Selecting high-throughput scanners for clinical use: A multicenter institution experience

Area of Science:

• Digital Pathology
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The University Health Network (UHN) sought to transition to a fully digital pathology workflow.
• A comprehensive evaluation was necessary to select appropriate whole-slide imaging (WSI) scanners amidst a competitive market.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and implement WSI scanners for optimizing clinical diagnosis, education, telepathology, and AI applications at UHN.
• To select the most suitable WSI scanners for primary diagnosis, remote teleconsultation, intraoperative consultation, and multidisciplinary education.

Main Methods:

• A request for proposal (RFP) process was used to assess WSI scanners based on technical specifications, compatibility, performance, and support.
• A multidisciplinary committee scored vendors, with top contenders undergoing further evaluation for image accuracy, efficiency, speed, throughput, and artifact handling.

Main Results:

• UHN successfully implemented a fleet of WSI scanners from multiple vendors, integrating them with existing hospital information systems.
• The digital workflow enhanced operational efficiency, streamlined telepathology, and enabled AI-driven diagnostic applications.

Conclusions:

• Whole-slide imaging scanners, despite initial costs, significantly improved slide accessibility, reduced diagnostic turnaround times, and increased workflow flexibility.
• The integration of WSI technology supports advancements in AI, facilitates consultations, and enhances pathology education and proficiency testing.