From microscope to monitor
Digital pathology captures a glass slide as a high-resolution whole-slide image (WSI) that can be reviewed on screen, shared instantly and analysed by software. For Indian labs, the immediate value is tele-pathology — connecting district labs to expert centres — plus archival and teaching.
Where AI helps today
- Quantification: Ki-67 indices, mitotic counts, IHC scoring.
- Triage and screening assistance (e.g. flagging suspicious areas).
- Standardising measurements that are tedious or variable by eye.
The catch nobody mentions
AI and WSI amplify whatever is on the slide. Folds, knife chatter, uneven staining and processing artefacts confuse algorithms just as they hinder the human eye. Garbage in, garbage out applies literally.
Slide quality is the foundation
Before investing in scanners and algorithms, labs benefit most from consistent tissue processing, clean microtomy and reproducible staining. High-quality, artefact-free sections are what make digital and AI workflows trustworthy.