1
|
Lin O, Alperstein S, Barkan GA, Cuda JM, Kezlarian B, Jhala D, Jin X, Mehrotra S, Monaco SE, Rao J, Saieg M, Thrall M, Pantanowitz L. American Society of Cytopathology Telecytology validation recommendations for rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). J Am Soc Cytopathol 2024; 13:111-121. [PMID: 38310002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Telecytology has multiple applications, including rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. It can enhance cytopathology practice by increasing productivity, reducing costs, and providing subspecialty expertise in areas with limited access to a cytopathologist. However, there are currently no specific validation guidelines to ensure safe practice and compliance with regulations. This initiative, promoted by the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC), intends to propose recommendations for telecytology implementation. These recommendations propose that the validation process should include testing of all hardware and software, both separately and as a whole; training of all individuals who will participate in telecytology with regular competency evaluations; a structured approach using retrospective slides with defined diagnoses for validation and prospective cases for verification and quality assurance. Telecytology processes must be integrated into the laboratory's quality management system and benchmarks for discrepancy rates between preliminary and final diagnoses should be established and monitored. Special attention should be paid to minimize discrepancies that downgrade malignant cases to benign (false positive on telecytology). Currently, billing and reimbursement codes for telecytology are not yet available. Once, they are, recommendation of the appropriate usage of these codes would be a part of the recommendations. These proposed guidelines are intended to be a resource for laboratories that are considering implementing telecytology. These recommendations can help to ensure the safe and effective use of telecytology and maximize its benefits for patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
| | - Susan Alperstein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Güliz A Barkan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Jacqueline M Cuda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Services, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Brie Kezlarian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Darshana Jhala
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiaobing Jin
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Swati Mehrotra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Sara E Monaco
- Department of Pathology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Jianyu Rao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory, UCLA Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mauro Saieg
- Department of Pathology, Santa Casa Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michael Thrall
- Department of Pathology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Services, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Machado RS, Richa R, Callegari F, Souza GB, Tolentino LL, Nakao FS, Ferrari A, Libera E. Instant messenger smartphone application for endosonographer/cytopathologist real-time interaction at a distance in EUS-FNA for solid pancreatic lesions. Endosc Int Open 2019; 7:E1027-E1030. [PMID: 31404419 PMCID: PMC6687484 DOI: 10.1055/a-0965-6631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and study aims Telecytopathology (TCP) may allow proper and timely evaluation of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) specimens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of TC through a multiplatform instant messenger smartphone application to evaluate specimens of EUS-FNA of pancreatic solid lesions. Patients and methods Twenty-three patients (14 male/9 female; median age: 56 yr.; age range: 33 - 86) with a solid pancreatic lesion were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: age < 18 yr and predominantly cystic lesions. During each EUS-FNA, after each pass, the aspirated material was spread over a glass slide and was stained by the endoscopist. The glass slide was then reviewed on a microscope with a smartphone fitted in, and the most representative fields were captured and sent to the cytopathologist using WhatsApp Messenger. Results In initial evaluation using TCP rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), adequate cellularity of the glass slide was detected in 16 of 23 patients (69.6 %). An initial diagnosis of malignancy (positive or suspicious) was possible in 14 of 23 patients (60.8 %). Conclusion The current study demonstrated the feasibility of a low-cost, Internet-based, telecytopathology system using WhatsApp Messenger to provide ROSE of EUS-FNA slides in patients with solid pancreatic lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafaela Richa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Escola Paulista de Medicina/UNIFESP
| | | | - Giovana B. Souza
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Escola Paulista de Medicina/UNIFESP
| | - Luciano L. Tolentino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Escola Paulista de Medicina/UNIFESP
| | - Frank S. Nakao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Escola Paulista de Medicina/UNIFESP
| | - Angelo Ferrari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Escola Paulista de Medicina/UNIFESP
| | - Ermelino Libera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Escola Paulista de Medicina/UNIFESP
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Costa C, Pastorello RG, Mendonça A, Tamaro C, Morais C, Barbosa B, Ribeiro KB, Caivano A, Saieg MA. Use of a low-cost telecytopathology method for remote assessment of thyroid FNAs. Cancer Cytopathol 2018; 126:767-772. [DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Costa
- Department of Pathology; Santa Casa Medical School; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | | | - André Mendonça
- Department of Pathology; Santa Casa Medical School; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Caroline Tamaro
- Department of Pathology; Santa Casa Medical School; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Caroline Morais
- Department of Pathology; Santa Casa Medical School; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Barbara Barbosa
- Department of Pathology; Santa Casa Medical School; Sao Paulo Brazil
| | | | | | - Mauro Ajaj Saieg
- Department of Pathology; Santa Casa Medical School; Sao Paulo Brazil
- Department of Pathology; AC Camargo Cancer Center; Sao Paulo Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bashshur RL, Krupinski EA, Weinstein RS, Dunn MR, Bashshur N. The Empirical Foundations of Telepathology: Evidence of Feasibility and Intermediate Effects. Telemed J E Health 2017; 23:155-191. [PMID: 28170313 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2016.0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telepathology evolved from video microscopy (i.e., "television microscopy") research in the early 1950s to video microscopy used in basic research in the biological sciences to a basic diagnostic tool in telemedicine clinical applications. Its genesis can be traced to pioneering feasibility studies regarding the importance of color and other image-based parameters for rendering diagnoses and a series of studies assessing concordance of virtual slide and light microscopy diagnoses. This article documents the empirical foundations of telepathology. METHODS A selective review of the research literature during the past decade (2005-2016) was conducted using robust research design and adequate sample size as criteria for inclusion. CONCLUSIONS The evidence regarding feasibility/acceptance of telepathology and related information technology applications has been well documented for several decades. The majority of evidentiary studies focused on intermediate outcomes, as indicated by comparability between telepathology and conventional light microscopy. A consistent trend of concordance between the two modalities was observed in terms of diagnostic accuracy and reliability. Additional benefits include use of telepathology and whole slide imaging for teaching, research, and outreach to resource-limited countries. Challenges still exist, however, in terms of use of telepathology as an effective diagnostic modality in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rashid L Bashshur
- 1 School of Public Health, University of Michigan Health System , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - Matthew R Dunn
- 1 School of Public Health, University of Michigan Health System , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Noura Bashshur
- 1 School of Public Health, University of Michigan Health System , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|