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. 2022 Jul 31;9(1):100047.
doi: 10.1016/j.acpath.2022.100047. eCollection 2022.

Validation of portable tablets for transplant pathology diagnosis according to the College of American Pathologists Guidelines

Stefano Marletta  1 , Liron Pantanowitz  2 , Deborah Malvi  3 , Luca Novelli  4 , Claudia Mescoli  5 , Massimo Cardillo  6 , Antonietta D'Errico  3 , Ilaria Girolami  7 , Albino Eccher  8
Affiliations

Validation of portable tablets for transplant pathology diagnosis according to the College of American Pathologists Guidelines

Stefano Marletta et al. Acad Pathol. .

Abstract

Despite increased use of digital pathology, its application in the transplantation setting remains limited. One of the restraints is related to concerns that this technology is inadequate for supporting diagnostic work. In this study, we sought to establish non inferiority of whole slide imaging (WSI) to light microscopy (LM) for intraoperative transplantation diagnosis using inexpensive portable devices. A validation study was conducted according to updated guidelines from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) utilizing 80 intraoperative transplantation cases. Two pathologists reviewed glass slides with LM and digital slides on two different tablets after a washout period of 4 weeks. Diagnostic concordance and intra-observer agreement were recorded. A total of 45 (56%) cases were suitable for rendering transplant diagnoses and 35 (44%) for assessing cancer risk. Intra-observer agreement was 95.1% for organ suitability and 100% for cancer risk. There were no major discordances that could affect patient transplant management. Digital evaluation of intraoperative transplant specimens using tablets to view whole slide images was non-inferior to LM for primary diagnosis. This suggests that after validating WSI these digital tools can be safely used for remote intraoperative transplantation diagnostic work.

Keywords: Digital pathology; Tablets; Transplantation pathology; Validation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Liron Pantanowitz serves as a consultant for NTP. The other authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Fixed digital workstation (scanner & monitor) and the 2 portable monitors for remote viewing.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Schematic workflow of the validation study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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