The Top 3 Benefits Tech Brings to Pathologists

Image by Tim Sandle

Pathologists possess specialized training in analyzing tissues and bodily fluids with laboratory instruments and techniques. Many have adapted their processes to harness the benefits of digital pathology. What advantages can they expect from those strategic changes? 

 

By Emily Newton 

1. Accelerated Diagnoses

Pathologists’ findings provide critical insights throughout the diagnostic phase, ruling out specific ailments and confirming abnormalities through dedicated investigations. This expertise directly impacts patients, who often experience frustration, prolonged symptoms and heightened anxiety due to the associated uncertainty of health issues.

 

Technology can improve overall accuracy rates while shortening time frames, getting them on the appropriate treatment paths sooner. Team members also appreciate the improvements because they impact internal workflows in ways that minimize wasted time and resources.

 

Elea is a startup offering an artificial intelligence-powered pathology operating system that combines intelligent automation, workflow precision and communication capabilities, causing up to 60% shorter case turnaround times by streamlining essential steps. Users elevate potential efficiency during tasks such as sample processing and reporting and regain time to focus on complex duties.

 

The platform’s creators pinpointed the process-related and operational challenges numerous professionals face while including useful features to minimize manual interventions. That approach relieves administrative burdens while boosting care and keeping labs compliant with stringent regulations. Since the innovation supports real-time documentation, it increases productivity and confidence in outcomes.

 

Rapid tech adoption within the health care industry has changed other diagnosis methods. For example, applying AI algorithms to MRI machines reconstructs images faster and detects abnormalities to lighten radiologists’ workloads. These enhancements benefit everyone involved.

2. Improved Collaboration

Pathologists demonstrate internal and external teamwork during daily operations, which may require mentoring new lab staff or consulting veteran employees for assistance. Additionally, they communicate with various parties throughout medical facilities, including surgeons and specialist physicians. Better partnerships are among the frequently recognized benefits of digital pathology.

 

Technology enables quickly sharing and commenting on lab results, pictures, and other data, letting experts pool their knowledge and back up specific opinions. Estimates suggest overall adoption of digitalization tools for pathologists at this early stage is 5%-10% but could reach 90% within the next several years.

 

Technological improvements are central to the projected fast rise. Platforms can now scan, store and display high-quality images at a previously impossible scale, assisting employees who want to show content to colleagues on another floor or in a different country.

 

These offerings become even more valuable if they include advanced features that help lab staff differentiate between tumors and subtypes, conduct quantitative biomarker analyses, and improve education opportunities. In such applications, technology becomes a partner to busy individuals, helping them get advice from fellow specialists to supplement initial findings.

3. Targeted Patient Assistance

Pathologists are essential public health contributors that rely on their skills and experience to prevent and track outbreaks, monitor trends, and educate people about preventive measures against contagious illnesses. Those who understand and reap the benefits of digital pathology know technology enhances mobilization, allowing them to assist underserved populations, including residents who do not regularly visit or cannot access medical facilities.

 

In one example, authorities at the Yale School of Medicine’s pathology labs debuted an advanced laboratory in a van powered by an electrical outlet or generator. It allows care providers to meet Connecticut community members in convenient locations rather than requiring them to travel for support.

 

The specialty vehicle enables same-day sample collection and processing and gives patients the findings just as efficiently. This approach helps practitioners optimize availability by moving to various sites within a single workday, broadening the possible reach and raising visibility.

 

Employees staffing the van also dispense clinical guidance, such as explaining the next steps to individuals with identified or potential concerns that could put themselves or others at risk. They can run saliva-based PCR tests in the van and get results in only two hours, preventing lengthy delays. Additionally, efficient news accommodates households without Wi-Fi. Patients can return at specified times or receive phone calls to learn the outcomes instead of waiting for emails containing portals for retrieving test results.

 

Local partners suggested additional ways to utilize the fully licensed, high complexity molecular mobile lab by offering complementary health services. Future efforts may involve pathologists teaming up with colleagues who give blood pressure checks, glucose readings and other screenings. Similarly, staffers can distribute helpful information on matters such as STI prevention, harm reduction and recommended vaccination schedules. Collective resources give locals a one-stop destination for improved wellness and heightened awareness.

Experiencing the Benefits of Digital Pathology

These examples show how digital pathology investments help medical professionals deliver tailored patient resources, revamp existing processes and develop new ones. Decision-makers hoping to incorporate advanced technologies into labs should seek employee feedback to discover their most common challenges and which alterations would save substantial time.

 

Scheduling a generous adoption period is another crucial step for process changes and using new tools competently. It facilitates experimentation and supports finding new approaches to meet particular needs. Once the overall advantages become clear, it is easier to justify further tech enhancements across laboratories and organizations.

 

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)