Already a world leader in radiology information systems (RIS) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) for medical images generated, for example, in radiology and cardiology departments, Philips has now designed sophisticated digital pathology solutions to ease the workload and support decision making in central and hospital-based pathology departments.
One way that pathologists diagnose and characterize disease is by examining tissue samples removed from patients. The vast majority of cancer diagnoses are made or confirmed by a pathologist. By digitizing the images that pathologists normally view through a microscope, Philips' goal is to bring the digital switchover benefits currently enjoyed by radiology departments to this second very important area of disease diagnosis.
Key to the successful implementation of digital pathology solutions are systems that are designed around the needs of the user, that are easy to use, and that seamlessly fit into existing workflows. Philips is addressing these critical requirements by working closely with leading pathologists in the USA and Europe. The Philips system comprises a high-throughput pathology slide scanner and high-capacity image storage and viewing system, plus advanced software for feature recognition and
analysis.
