1. Gross Digital Pathology Advancement
Izak B. Dimenstein MD, PhD, HT (ASCP), Loyola University Chicago Medical Center (Ret.)
Abstract
Methods and Materials
Results
The concept of a procedural approach to gross digital pathology
Representative selected gross section close-up image
The development of digital pathology in the surgical pathology laboratory requires attention not only to the digitalized micro slide. Gross digital pathology can contribute to the pathologist’s report at different stages of the diagnostic process, including the gross section close-up images directly corresponding to the micro slide. Although all modern photo stand cameras are able to provide a satisfactory macro image, these close-ups images require a special device. The prototype of a portable device is proposed for close-up images capturing selected gross sections. The device includes a camera mounted on the grossing board. The size and configuration of the board depends on the predominant type of specimens. The camera is focused on certain foreshortened positions of a securely immobilized specimen on the special cutting platform. Exclusive close-up photography has important requirements, such as intensive illumination with minimal shadows and smaller depth of field to display details in focus. The device supposed to work in a hectic assembly line like surgical pathology laboratory environment, therefore the camera’s operations, including Wi-Fi variants, are limited to a minimal number of focused positions. The board should be convenient and easily moved from one grossing station to another. Camera’s and lightening’s holders with clamps can be handy detached from the board for fast cleanup.
Frozen section application
Introduction
The Portable Gross Section Close-up Image device is the part of the concept of comprehensive procedural approach to the application of gross digital pathology in surgical pathology practice during the pre-analytical and the sampling stages of specimen processing. The pre-analytical stage includes capturing images of bar-coded requisition forms and containers. This stage’s images should be mandatory as a standard of care to prevent the specimen misidentification; they can be used also for specimen tracking. The sampling stage includes optional general specimen’s images and selected close-up images the most diagnostically significant areas and sections.
Portable Gross Section Close-up Image device’s prototype
Conclusions
The section’s image directly corresponding to the micro slide is the advancement in gross digital pathology, which can contribute to the quality of the pathologist’s diagnosis. The gross images can accompany the pathology report as part of the gross description. Frozen section application can be one of the examples of the implementation in surgical pathology practice diagnostically significant images of gross section directly corresponding to the micro slide. Dermatopathology and large biopsy specimens can first benefit from this advancement.
References
Contact
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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