The Department of Dermatology is proud to introduce digital pathology or WSI (whole slide imaging) into its dermatopathology platform. Digital pathology represents the ability to take traditional glass slides that are read under a microscope by a dermatopathologist/pathologist and convert them to a digital image on a computer screen. This image can be adjusted to different magnifications to allow the physician to interpret the slide and make a diagnosis. Digital pathology is not new technology but is steadily progressing and one could make the comparison that the market is where radiology imaging was many years ago and UF Dermatology is focusing to become a leader in digital pathology.
Digital pathology can offer:
- Ease of access for clinician to slides;
- Provide optimal dermatopathologist coverage for work loads;
- Provide a digitizing service system for clinicians;
- Allow instant access to slides for surgeons;Improve turn around times;
- Improve logistics;
- Minimize lost specimens.
With the introduction of digital pathology, it opens doors to the future development of AI in dermatopathology. While AI is being used in other pathology specialties, the use of AI is seeing limited use with dermatology specimens and the future will bring more advanced algorithms. The Department of Dermatology has acquired 3 Leica scanners will be utilizing the PathPresenter viewer. Integration is currently in progress and updates will be available soon but to learn more about where UF is going with digital pathology, please contact your business development representative or contact Troy Starling at tstarling@dermotology.med.ufl.edu.