Telepathology is the practice of pathology at a distance, using telecommunications technology to facilitate the transfer of image-rich pathology data between distant locations. It involves the interpretation of medical images, such as tissue and cell samples, using digital means rather than physical slides. This can be done in real-time (live video microscopy) or by sending digitized images for later review (static image telepathology).
Telepathology is part of the broader field of telemedicine, which leverages digital communication technologies to provide clinical services remotely. The evolution of telepathology has been driven by advancements in high-speed internet, image capture, and digital storage technologies, making it more feasible to send high-quality images quickly.
There are three primary types of telepathology:
Static Telepathology: Digital images of pathology slides are captured and then transmitted for a pathologist’s review. This method is not real-time, but it allows the remote pathologist to examine the images at their convenience.
Dynamic Telepathology: A real-time interaction between the pathologist and the remote site using live-streaming video microscopy. The remote pathologist controls the microscope and can provide a diagnosis during the session.
Hybrid Telepathology: A combination of static and dynamic methods where certain images are sent in advance for pre-analysis, and real-time consultations can be conducted if needed.
Uses of Telepathology :
Remote diagnostics, especially in areas with limited access to pathologists.
Consultations between specialists across different geographic locations.
Educational purposes for medical students and pathology trainees.
Telepathology is increasingly important in regions where pathologists are scarce or where there are significant time and cost savings in not transporting physical slides.
As a part of the broader field of telemedicine, which leverages digital communication technologies to provide clinical services remotely. The evolution of telepathology has been driven by advancements in high-speed internet, image capture, and digital storage technologies, making it more feasible to send high-quality images quickly.
