Recommendations for pathologic practice using digital pathology: consensus report of the Korean Society of Pathologists

• Published in: Journal of pathology and translational medicine Vol. 54; no. 6; pp. 437 - 452
• Main Authors: Chong, Yosep, Kim, Dae Cheol, Jung, Chan Kwon, Kim, Dong-chul, Song, Sang Yong, Joo, Hee Jae, Yi, Sang-Yeop
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Society of Pathologists, Korean Society for Cytopathology 01.11.2020; The Korean Society of Pathologists and the Korean Society for Cytopathology; Korean Society of Pathologists & the Korean Society for Cytopathology; 대한병리학회
• Subjects: digital pathology; FDA approval; guideline; Health insurance; Hospitals; Informatics; Medical equipment; Medical technology; Pathology; quality; Quality control; recommendations; Review; Scanners; Software; validation; whole slide image; 병리학; United Kingdom > UK; United States > US; Japan; Recommendations; Validation; Digital pathology; Guideline; Whole slide image; Quality
• ISSN: 2383-7837; 2383-7845
• DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2020.08.27

Digital pathology (DP) using whole slide imaging (WSI) is becoming a fundamental issue in pathology with recent advances and the rapid development of associated technologies. However, the available evidence on its diagnostic uses and practical advice for pathologists on implementing DP remains insufficient, particularly in light of the exponential growth of this industry. To inform DP implementation in Korea, we developed relevant and timely recommendations. We first performed a literature review of DP guidelines, recommendations, and position papers from major countries, as well as a review of relevant studies validating WSI. Based on that information, we prepared a draft. After several revisions, we released this draft to the public and the members of the Korean Society of Pathologists through our homepage and held an open forum for interested parties. Through that process, this final manuscript has been prepared. This recommendation contains an overview describing the background, objectives, scope of application, and basic terminology; guidelines and considerations for the hardware and software used in DP systems and the validation required for DP implementation; conclusions; and references and appendices, including literature on DP from major countries and WSI validation studies.