Course Outline
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- Overview of Whole Slide Imaging
- Introduction to Whole Slide Imaging and Digital Pathology
- Key Definitions
- Brief History
- Digital pathology is best defined as:
- Basic Principles of Whole Slide Imaging
- Essential Equipment and Digital Systems for Whole Slide Imaging
- Hardware Components
- Whole Slide Imaging Scanners: Categories
- Workstation Requirements
- Display: Visual Gateway to the Digital Slide
- True or False: The physical foundation of a WSI system includes scanners, workstations, and displays.
- Current Uses of Whole Slide Imaging
- Advantages and Limitations of Whole Slide Imaging
- Hidden Facts: Histology and Scanning Artifacts in Whole Slide Imaging
- Potential Sources of Error in Digital Pathology: Histology and Scanner Artifacts
- From Tissue to Glass: Origins of Structural Artifacts
- From Glass Slide to Digital Image: Digital Scanning Artifacts
- True or False: Oversized tissue sections may result in incomplete image capture during scanning.
- Role of Anatomical Pathology Professionals in Validation and Quality Control
- Regulatory Requirements
- Conclusion
- References
Additional Information
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Histotechnologists, histotechnicians, pathologists' assistants, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for HTL and HT students, cytologists, and pathology residents.
Author Information:
Galina F. Khramtsova, MD, PhD, MS, HTL(ASCP)CM, earned her MD and PhD degrees at the St. Petersburg State I.I. Mechnikov Medical Academy. She also holds an MS degree in biology from St. Petersburg State University. She worked for many years in the field of molecular pathology and research. Currently, she is working as a senior scientist in the Department of Medicine at the University of Chicago and is involved in the research and training of rotating medical students, residents, and fellows in medical laboratory science.
Andrey I. Khramtsov, MD, PhD, MS, PA(ASCP)CM, earned his MD and PhD degrees at the St. Petersburg State Medical Academy. He was a staff pathologist in various hospitals and universities in Russia and as a senior scientist at the University of Chicago. He also holds an MS degree from the Pathologists' Assistant Program at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Currently, he is working in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and is involved in the training of medical students, residents, and fellows.
The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information: Brandon Possum, HT(ASCP), is a histotechnologist with over a decade of specialized experience in Mohs histology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He is board-certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and holds a New York State Histotechnician (HT) license. Brandon began his career with a strong foundation in traditional histology through his formal college education before advancing into the specialized field of Mohs frozen sectioning. In addition to his clinical work, Brandon is actively engaged in professional education. He regularly participates in speaking engagements and educational sessions focused on Mohs histology.
Course Description: Whole
slide imaging (WSI) is a digital pathology method that creates
high-resolution scanned images of entire histopathology glass slides.
WSI supports diagnostic review, quality assurance, telepathology,
teaching, digital archiving, and image analysis. WSI integrates
essential scanning equipment, digital platforms, and standardized
workflows. This course focuses on core principles of whole slide
imaging, including scanning, storage, quality control, regulatory
requirements, and practical applications for laboratory
professionals.