As Osler laboratory information system consultant Andra Magopat explained, the test environment already in place for diagnostic imaging was updated to include the digital pathology component from Sectra. After new scanning equipment was installed, it served as a digital sandbox, providing an opportunity to work out issues and adjust processes prior to going live with patient cases.
“Because we had everybody in the room from the beginning, we were able to work together and get past the challenges of implementing a pilot,” said Magopat, adding that vendor support was also important to ensure workflows catered to the centre’s needs.
GI tissue specimens are a good fit for the pilot because they are typically half a centimetre or smaller in size, making them easier to scan from a technical viewpoint. The existing slide protocol was modified slightly — such as ensuring the sample is perfectly centred — and Dr. Shivji said he hasn’t encountered any issues with image quality in the digitized system.
“I have the glass slides available if I need to check something,” he said. “I have to say, I haven’t really found the need for that.”
Osler’s digital pathology pilot has laid a strong foundation and sees the tremendous potential to further impact by applying AI tools to assist with manual or repetitive tasks or serve as a decision support tool.
Depending on the type of case, Dr. Shivji is finding it easier and quicker to go through slides digitally, make accurate and reproducible measurements, and to maintain good resolution when viewing images at different magnifications. Moreover, he’s excited about future functionality to come.
“Digital pathology is part of Osler’s larger push towards innovation and precision medicine,” he said, adding that tools like digital pathology, next generation sequencing and liquid biopsies are all working together to advance patient care and improve outcomes.
“Within the Sectra system, I can also see imaging, so if I get a biopsy I can actually go in and see what was seen on the x-ray, for example, and put it together to see if what I’m seeing under the microscope — or on the monitor these days — actually matches,” he said. “That increased collaboration within our borders is one major thing that will help to improve patient care.”
Nader Soltani, President at Sectra Canada, is equally excited about the impact of this technology. “We are thrilled to see Sectra’s digital pathology solution having a positive impact in real-world clinical settings,” he shares. “By seamlessly combining imaging, pathology, and other diagnostic tools, we aim to empower healthcare professionals with the insights needed to make more informed decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.”
