Whole slide imaging in pathology: advantages, limitations, and emerging perspectives

TLDR

Whole slide imaging (WSI) is a digital slide‑scanning technology increasingly adopted in pathology for diagnosis, education, and research, yet its uptake is constrained by technical, cost, and regulatory barriers. The article reviews WSI platforms and their clinical and nonclinical applications. It examines WSI platforms, discussing validation, standardization, and forthcoming advances in the field. Keywords include digital imaging, microscopy, pathology, validation, whole slide image, and telepathology.

Abstract

Abstract: Significant technologic gains have led to the adoption of innovative digital imaging solutions in pathology. Whole slide imaging (WSI), which refers to scanning of conventional glass slides in order to produce digital slides, is the most recent imaging modality being employed by pathology departments worldwide. WSI continues to gain traction among pathologists for diagnostic, educational, and research purposes. This article provides a technologic review of WSI platforms and covers clinical and nonclinical pathology applications of these imaging systems. Barriers to adoption of WSI include limiting technology, image quality, problems with scanning all materials (eg, cytology slides), cost, digital slide storage, inability to handle high-throughput routine work, regulatory barriers, ergonomics, and pathologists' reluctance. Emerging issues related to clinical validation, standardization, and forthcoming advances in the field are also addressed. Keywords: digital, imaging, microscopy, pathology, validation, whole slide image, telepathology