Practical considerations for pathologists when selecting digital pathology systems: an ESDIP guide

The implementation of digital pathology (DP) has been reported across academic, public, and private laboratory settings, providing valuable insights into workflow transformation. However, comparatively little guidance exists on how DP systems should be evaluated prior to acquisition and deployment. Given the substantial financial investment and long-term strategic implications of DP infrastructure, a structured and context-aware evaluation process is essential. In this practical guide, developed by the European Society of Digital and Integrative Pathology (ESDIP) https://www.esdipath.org/, we outline a comprehensive approach for the pre-deployment assessment of DP systems. Drawing on collective experience from multiple institutions and supported by relevant literature, we describe key parameters to consider when evaluating the core components of the DP ecosystem: whole slide scanners, image management systems, workstations, storage infrastructure, and laboratory information systems. We highlight methodological differences between large-scale multisite procurement processes and single-institution implementations, emphasising realistic workload testing, interoperability, and long-term scalability. By integrating technical and clinical perspectives, this guide aims to support pathology departments, IT teams, and institutional decision-makers in selecting DP solutions aligned with their specific institutional needs, infrastructure capabilities, and the future integration of computational pathology. © 2026 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.