Pathology Lab Management Guide: The Future of Digital Pathology

Editor's Note: The editorial team originally published this blog post on June 9, 2020, and has since updated it.

A pathologist, a microscope, and a specimen on a glass slide in a laboratory setting. This has been the foundation for pathology lab management for well over 150 years and remains the preferred method of diagnosis for the great majority of pathologists today. Given how quickly technology replaces old methods with newer ones, the microscope's enduring relevance is remarkable.

The microscope, when integrated with anatomic pathology software powered by a laboratory information system (LIS), remains essential to most path lab workflows. Yet, new digital pathology solutions are increasingly supplementing and challenging this approach, offering more efficient and scalable alternatives.

Case Study: OnePath - Transforming Pathology Lab Management Through Digital Innovation

The Growth of Pathology Lab Software and Digital Pathology Solutions During the Pandemic

Digital pathology workflows became increasingly important out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as new challenges and requirements accelerated the shift.

On March 26, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) waived the requirement that pathologists must perform diagnostic tests in CLIA-licensed facilities. It opened a previously closed door, enabling pathologists to review cases and perform sign-outs remotely using the latest digital pathology solutions. Regulatory authorities enacted the waiver to preserve continuity of patient care while ensuring the safety of pathologists and other lab personnel by minimizing their risk of virus exposure. 

Discover More: Advances in Digital Pathology

The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Digital Pathology 

The benefits of digital pathology continue to grow as this emerging pathology lab reporting software application offers off-site consultations with multiple colleagues, increased efficiency, and faster turnaround times.

AI, Algorithms, and Digital Scanning

Digitization has introduced algorithms and AI for computer-aided diagnosis, while advances in image management systems (IMS) and cloud storage have accelerated the shift to digital pathology. Storing and retrieving specimens digitally is far simpler than pulling glass slides from archive shelves, and sharing images electronically eliminates the delays of shipping slides.

On-Demand Webinar: Utilizing Digital Pathology Solutions to Help Offset Today’s Laboratory Challenges

What Do LigoLab Customers Think About Advanced Digital Pathology Solutions? 

Although the long-term advantages of digital pathology are compelling, adoption may not yet align with the current priorities or readiness of every pathology group. With this in mind, LigoLab surveyed several customers to get their perspectives regarding digital pathology implementation. 

Below is a sample of the responses received.

Customer Perspectives

Q: Are you using, or do you plan to implement, a digital pathology workflow?

Darlene S. (Project Manager, Tampa, FL): Yes, our lab is fully digital, scanning and archiving all cases and applying digital image analysis and AI tools.

Stacey G. (Project Director, San Antonio, TX): We currently support digital pathology for non-diagnostic work and may expand to diagnostic use in 3–5 years.

Shamim A. (LIS Administrator, San Diego, CA): We are actively evaluating digital pathology solutions and anticipate implementation within the next few years. 

Pam E. (Billing Analyst, Pensacola, FL): Yes, on a limited scale. We are piloting a slide scanner primarily for additional stains, not for primary diagnosis.

Discover More: Anatomic Pathology Software Roundtable Recap -  Balancing Pressures with the Promise of New Technology

Digital Pathology Drawbacks?

Are there potential drawbacks to digital pathology along with its benefits? Yes, there are a few notable considerations.

Pathologist Hesitancy

Some pathologists remain hesitant to move away from the microscope. For those trained in traditional workflows, reviewing samples digitally may feel less familiar and less reliable. Nevertheless, digital pathology is now a key training tool for the next generation, and this reluctance is likely to diminish over time.

Technical and Infrastructure Considerations

Digital pathology adoption also introduces technical demands. Whole-slide imaging generates massive high-resolution image files that can strain storage infrastructure and network performance. To support these workflows effectively, laboratories may require upgraded workstations with high-resolution monitors, faster internet connectivity, and more advanced LIS laboratory information system platforms capable of managing, transferring, and displaying large digital pathology files efficiently. 

Discover More: How do I Know if My Laboratory has Outgrown Its LIS System?

The Consensus Among Lab Professionals

Despite some drawbacks, the consensus among lab professionals is that digital pathology will continue to advance. For most, the advantages far outweigh the negatives. The pandemic forced pathologists to work from home, removing a regulatory barrier for doing so. Whether this becomes the new normal remains uncertain, but digital pathology solutions are here to stay and represent a strong alternative to the microscope for many lab leaders across the country.

Article References

• Digital Pathology Association, Digital Pathology FAQ
• Shelley Farra, Digital Pathology Challenges, News-Medical Life Sciences
• Isis Ricano-Ponce, Clinical Pathology Goes Digital, Clinical Lab Manager
• Dr. Bertalan Mesko, PhD, The Digital Future of Pathology, The Medical Futurist

LigoLab: Laboratory Information System Software and so Much More!

Since 2006, LigoLab has empowered anatomic pathology, clinical, and molecular diagnostics laboratories to grow and succeed. The enterprise LIS company has partnered with some of the most innovative labs in the country, building deep expertise in clinical and pathology lab management software.

LigoLab stays connected with its customers and continuously refines the all-in-one LigoLab Informatics Platform (with integrated medical LIS and lab revenue cycle management modules) to meet their evolving needs. This ongoing collaboration enables customers to deliver better service, strengthen patient care, and adapt workflows as healthcare demands change. At LigoLab, progress is constant; nothing stands still.

Discover More: Questions All Pathology Labs Should Ask When Evaluating LIS Software and Support

Also in This Series

This blog post is part of a series highlighting the best LIS software practices and solutions customers have employed to enhance their services and rapidly grow their businesses. Related blog posts are listed below.

• Pathology Lab Management Guide Part 1: Laboratory Information System Solutions and Best Practices
• Pathology Lab Management Guide Part 2: How Experts in the Field Are Utilizing Best Practices to Thrive

Ready to Take Your Pathology Practice Beyond the Microscope? 

Discover how LigoLab's advanced laboratory information system software with seamless digital pathology integrations streamlines workflows, enhances accuracy, and prepares your lab for the future. 

Act Now: Speak with a Product Specialist Today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Pathology Solutions and Pathology Lab Management

What is digital pathology, and how does it differ from traditional microscopy?

Digital pathology involves scanning glass slides to create high-resolution digital images that can be reviewed, analyzed, and shared electronically, rather than through a traditional microscope. It enables remote sign-outs, AI-assisted diagnosis, and faster collaboration across teams and locations, while traditional microscopy requires pathologists to be physically present with the specimen.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic accelerate digital pathology adoption?

On March 26, 2020, CMS temporarily waived the requirement that pathologists perform diagnostic testing within CLIA-licensed facilities. For the first time, this enabled pathologists to review and sign out cases using digital pathology solutions. Driven by the need for safer workflows during the pandemic, the regulatory shift accelerated interest in and adoption of remote digital pathology practices. 

What are the main benefits of digital pathology?

Digital pathology enables off-site consultations, faster turnaround times, easy digital storage and retrieval, elimination of slide shipping delays, and enhanced diagnostic accuracy for computer-aided diagnosis.

What are the drawbacks or challenges of implementing digital pathology?

Challenges include hesitancy among those trained in traditional workflows, large file sizes, storage demands, the need for upgraded hardware and internet infrastructure, and the requirement for a robust laboratory information system capable of efficiently managing and transferring large digital files.

Are all labs ready to adopt digital pathology for diagnostic purposes?

Not yet. Based on LigoLab's customer survey, adoption varies. Some labs are fully committed, with all cases scanned and archived, while others are exploring digital pathology for non-diagnostic purposes or planning to implement it over the next 3 to 5 years. Readiness depends on infrastructure, budget, and the lab's specific workflow requirements.

How does LigoLab's LIS software platform support digital pathology integration?

LigoLab's all-in-one Medical LIS & Lab Billing Informatics Platform integrates seamlessly with advanced digital pathology solutions, supporting whole-slide imaging, AI-assisted analysis, and remote sign-out workflows. The platform supports the information systems and data management demands of digital pathology while maintaining the full functionality of the LIS system for all other lab operations.

Is digital pathology a permanent shift or a temporary response to the pandemic?

The consensus among lab professionals is that digital pathology is here to stay. While the pandemic accelerated adoption by removing regulatory barriers, the underlying benefits of efficiency, scalability, remote collaboration, and AI integration make digital pathology a long-term strategic advantage for forward-thinking pathology practices.