Digital Pathology

Digital pathology utilizes the latest technology for acquiring, storing, and interpreting information in laboratories. High-power scanners are used to capture images of prepared tissue samples placed on slides, ready for analysis.

These scanners function similarly to a microscope, providing high-resolution magnified images. However, unlike traditional methods, these images can be stored and processed later. Since they are digitized, automated software is used to analyze and quantify the components of the tissues present in the samples.

During the 20th century, devices for capturing images were already in use, but the advent of digitalization in recent years has facilitated remote collaboration between laboratories, as well as increased efficiency in the study and treatment of samples. In fact, predictive algorithms utilizing artificial intelligence are beginning to yield excellent results in diagnosing pathologies that may develop in the long term.

How does it work?

Depending on both the type of tissue and the study required in each case, techniques such as purification, cleaning, or filtration are used to prepare the samples. In some cases, fluorescent stains are added to facilitate the identification of different cells present in the tissues. Once the samples are ready for study, they are placed on glass slides, and digital pathological analysis begins using various devices:

• Scanner: Can capture images of multiple samples simultaneously. Some scanners can process up to a thousand slides at once. During this process, a series of slides is placed on a flat tray that is inserted into the device. The sensor moves across the surface while capturing complete images of all the samples.
• Software: Responsible for creating digital files, processing them to ensure an appropriate size and weight, and storing them.
• Screen: Allows specialists to view the images for visual analysis, as well as with the help of digital tools.
• Management system: A digital location where files are stored after the study is completed.

What are the benefits of digital pathology?

Digital pathology offers significant advantages in the study and diagnosis of diseases:

• Faster tissue analysis.
• The ability to study large quantities of samples in a short time.
• High-quality images.
• Digital image processing.
• Capability for predictive analysis.
• Fewer errors caused by human intervention.
• Remote collaboration with teams.
• More effective results.
• Improved case documentation.

When is it indicated?

Digital pathology can be used for analyzing all types of laboratory samples, regardless of their nature: biopsies, cytologies, or surgical specimens.

What to expect from digital pathology

Digital pathology studies are conducted in the laboratory, so the only difference the patient may notice is in the waiting time and the accuracy of the diagnosis. During sample collection, the procedure remains the same regardless of how the tissues are analyzed:

• Blood extraction: The patient sits with their arm extended. After placing a tourniquet above the elbow, a needle is inserted into a vein in the arm, and a small amount of blood is drawn using a syringe. It is normal to feel slight pain at the moment of the puncture.
• Biopsy: This can be performed via aspiration (using a needle) or surgically (during an operation). In both cases, the procedure is painless, as anesthesia is used, whether local or general. It is carried out in an operating room or a sterilized area with the patient lying on a table in a position that allows access to the area where the sample will be taken.

Specialties where it is used

Anatomical pathology specialists are the physicians who work with digital pathology in the laboratory. These studies are conducted to examine all types of diseases.