Virtual Pathology Slide: A New Tool in Telepathology
Author Information
Author(s): Sean SP Costello, Daniel J Johnston, Peter A Dervan, Daniel G O'Shea
Primary Institution: Dublin City University
Hypothesis
The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy and acceptability of the Virtual Pathology Slide.
Conclusion
The Virtual Pathology Slide can be used to make a correct diagnostic decision and is a realistic alternative to dynamic telepathology.
Supporting Evidence
- Agreement between original glass-slide diagnosis and consensus diagnosis using the Virtual Pathology Slide was reached in 9 out of 10 slides.
- The average percentage concordance between slides was 66.5%.
- 81.25% of participants indicated confidence using the Virtual Pathology Slide to make a diagnostic decision.
- 87.5% of participants expressed satisfaction with image quality.
Takeaway
The Virtual Pathology Slide is like a digital microscope that helps doctors look at tissue samples online, and it works pretty well for making diagnoses.
Methodology
Ten breast needle core biopsies were randomly selected and presented to 17 pathologists who examined each case online and provided diagnostic classifications.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to varying levels of experience among pathologists and differences in internet connectivity.
Limitations
Participants with less experience and lower bandwidth reported difficulties, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Participants were pathologists or trainee pathologists with at least 2 years of experience.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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