Vol 8, No 1 (2017)
Review paper
Published online: 2017-06-02

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Current state of knowledge about digital pathology

Monika Prochorec-Sobieszek1, Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz1
Hematologia 2017;8(1):1-11.

Abstract

In recent years, dynamic technological progress has been made, including the introduction of innovative solutions based on digital imaging in the field of pathomorphology. “Virtual microscopy” includes creating, viewing, managing, sharing, analyzing, and interpreting digital images of conventional microscope glass slides (WSI whole slide imaging). WSI systems, along with digital consulting platforms, are used in education, research, telepathology, teleconsultation, and routine diagnostics. Moreover, these systems provide user-friendly, fast and interactive sharing of digital images of microscopic specimens. Often, the development of the system allows integration with other medical IT systems. Applications that include image analysis and computer-assisted diagnosis facilitate the standardization of research results and support diagnostic accuracy. Virtual microscopy has many advantages, but it must be kept in mind that its limitations include high investment in equipment and infrastructure, the standardization of the quality of the digital images obtained, and the numerous concerns of pathomorphologists prior to its use in routine diagnostics.

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