Digital Pathology

Keeping a patient-centric approach, finding the right partner and recognizing technology change as a strategic and cultural shift were the keys to success for CorePath when choosing and implementing digital pathology.

This approach has helped the San Antonio-headquartered company, founded and led by pathologists, to reduce its turnaround time on oncology slides by 24-48 hours (sometimes more when specimen deliveries are delayed in transit). The lab normally processes about 1500-2000 slides weekly from customers across the US. A three-hospital healthcare system in the Midwest even has a scanner at one of its hospitals to send results digitally to CorePath Laboratories for its pathologists to view and assess, as this and other rural areas in the country are being disproportionately affected by healthcare staffing shortages. 

It wasn't so long ago that weather or other logistical issues could delay specimen transport for days. CorePath Laboratories CEO and Medical Director Dr. Aamir Ehsan remembers one experience when a lost package of slides meant that another sample had to be taken from a prostate cancer patient. Eighty-four percent of labs report that courier delays directly impact delivery of patient results.

CorePath has been able to expand its pathology services with digital pathology. Now, CorePath pathologists digitize almost all patient slides, allowing it to work seamlessly across the country. 

"One of the founding principles of CorePath was to care for lives and help cancer patients worldwide," said Dr. Ehsan. "Now, that has become a reality with digital pathology. Our pathologists are able to provide the right diagnosis to the right patient at the right time, even if they are hundreds or thousands of miles away. We can continue to provide consistent, high-quality care, even as the national healthcare industry faces workforce shortages and financial constraints." 

Deciding to transition to digital pathology 

"Three years ago, the conversation was largely about whether digital pathology was feasible," said Curtis Loos, Executive Vice President of Business Operations. "There were questions around equipment, costs and regulatory considerations. Today, the discussion has shifted to how we fully leverage digital pathology. We're focused on optimizing workflow, enabling remote collaboration, integrating our software platform and expanding specialty access. Digital pathology has moved from being a future concept to becoming a central part of modern diagnostic practice." 

The next step was to find the right partner.  

"CorePath was looking for a digital pathology partner who could provide reliable and user-friendly technology and that would also support a strong workflow integration with our lab," said Ruben Alvarado, CorePath Histology Supervisor. "As clinical lab scientists, we've seen faster slide scanning, high quality images and easier case sharing by integrating the VENTANA DP 600 slide scanner with our laboratory information system."

Alvarado's advice to other labs in looking for a digital pathology partner is to look for a partner who is passionate about diagnostic excellence and patient care and understands your workflow.  

"Your digital pathology scanning partner needs to not just provide the technology but also provide continuous support throughout the transition and beyond," Alvarado said. 

Implementing digital pathology 

The most important aspect of implementing digital pathology is considering it strategically and holistically within an organization. 

"Digital pathology implementation should be approached as a strategic organizational initiative, not simply a technology purchase," said Loos. "Develop a clear project roadmap. Designate strong leadership, ideally a dedicated project manager and keep the organization focused on the long-term operational benefit. It's also important to recognize that transitioning from glass slides to digital workflow represents a cultural shift. Engaging teams early and encouraging feedback throughout the process is critical to success." 

To help some pathologists overcome concerns about digital pathology, Dr. Ehsan recommends ensuring the workflow is solid and well-communicated. 

"You need to create a workflow integration for pathologists," Dr. Ehsan said. "No matter how good the scanner is, you need a good IMS (image management system), solid IT infrastructure and LIS (laboratory information system) for a successful execution." 

Digital pathology as talent attraction 

With two sons as medical students, Dr. Ehsan is acutely aware of the need to be on the leading edge of technology to be relevant to the younger generation.  

"No one is buying a microscope anymore," he said. "The first thing new pathologists ask is 'Do you have a digital pathology platform?'" 

While most of CorePath's pathology staff is based in San Antonio, the opportunity to do remote work gives the business the ability to tap talent across geographies, he said. 

"With digital pathology, the possibilities are endless," said Dr. Ehsan. "It allows us to explore more ways to reach more patients where they normally would not have access to subspecialty expertise. It's reshaping how we think of delivering quality patient care."