Storage and distribution of pathology digital images using integrated web-based viewing systems

Area of Science:

• Digital Pathology
• Medical Informatics
• Health System Integration

Background:

• Growing interest among healthcare providers in utilizing digital images of gross pathology specimens and photomicrographs.
• Need for integration into routine pathology reporting for enhanced diagnostic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the technical and logistical challenges in developing a system for integrated web-based viewing, storage, and distribution of digital pathology images.
• To address the complexities of implementing such a system within a large healthcare network.

Main Methods:

• Development of an Oracle database (version 8.1.6) for storing, indexing, and deploying digital pathology images.
• Implementation of a web-based system accessible via the health system's Intranet from various locations.
• Image retrieval facilitated by patient demographics and SNOMED (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine) codes.

Main Results:

• Digital images are viewable on authorized workstations using standard or configured browsers with plug-ins.
• Images can be printed or transferred to film, and displayed at conferences using wireless local area network (LAN) and secure remote technologies.
• Successful distribution of digital pathology images from a central database to multiple users across a large medical center.

Conclusions:

• Standardization of technologies and adoption of a web interface are key to successful digital image distribution.
• The developed system facilitates broad access to digital pathology images for a distributed user base.
• Web-based integration enhances the utility and accessibility of pathology data within a large health system.