Whole Slide Imaging Technology and Its Applications: Current and Emerging Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Digital pathology
• Computational pathology
• Medical imaging

Background:

• Whole slide imaging (WSI) is revolutionizing pathology by converting glass slides into digital formats for virtual microscopy.
• This technology enables automated image analysis and facilitates broader applications in diagnostics, education, and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the technical aspects, applications, and future perspectives of WSI in pathology.
• To highlight the benefits, successes, and implementation challenges of WSI.

Main Methods:

• Review of technical advancements in digital scanners and AI integration.
• Analysis of WSI's impact on pathology workflow, reproducibility, and accessibility.

Main Results:

• WSI offers benefits like internet accessibility, reduced storage needs, and preserved slide quality.
• Recent FDA approval allows WSI in primary surgical pathology diagnosis, expanding its routine use.

Conclusions:

• WSI presents opportunities for pathologists to guide its evolution, standardization, and implementation.
• Challenges such as cost, technical issues, and professional hesitancy impede widespread adoption of digital pathology.