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FaceTime validation study: Low-cost streaming video for cytology adequacy assessment
Shweta Agarwal1, Lichao Zhao1, Roy Zhang1
1Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Cancer Cytopathology
|October 23, 2015
Summary
Remote adequacy assessment of fine-needle aspirations using smartphone video streaming is feasible. This technology, utilizing FaceTime on iPhones/iPads, achieved 88% agreement, saving valuable pathologist time.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) adequacy assessment is standard in major medical centers.
- Current methods require cytopathologist time, impacting other duties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate mobile video streaming (FaceTime) via smartphone adapters for remote FNA adequacy assessment.
- To determine the feasibility and accuracy of remote cytologic sample evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Phase 1: Retrospective assessment of 25 FNA samples with simultaneous FaceTime streaming.
- Phase 2: Prospective assessment of live FNA cases using FaceTime, with a remote pathologist.
- Testing phase: Prospective assessment with a resident/cytotechnologist as slide driver.
Main Results:
- Phase 1 showed 88% agreement (22/25 samples) between onsite and remote adequacy assessments.
- Phase 2 and testing phases demonstrated considerable agreement on adequacy and preliminary diagnosis for 14 samples.
- Identified challenges included software standardization, camera alignment, and audio comprehension.
Conclusions:
- iPhone/iPad FaceTime technology enables remote adequacy assessment of FNA samples.
- This technology offers a potential solution to save valuable pathologist time.
