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Giorgetti A, Pascali JP, Pelletti G, Silvestri A, Giovannini E, Pelotti S, Fais P. Routine Photography of Injuries: A Comparison Between Smartphone Cameras and Digital Single-Lens Camera-A Pilot Study. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2023; 44:83-89. [PMID: 37010986 PMCID: PMC10184793 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000825] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ten lesions were photographed with an entry-level (HUAWEI P smart 2019), a midrange (Samsung Galaxy S8) and a high range (Apple Iphone XR) smartphone camera and with a digital single-lens camera (DSLC). Images were independently rated by 3 pathologists, based on comparison to the real lesion and "visual impact." Difference of perceptual lightness coordinates between smartphones and the criterion standard (DSLC) was calculated.The highest ranking for adherence to reality was obtained with DSLC, while the highest ranking for visual impact was obtained with the Iphone. The color representation better reflecting the criterion standard (DSLC) was obtained for the entry-level smartphone.All the devices allow to assess the general features (ie, the color, the shape, and the main characteristics) of an injury during a forensic autopsy. However, results might be different when photos are obtained in suboptimal, such as low-light, conditions. Moreover, images acquired through a smartphone camera might be unsuitable for later image exploitation, such as enlargement of a portion of the image to magnification of a detail, which seemed not relevant when the photo was shot. Only a raw image, acquired using a dedicated camera and deactivating images manipulation software, might allow the preservation of the true data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- From the Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna
| | - Jennifer Paola Pascali
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Guido Pelletti
- From the Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna
| | - Annamaria Silvestri
- From the Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna
| | - Elena Giovannini
- From the Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna
| | - Susi Pelotti
- From the Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna
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Digital media archive for gross pathology images based on open-source tools and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR). Mod Pathol 2021; 34:1686-1695. [PMID: 34035438 PMCID: PMC8144276 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00824-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Macroscopic examination of surgical pathology and autopsy cases is a fundamental component of anatomic pathology. The photographic documentation of such clinical specimens is essential, and it may be required in certain instances. Our department began using consumer-grade digital cameras in 2005 to improve the practice of gross photography. However, the lack of an application to correctly catalog the photographs resulted in thousands of digital image files scattered across shared network drives, with limited case and patient metadata, making image retrieval a cumbersome and sometimes impossible task. Thirteen years later, we examined the legacy method of acquiring and accessing gross photographs in our department and determined the need for a web-based digital media archive to capture images with structured metadata. Using several open-source tools, including MediaWiki, we developed a flexible platform for building our digital media archive with a data schema based on the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources standard. Following a short pilot, we replaced the legacy method of handling gross pathology images with a new acquisition workflow and digital media archive. Through March 2021, 233 distinct users have accessed the system, 58 of which have uploaded 21,024 images. Of those images, 13,684 (65.1%) correspond to surgical pathology images, 4045 (19.2%) belong to neuropathology cases, and 3295 (15.7%) originate from autopsies. We demonstrate the design and implementation of a customizable anatomic pathology digital media archive solution in an academic pathology department setting using a modern standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically. The system's efficiency and scalability for our current operation will enable us to integrate with other applications and pathology informatics initiatives in the future.
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Lam H, Kwan R, Tuthill M, Haghighi M. UniTwain: A Cost-Effective Solution for Lean Gross Imaging. J Pathol Inform 2020; 11:31. [PMID: 33343992 PMCID: PMC7737491 DOI: 10.4103/jpi.jpi_42_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gross imaging of surgical specimens is paramount for the accurate gross examination and diagnosis of disease. Optimized imaging workflow can facilitate consistently high-quality gross photographs, especially in high-volume, metropolitan hospitals such as ours. Most commercial medical gross imaging technology provides ergonomically well-designed hardware, remotely operated cameras, intuitive software interfaces, and automation of workflow. However, these solutions are usually cost-prohibitive and require a large sum of capital budget. Materials and Methods: We applied lean techniques such as value stream mapping (VSM) to design a streamlined and error-free workflow for gross imaging process. We implemented a cost-effective technology, UniTwain, combined with high-resolution webcam to achieve the ideal results. Results: We reduced the mean process time from 600 min to 4.0 min (99.3% decrease in duration); the median process time was reduced from 580 min to 3.0 min. The process efficiency increased from 20% to 100%. The implemented solution has a comparable durability, scalability, and archiving feasibility to commercial medical imaging systems and costs four times less. The only limitations are manual operation of the webcam and lower resolution. The webcam sensors have 8.2 megapixel (MP) resolution, approximately 12 MP less than medical imaging devices. However, we believe that this difference is not visually significant and the effect on gross diagnosis with the naked eye is minimal. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study that utilized UniTwain as a viable, low-cost solution to streamline the gross imaging workflow. The UniTwain combined with high-resolution webcam could be a suitable alternative for our institution that does not plan to heavily invest in medical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Lam
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ricky Kwan
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark Tuthill
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mehrvash Haghighi
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Automated high-speed, high-resolution whole slide image (WSI) technology is being rapidly adopted in pathology owing to increased speed of computing, rapid networking, and high image quality and potential to reduce the overall turnaround time required for slide assessment. Method/objectives: This review presents the structure, functioning and performance of some of the WSI systems available in the market and highlights a few validation studies that have been performed to assess the overall utility of WSI systems. CONCLUSION The automated WSI is a robotic microscope that digitizes the entire slide field by field and uses software to merge or stitch individual fields into a composite image. Commercially available systems provide many improved functions that are useful for editing the digital images and improving the image quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqas Amin
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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Barut C, Ertilav H. Guidelines for standard photography in gross and clinical anatomy. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2011; 4:348-356. [PMID: 21796798 DOI: 10.1002/ase.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Revised: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Photography has a widespread usage in medicine and anatomy. In this review, authors focused on the usage of photography in gross and clinical anatomy. Photography in gross and clinical anatomy is not only essential for accurate documentation of morphological findings but also important in sharing knowledge and experience. Photographs of cadavers are supposed to demonstrate the required information clearly. Thus, photographs should be taken with certain techniques in order to obtain high quality and standardization. Camera, lens, lighting, background, and certain photographic techniques are among the factors to achieve precise images. A set of suggested guidelines for accomplishing these standards are given for anatomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cagatay Barut
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Zonguldak, Turkey.
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Rubegni P, Nami N, Poggiali S, Tataranno D, Fimiani M. Digital image management project for dermatological health care environments: a new dedicated software and review of the literature. Skin Res Technol 2009; 15:148-56. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2008.00339.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Laboratory informatics is the application of computers and information systems to information management in the pathology laboratory. Effective information management is crucial to the success of pathologists and laboratorians. Informatics has become one of the key pillars of pathology, and the requirement for skilled informaticists in the laboratory has quickly grown. This article provides a wide-ranging review of pertinent aspects of laboratory informatics, and deals with important technical and management processes. Topics covered include personal computing, networks, databases, fundamentals and advanced functions of the laboratory information system, interfaces and standards, digital imaging, coding, hospital information systems and electronic medical records.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA.
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Abstract
This paper describes the development of a specialist forensic post-mortem room, complete with digital imaging facilities, by the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. It gives the background to the development of the facility, and briefly details the specifications before discussing the use of digital imaging in evidence and the need for a full-time specialist forensic medical photographer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Crompton
- Media Resources Centre, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
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Melín-Aldana H, Carter B, Sciortino D. Documentation of surgical specimens using digital video technology. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2006; 130:1335-8. [PMID: 16948521 DOI: 10.5858/2006-130-1335-dossud] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Digital technology is commonly used for documentation of specimens in anatomic pathology and has been mainly limited to still photographs. Technologic innovations, such as digital video, provide additional, in some cases better, options for documentation. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the applicability of digital video to the documentation of surgical specimens. DESIGN A Canon Elura MC40 digital camcorder was used, and the unedited movies were transferred to a Macintosh PowerBook G4 computer. Both the camcorder and specimens were hand-held during filming. The movies were edited using the software iMovie. Annotations and histologic photographs may be easily incorporated into movies when editing, if desired. RESULTS The finished movies are best viewed in computers which contain the free program QuickTime Player. Movies may also be incorporated onto DVDs, for viewing in standard DVD players or appropriately equipped computers. The final movies are on average 2 minutes in duration, with a file size between 2 and 400 megabytes, depending on the intended use. Because of file size, distribution is more practical via CD or DVD, but movies may be compressed for distribution through the Internet (e-mail, Web sites) or through internal hospital networks. CONCLUSIONS Digital video is a practical, easy, and affordable methodology for specimen documentation, permitting a better 3-dimensional understanding of the specimens. Discussions with colleagues, student education, presentation at conferences, and other educational activities can be enhanced with the implementation of digital video technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Melín-Aldana
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Ill 60614, USA.
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Bergh B. Enterprise imaging and multi-departmental PACS. Eur Radiol 2006; 16:2775-91. [PMID: 16912852 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-006-0352-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2005] [Revised: 05/01/2006] [Accepted: 06/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to present the status of digital image acquisition and archiving outside of radiology and to describe the technical concepts and possibilities of how a "radiology" Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) can become a multi-departmental (MD-)PACS. First the principles of system integration technology are explained and illustrated by the description of a typical radiology system integration. Then four types of modality integration approaches are defined: the direct modality integration (Type-I), the integration via DICOM acquisition software (Type-II) the integration via specialised systems either with (Type-III) or without PACS connection (Type-IV). The last section is dedicated to the presentation of the PACS requirements of selected interdisciplinary modality types [Endoscopy, Ultrasound and Electrocardiography (ECG)] and clinical disciplines (Pathology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology and Cardiology), which are then compared with the technical possibilities of a MD-PACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Bergh
- Information Technology and Medical Engineering, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Tiergartenstrasse 15, 69121 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Ho J, Parwani AV, Jukic DM, Yagi Y, Anthony L, Gilbertson JR. Use of whole slide imaging in surgical pathology quality assurance: design and pilot validation studies. Hum Pathol 2006; 37:322-31. [PMID: 16613327 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2005.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
By imaging large numbers of slides automatically at high resolution, modem automated whole slide imaging (WSI) systems have the potential to become useful tools in pathology practice. This article describes a pilot validation study for use of automated high-speed WSI systems for surgical pathology quality assurance (QA). This was a retrospective comparative study in which 24 full genitourinary cases (including 47 surgical parts and 391 slides) were independently reviewed with traditional microscopy and whole slide digital images. Approximately half the cases had neoplasia in the diagnostic line. At the end of the study, diagnostic discrepancies were evaluated by a pathology consensus committee. The study pathologists felt that the traditional and WSI methods were comparable for case review. They reported no difference in perceived case complexity or diagnostic confidence between the methods. There were 4 clinically insignificant discrepancies with the signed-out cases: 2 from glass slide and 2 with WSI review. Of the 2 discrepancies reported by the WSI method, the committee agreed with the reviewer once and the original report once. At the end of the study, the participants agreed that automated WSI is a viable potential modality for surgical pathology QA, especially in multifacility health systems that would like to establish interfacility QA. The participants felt that major issues limiting the implementation of WSI-based QA did not involve image acquisition or quality but rather image management issues such as the pathologist's interface, the hospital's network, and integration with the laboratory information system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonhan Ho
- Center for Pathology Informatics, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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12
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Sinard JH, Mattie ME. Overcoming the Limitations of Integrated Clinical Digital Imaging Solutions. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2005; 129:1118-26. [PMID: 16119983 DOI: 10.5858/2005-129-1118-otloic] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Context.—Digital imaging is increasingly common in medicine. Vendors of anatomic pathology software have addressed this need by integrating digital image acquisition and storage into their products. While offering a number of advantages, these solutions cannot be easily adapted to accommodate the existing work flow for many pathology departments.
Objective.—To describe a novel solution that maintains the advantages of these integrated solutions but offers many additional flexibilities, making it more compatible with the work flow in most clinical departments.
Design.—This solution involves separating the image acquisition step from the image archiving process and creating dual-image storages for greater usability. Software needed to deploy this modular and scalable solution is described.
Results.—We have deployed this solution at our institution and achieved widespread acceptance and use, with minimal training required. Deployment in the surgical pathology gross specimen room, in particular, has resulted in a significant increase in the number of photographs taken and the percentage of cases documented photographically.
Conclusions.—The complete clinical digital imaging solution described herein is an effective, scalable solution for pathology imaging at a departmental level. Although developed and implemented in an anatomic pathology department, the method described is generally applicable to digital imaging in any large multiuser environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Sinard
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Riley RS, Ben-Ezra JM, Massey D, Slyter RL, Romagnoli G. Digital photography: a primer for pathologists. J Clin Lab Anal 2004; 18:91-128. [PMID: 15065212 PMCID: PMC6807831 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.20009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The computer and the digital camera provide a unique means for improving hematology education, research, and patient service. High quality photographic images of gross specimens can be rapidly and conveniently acquired with a high-resolution digital camera, and specialized digital cameras have been developed for photomicroscopy. Digital cameras utilize charge-coupled devices (CCD) or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors to measure light energy and additional circuitry to convert the measured information into a digital signal. Since digital cameras do not utilize photographic film, images are immediately available for incorporation into web sites or digital publications, printing, transfer to other individuals by email, or other applications. Several excellent digital still cameras are now available for less than 2,500 dollars that capture high quality images comprised of more than 6 megapixels. These images are essentially indistinguishable from conventional film images when viewed on a quality color monitor or printed on a quality color or black and white printer at sizes up to 11x14 inches. Several recent dedicated digital photomicroscopy cameras provide an ultrahigh quality image output of more than 12 megapixels and have low noise circuit designs permitting the direct capture of darkfield and fluorescence images. There are many applications of digital images of pathologic specimens. Since pathology is a visual science, the inclusion of quality digital images into lectures, teaching handouts, and electronic documents is essential. A few institutions have gone beyond the basic application of digital images to developing large electronic hematology atlases, animated, audio-enhanced learning experiences, multidisciplinary Internet conferences, and other innovative applications. Digital images of single microscopic fields (single frame images) are the most widely utilized in hematology education at this time, but single images of many adjacent microscopic fields can be stitched together to prepare "zoomable" panoramas that encompass a large part of a microscope slide and closely simulate observation through a real microscope. With further advances in computer speed and Internet streaming technology, the virtual microscope could easily replace the real microscope in pathology education. Later in this decade, interactive immersive computer experiences may completely revolutionize hematology education and make the conventional lecture and laboratory format obsolete. Patient care is enhanced by the transmission of digital images to other individuals for consultation and education, and by the inclusion of these images in patient care documents. In research laboratories, digital cameras are widely used to document experimental results and to obtain experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger S Riley
- Department of Pathology, MCV Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0250, USA.
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Leong FJWM, Leong ASY. Digital imaging in pathology: theoretical and practical considerations, and applications. Pathology 2004; 36:234-41. [PMID: 15203727 DOI: 10.1080/00313020410001692576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Digital imaging is rapidly replacing photographic prints and Kodachromes for pathology reporting and conference purposes. Advanced systems linked to computers allow greater versatility and speed of turn-around as well as lower costs, allowing the incorporation of macroscopic and microscopic pictures into routine pathology reports and publications. Digital images allow transmission to remote sites via the Internet for primary diagnosis, consultation, quality assurance and educational purposes and can be stored and disseminated in CD-ROMs. Total slide digitisation is now a reality and has the potential to replace glass slides to a large extent. There are extensive applications of digital images in education and research, allowing more objective and automated quantitation of a variety of morphological and immunohistological parameters. Three-dimensional images of gross specimens can be developed and posted on websites for interactive educational programs and preliminary reports indicate that medical vision systems are a reality and can provide for automated computer generated histopathological diagnosis and quality assurance.
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Park RW, Eom JH, Byun HY, Park P, Lee KB, Joo HJ. Automation of gross photography using a remote-controlled digital camera system. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2003; 127:726-31. [PMID: 12741899 DOI: 10.5858/2003-127-726-aogpua] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Conventional gross photography requires a series of tedious and time-consuming steps, including taking, developing, labeling, sorting, filing, and tracking numerous photographs. OBJECTIVE To describe how to automate the gross photographic process by way of controlling a digital camera remotely. DESIGN After defining the requirements of automation regarding gross photography, a remote control board, foot switch, barcode system, and image retrieval system were devised. SETTING The surgical pathology laboratory of a university medical center with a commercially available megapixel digital camera. RESULTS The digital camera zoom and shutter were controlled remotely by a foot switch. A large portion of the gross photographic process, including specimen number labeling, image downloading, labeling, sorting, filing, and tracking, were automated. In addition, the elimination of several manual specimen-processing steps, along with not having to wait for the developing and mounting of conventional 35-mm film, reduced the entire time span required in conventional gross photography from 2 to 5 days, to a few minutes. It was also possible to review the gross images at the time of microscopic sign-out. CONCLUSIONS The automation of gross photography using a remote-controlled digital camera changes the conventional gross workflow markedly. We found use of a remote-controlled gross photography system to be practical, convenient, and efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rae-Woong Park
- Department of Pathology, Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
The benefits of digital photography are certainly numerous and include rapid image production, easy and quick deletion of poor images, no need for film or its associated expenses, decreased costs for enlargements, ease of editing and image storage, effortless placement in presentations or publications. Many physicians believe that the benefits of digital images clearly outweigh any limitations that future technologic advances will minimize. Digital imaging allows for the seamless integration of all patient images (e.g., clinical, radiographic, pathologic) into the medical record. Additionally, manipulating these images with lighting, filters, of other processing techniques may encourage diagnostic advances (e.g., distinguishing between benign and malignant surface lesions). Some drawbacks, however, continue to exist, including cost of the hardware and software, continuously evolving technology, power consumption and battery usage, lower image resolution compared with 35-mm photography, and the need to have backup image files. With decreasing costs, improving resolutions, and enhanced capabilities, digital cameras will overcome these limitations rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard V Smith
- Department of Otolaryngology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 3400 Bainbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10467, USA.
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Marchevsky AM, Dulbandzhyan R, Seely K, Carey S, Duncan RG. Storage and distribution of pathology digital images using integrated web-based viewing systems. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2002; 126:533-9. [PMID: 11958657 DOI: 10.5858/2002-126-0533-sadopd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Health care providers have expressed increasing interest in incorporating digital images of gross pathology specimens and photomicrographs in routine pathology reports. OBJECTIVE To describe the multiple technical and logistical challenges involved in the integration of the various components needed for the development of a system for integrated Web-based viewing, storage, and distribution of digital images in a large health system. DESIGN An Oracle version 8.1.6 database was developed to store, index, and deploy pathology digital photographs via our Intranet. The database allows for retrieval of images by patient demographics or by SNOMED code information. SETTING The Intranet of a large health system accessible from multiple computers located within the medical center and at distant private physician offices. RESULTS The images can be viewed using any of the workstations of the health system that have authorized access to our Intranet, using a standard browser or a browser configured with an external viewer or inexpensive plug-in software, such as Prizm 2.0. The images can be printed on paper or transferred to film using a digital film recorder. Digital images can also be displayed at pathology conferences by using wireless local area network (LAN) and secure remote technologies. CONCLUSIONS The standardization of technologies and the adoption of a Web interface for all our computer systems allows us to distribute digital images from a pathology database to a potentially large group of users distributed in multiple locations throughout a large medical center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M Marchevsky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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