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Optimal z-axis scanning parameters for gynecologic cytology specimens
Amber D Donnelly1, Maheswari S Mukherjee1, Elizabeth R Lyden2
1Cytotechnology Education, School of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Journal of Pathology Informatics
|February 14, 2014
Summary
Optimizing virtual microscopy (VM) scanning parameters for gynecological (GYN) cytology improves diagnostic accuracy. Three focal plane levels and a 1 μ interval are recommended for 3D cell cluster analysis.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Digital Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Virtual microscopy (VM) use in clinical cytology is limited by 2D imaging of 3D cell clusters.
- Optimal scanning parameters for 3D VM are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine optimal focal plane levels and scanning intervals for digitizing gynecological (GYN) specimens.
- Ensure manageable file sizes for digitized images.
Main Methods:
- 192 SurePath™ slides digitized using iScanCoreo Au scanner at three focal plane levels (1 μ interval).
- Five participants interpreted virtual images (VI) and compared them to light microscopy (LM).
- Inter-rater agreement and concordance were evaluated; participant surveys were collected.
Main Results:
- High intra-rater concordance (89-97%) between glass slides and VI.
- Higher inter-rater agreement for LM (94%) vs. VM (82%).
- Three focal planes aided diagnosis of low-grade dysplasia and koilocytes; hyperchromatic crowded groups were challenging in VI.
Conclusions:
- Three focal plane levels and a 1 μ interval support VM expansion in GYN cytology.
- Technological advancements and training are needed to enhance VM preference and practicality.
