• OVERVIEW
• DIGITAL PATHOLOGY APPLICATIONS OVERVIEW >>
  • Digitization and Archiving
  • Whole Slide Image Analysis
  • Second Opinions
  • Reporting
  • Quality Control
  • Remote Sign-out
  • Remote Consultations
  • Tumor Boards
  • Remote Frozen Sections
  • Telepathology
  • Pathology Education
• ENABLING PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
• EXTERNAL RESOURCES

Remote Frozen Sections

One of the most powerful applications of digital pathology is remote viewing of frozen sections. In traditional practice, the pathologist is required to be on site to interpret the frozen section. This interpretation often dictates the subsequent course of surgery. In many practices, a pathologist has to travel to the site where the frozen section is requested. The time spent driving, waiting for the frozen section and performing the frozen section can be a long one.

Digital pathology provides a viable and cost effective way to provide frozen section support to remote hospitals and surgery centers. With this capability, institutions can have a technician prepare the section, scan the slide and upload it on to the network. The pathologist has immediate access to the image and can view and interpret it remotely. Surgeons in the operating room can have real time consultations with pathologists remotely viewing the frozen section. By digitizing frozen section slides, one can get an expert opinion remotely. Remote frozen sections are especially beneficial to smaller, rural hospitals where technical experts may not be readily available.

The efficiency and productivity of a pathologist is maximized as they can continue to sign out cases instead of having to travel and wait for the frozen section to be prepared.