Considerations for digital pathology displays

The display is a vitally important component in the digital imaging chain, being placed at the final step at the interface to the pathologist. In medical imaging fields such as radiology, there are numerous guidelines and standards relating to the display. However, in digital pathology, there are relatively few recommendations for displays, and those that are available can quickly become obsolete in this fast-moving field. There is general disagreement over whether consumer-grade displays are adequate for digital pathology reporting, or whether medical-grade displays are required, as is the practice in radiology. However, irrespective of the type of display chosen, it is essential that the device can ensure a reproducible, reliable, optimal appearance for diagnostic assessment. This is particularly important to support the ongoing clinical implementation of digital pathology and engender confidence in this relatively new and disruptive technology from the perspective of medical professionals, patients, and the public. Here, we describe and examine the existing guidance on displays in digital pathology and the current landscape of devices. We present tools and methodologies to aid display selection, propose minimum recommendations for pathology display specifications, and present a framework for design of a display quality assurance method.