The Top 10 Advantages of Online Pathology
1. A decrease in errors
Digital pathology minimizes slide transit, removing the possibility of damage. Numerous “needle in a haystack” finds, minuscule foci of interest, and consistency with techniques like automated Gleason grading may all be found with the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
2. Increased Productivity
A more effective pathology workflow may be achieved by combining digital technologies with innovative tissue-handling equipment. Icura’s technology has allowed certain pathologists to diagnose specimens significantly more quickly. Because pathologists do not need to co-locate, labs may pool resources. Additionally, by eliminating the need to retain cases “intact” at various stages of the process—the software reconstructs the cases for the pathologist at sign out—the lab’s first-in, first-out workflow can save time and effort.
3. Better Dissemination
Slides may be automatically sorted by digital scanning and sent to the appropriate pathologist as needed. Slides may be instantly distributed, shared, and moved to any point on the planet.
4. Improved Views
Pathologists used to be constrained by what a microscope could and could not do. Digital slide viewers provide you additional options, even if most scanned photos don’t show the whole thickness of the tissue slice (z plane). Icura is creating MultiView®, for instance, which enables real-time scanning and magnification of various layers of the same tissue, even with specific stains!
5. Greater Adaptability
Instead of waiting for a once-daily courier or postal service, pathologists may use digital pathology for cancer to select the most suitable place for their signout and have remote access to slides, recuts, and special stains online as soon as the lab scanner uploads them. Get rid of the commute and take advantage of a more flexible work schedule.
6. Quicker Reaction Time
Even though scanning is an extra step in the procedure, working anywhere other than the lab should speed up your turnaround time. Additionally, less time is spent on data matching, retrieval, and organization. The cloud allows for instantaneous second opinions from specialists and peers.
7. Possibility of Development
Underprivileged communities in the US and beyond can receive the necessary medical care because to digital pathology. Practices can expand to larger geographic areas, perhaps creating new economic prospects as main diagnosticians or even as providers of second views. Pathology staffing is a challenge for many hospitals and outpatient clinics.
8. Ergonomic Upgrades
Eliminate or lessen neck pain as a result of not having to spend your entire day hunched over a microscope. Compared to traditional pathology, digital pathology may be more ergonomic. Additionally, using a correctly set screen instead of a microscope may help you avoid eye strain. To safeguard your eyes when using a computer, think about investing in blue light glasses (both prescription and over-the-counter varieties are available) or other screen protectors.
9. Reduce Administrative Time
Some digital pathology software makes administrative reports, billing, coding, and other tasks easier or automated. Glass slide management will also be much reduced since digitized slides may be digitally or automatically assigned to the appropriate pathologist.
10. Better Patient Care
Long-term predictive analytics for patients is made possible by data storage. Digital genetic testing and tailored therapy advancements are also made possible by artificial intelligence. Patterns that humans cannot see can be found via machine learning. Millions of specimens may be analyzed and compared by algorithms, which are also finding patterns that were previously undiscovered but could be linked to important biological processes that influence prognosis and treatment. These AI applications have the potential to save lives and totally transform diagnostic care in the future.
These are only a handful of the numerous advantages that digital pathology offers. What is preventing you from making the transition if you haven’t already? Which advantage of digital pathology is your favorite, if you have any? We would be delighted to hear from you.
