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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.
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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
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Sarode VR. The current practice of telecytology for rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE): Practical considerations and limitations. Semin Diagn Pathol 2022; 39:463-467. [PMID: 35718579 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Advances in digital imaging technology and development of high-speed internet has brought a change in ROSE practice from the traditional in-person to remote evaluation. The rapid expansion of image-guided procedures to obtain tissues for diagnosis and ancillary testing has put a huge demand on cytopathologists' time to perform on-site adequacy assessment. The technology of transmitting digital slide images in real-time via the internet from procedure site that can be viewed remotely and provide preliminary diagnosis, has had a huge impact on the practice of ROSE. Telecytology (TC) has increased the efficiency of cytopathologists, by cutting down on travel time to procedure sites and eliminate the long wait time between procedures/needle passes. It also provides the cytopathologist with the flexibility of covering ROSE procedures occurring at several locations simultaneously. The options and design of TC systems are driven by clinical needs, availability of resources and case volume. A buy-in from stakeholders early in the process, infrastructure planning and information technology (IT) support are critical for the successful implementation of TC. Training of staff, validation study and compliance training should be performed according to established guidelines. There are different TC platforms commercially available in the market today, these include static image sharing, real-time video streaming, robotic microscopy and whole slide imaging (WSI). Additionally, low-cost TC system can be built and designed using equipment that are available off-the-shelf. The intent of this review is to highlight the current practices of TC, the pros and cons of each system are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venetia Rumnong Sarode
- Director of Cytopathology Clements University Hospital, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6201 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9073, USA.
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Yadav K, Cree I, Field A, Vielh P, Mehrotra R. Importance of Cytopathologic Diagnosis in Early Cancer Diagnosis in Resource-Constrained Countries. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100337. [PMID: 35213215 PMCID: PMC8887942 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The rising cancer burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) stresses already weak health care systems and poses unique challenges. In resource-constrained LMICs and in circumstances where most patients must pay out of pocket for diagnostic tests, these may not be available or affordable for many. Cytopathology provides a simple, inexpensive, standardized, and low-technology diagnostic procedure that is increasingly used as an effective tool to address the hurdles faced in cancer control programs in LMICs. This review explores the potential role of cytopathology in LMICs in reducing the cancer burden. METHODS This review studied the existing literature across the globe regarding the utilization of cytopathology as a diagnostic or screening tool for various types of malignancies as well as its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the local situation. RESULTS Apart from the usefulness of cytopathology, this review also sheds light on the barriers to using cytopathology in LMICs. Most recently, SARS-CoV-2 has produced several unique challenges for cytopathology. These are being met with innovative measures to combat the effects of the pandemic and ensure the safe delivery of essential cytopathology services. CONCLUSION The usefulness of cytopathologic techniques has been demonstrated via various studies, even during the recent pandemic. If cytology is to be used appropriately, the focus needs to be on integrating it into the national cancer screening and diagnostic programs as well as providing well-trained human resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Yadav
- Centre of Social Medicine & Community Health, JNU, New Delhi, India
| | - Ian Cree
- WHO Classification of Tumours, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Andrew Field
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of NSW and Notre Dame University Medical Schools, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Ravi Mehrotra
- Chip Foundation, Noida, India
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Selective deployment of dynamic telecytology for rapid evaluation of cytology smears: assessment of workflow processes and role of cytopathology fellows as on-site operators. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2021; 10:577-584. [PMID: 34238730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The deployment of telecytology (TC) requires a substantial investment of financial and human resources. To offset the high demand for rapid on-site evaluation, we performed a limited deployment of dynamic TC and have detailed the workflow processes and the role of trainees. MATERIALS AND METHODS TC systems were installed in radiology suites with a high volume of cases. Validation was performed using retrospective and prospective cases. Cytotechnologists and cytopathology fellows were the operators of the instrument. TC malignant and benign diagnoses were correlated with the final sign-out diagnoses. RESULTS Of the 120 cases, 50 (41.6%) were fine needle aspirations and 70 (58.3%) were touch imprint smears of core biopsy specimens. The cytotechnologists were the operators for 34 cases (28.3%) and cytology fellows for 86 cases (71.6%). Adequacy concordance with the final diagnosis was 100% and 98.5% in the retrospective and prospective cases, respectively. In the prospective cases, concordance of TC with the final diagnosis of malignancy was 42 of 45 (93.3%), with 2 of 45 (4.4%) discordant and a downgrade rate of 2.7%. For the benign diagnoses, the concordance was 90%. For the malignant diagnoses, the sensitivity of TC was 97.67% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.71 to 99.94%; specificity, 81.82%; 95% CI, 48.22% to 97.72%). The positive predictive value was 95.45% (95% CI, 85.69% to 98.66%), the negative predictive value was 90.00% (95% CI, 55.98% to 98.45%), and the accuracy was 94.44% (95% CI, 84.61% to 98.84%). CONCLUSIONS TC can be deployed in a limited fashion as an option for cytopathologists to offset the high demand for rapid on-site evaluations. Trainee participation in TC service is important for building confidence and honing their cytology skills.
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Green DM, Boivin ME, Everts RM, Proskovec RE, Yaman LM, Dunn DR, Hallberg-Wallace KM, Bissell CE, Marotti JD. Implementation and assessment of a telecytology quality assurance program. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2020; 10:239-245. [PMID: 33189637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The College of American Pathologists mandates that telepathology services are included in laboratory quality management programs. The aim of this study was to assess a telecytology quality assurance (QA) process that we implemented in 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS Each month, a cytotechnologist randomly selected 3 telecytology fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cases from each cytopathologist on the FNA service that month. Data were recorded in a monthly worksheet and included onsite telecytology adequacy, final adequacy, concordance, onsite operator, cytopathologist, and reason for discrepancy, if present. The worksheet was reviewed monthly, discordant cases were re-examined, and feedback to cytologists was provided. For this study, worksheets from October 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS The QA program captured 488 cases, representing 25% of total cases that utilized telecytology during the evaluation period (n = 1983). The telecytology onsite assessment was concordant with the final cytologic assessment in 84% (410 of 488) of cases. The majority of discordant cases (72 of 78, 92%) were the result of an "Inadequate" onsite telecytology assessment, but a final diagnosis was able to be rendered; 92% of these cases were attributed to diagnostic material being present in cytologic preparations not available during the onsite assessment. Nine telecytology onsite interpretation errors were identified, of which 7 were provided by cytopathologists with less than 2 years of experience. CONCLUSIONS Most telecytology cases with onsite assessment errors were evaluated by cytopathologists with less than 2 years of practice experience; therefore, careful monitoring of new staff should be considered when developing a telecytology QA program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Megan E Boivin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Rachael M Everts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Rebecca E Proskovec
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Linda M Yaman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Danielle R Dunn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Karyn M Hallberg-Wallace
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Chloe E Bissell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Jonathan D Marotti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire.
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Xing J, Monaco SE, Cuda J, Pantanowitz L. Telecytology rapid on-site evaluation: Diagnostic challenges, technical issues and lessons learned. Cytopathology 2020; 31:402-410. [PMID: 31984572 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has been widely used to improve diagnostic adequacy and facilitate specimen triage. Telecytology ROSE has gained popularity recently and shown high concordance with traditional ROSE. However, telecytology involves multiple personnel and technical devices that could introduce additional errors. The aim of this paper is to share errors encountered and lessons learned since employing telecytology for ROSE at our institution. METHODS The laboratory information system was searched for all documented telecytology ROSE errors from 2017 to 2019. These errors were subclassified as technical errors, cytotechnologist-related errors and pathologist-related errors. The following details were recorded for each reported event: type of error, reason for error, ROSE diagnosis, final diagnosis and actions taken to avoid future errors. RESULTS Telecytology ROSE errors were documented in 46 (1.3%) sessions. Ten (22%) had technical errors, 13 (28%) were owing to cytotechnologist errors and 23 (50%) were attributed to pathologist interpretation errors. The majority of the technical (90%) and cytotechnologist errors (85%) occurred within the first year of implementation of telecytology. Common ROSE misinterpretation errors included missing microorganisms, misclassifying neuroendocrine tumours as other neoplasms and overcalling malignancy on gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. CONCLUSIONS A variety of errors may occur during telecytology ROSE. While some errors are inevitable (eg, information technology downtime), certain telecytology errors can be reduced by increasing staff familiarity with the system, providing timely feedbacks and taking prompt corrective actions. We recommend establishing a mechanism to document and act upon recorded errors as part of a telecytology quality improvement programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xing
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sara E Monaco
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Cuda
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Monaco SE, Han M, Dietz R, Xing J, Cuda J, Pantanowitz L. Assessing competency for remote telecytology rapid on‐site evaluation using pre‐recorded dynamic video streaming. Cytopathology 2020; 31:411-418. [DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara E. Monaco
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Min Han
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Robin Dietz
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Juan Xing
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Jacqueline Cuda
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Pittsburgh PA USA
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Monaco SE, Koah AE, Xing J, Ahmed I, Cuda J, Cunningham J, Metahri D, Progar A, Pantanowitz L. Telecytology implementation: Deployment of telecytology for rapid on-site evaluations at an Academic Medical Center. Diagn Cytopathol 2018; 47:206-213. [PMID: 30588767 DOI: 10.1002/dc.24077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are limited publications that address technical and practical informatics considerations when implementing telecytology for rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). Our aim was to share the experience of deploying telecytology for ROSE at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS Key informatics issues relevant to adopting telecytology for ROSE at our institution were appraised including workflow, information technology (IT), validation, training, and quality assurance (QA). RESULTS A dynamic telemicroscopy solution was selected that required trained cytotechnologists to attend on-site procedures for ROSE. For validation 60 cases were reviewed using the first camera at each facility, but only 20 cases to validate subsequent cameras. A concordance rate of >90% between ROSE interpretation performed digitally to original interpretations was required for clinical validation. After reviewing 440 cases from two comparable time periods before and after implementation, employing telecytology was shown to decrease cytopathologists' work time per ROSE case from an average of 20.95 min per case to 2.91 min per case (86% time savings). The non-diagnostic rate for traditional ROSE was 7.7% compared with 4.1% after the implementation of telecytology, and the deferral rate went from 43.6% for traditional ROSE to 44.1% with telecytology. Traditional ROSE diagnoses correlated with final diagnoses in 91.8% cases, compared to 95.5% with telecytology. CONCLUSIONS Challenges when implementing telecytology for ROSE included technical issues, workflow concerns, and incorporating trainees into daily practice. The end result of our implementation was the adoption of an innovative way to deliver a ROSE service that maximised efficiency for cytopathologists without compromising diagnostic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Monaco
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amber E Koah
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Juan Xing
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ishtiaque Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jackie Cuda
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jayna Cunningham
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Djamila Metahri
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Abbigal Progar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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