the organ and the recipient.
Digital Pathology and Whole Slide Imaging
Whole slide imaging (WSI) involves the production of digital slides via the scanning of glass slides. Pathologists gravitate to this technology due to its approach in the continuous education of diseases.
Pathologists use whole slide imaging in two processes:
1. Pathology departments operate a special scanner. This scanner captures an image of the glass slide and converts the image into a larger digital slide.
2. In the second process, expert software allows pathologists to examine the new image for research and reporting.
In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to market whole slide imaging to advance the trend of digital pathology. The FDA set a precedence with this decision, marking the first permit to market WSI for pathological purposes.
Doing so advances healthcare. Pathologists and patients get information faster with WSI than the old camera method.
The Benefits
This advanced technology sets a global standard for pathology–its benefits comparable to patient and healthcare professional.
Key Advantages
- Provides real-time access to information and research.
- Its digital advantage provides service to rural communities.
- Links pathology departments and institutions all over the world.
- The opportunity to enjoy a selection of specialized pathology — clinical, renal, neural, surgical, and so on.
- It increases education and telelearning opportunities.
The process of telepathology systems is simple and cost-efficient. Its advantages outweigh any skepticism.
In Summary
Telepathology is the golden link in healthcare. It connects professionals and patients around the globe. The benefits of this technology continue to attract acceptance of this innovation as a standard for pathology.
This digital practice eliminates distance in the diagnosing, researching, and reporting of diseases. It’s on a pace to continue positively affecting the healthcare market.
Review our article “How is Telepathology Enhancing the Medical Field” for more insight on the effects of this technology. You can also contact us today for more information on our telepathology solutions.
