Acquisition and Use of Digital Images for Pathology Education and Practice

Abstract

Digital imaging systems are rapidly becoming a valued asset in the field of pathology education and practice as more emphasis is being placed upon digital technology and improved efficiency in medicine. Pathology is an image-intensive discipline which relies upon the diagnostic clarity and accuracy of pathological specimens, and technological advances in image acquisition and delivery have spurred the emergence of pathology as an increasingly “digital” discipline. Well-implemented digital imaging systems can maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and allow for the rapid repurposing of resources in addition to facilitating collaborations among educators and practitioners. Pathology collections that previously were underutilized or lie dormant in storage may now be resurrected from the notorious “image graveyard” through digitization efforts. However, acquisition of digital images can easily lead to the development of “digital image graveyards” if appropriate measure are not taken to ensure that these images are easily retrievable and accessible for use in teaching or in practice. As such, an understanding of image acquisition in addition to editing, processing, storage, management, and delivery of digital images is crucial in revitalizing pathology collections and reaping the benefits that digital imagery provides in terms of efficiency, collaboration, and repurposing.