Case Study
Pathology Lab Management Guide: The Future of Digital Pathology
September 26, 2025
Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published on June 9, 2020.
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 to this day. Given how quickly technology replaces old methods with newer, better ones, the microscope’s enduring relevance is remarkable.
The microscope integrated with anatomic pathology software in the form of a laboratory information system (LIS) remains an integral application for most pathologists; however, as time passes, this best practice is being challenged and even supplemented by new digital pathology solutions that offer a more efficient and scalable alternative.
Case Study: OnePath - Transforming Pathology Lab Management Through Digital Innovation
The Growth of Pathology Lab Software and Digital Pathology Workflow During the Pandemic
In truth, the genie may already be out of the bottle as digital pathology workflow took on added importance (out of necessity) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 26, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services waived the requirement for pathologists to perform diagnostic tests in CLIA-licensed facilities. This opened a previously closed door for pathologists, allowing them to review cases and do sign-outs remotely using digital pathology solutions.
The waiver was enacted to preserve the continuity of patient care while ensuring the safety of pathologists and other lab personnel by minimizing their risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
Discover More: Advances in Digital Pathology
The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Digital Pathology
The benefits of digital pathology continue to grow because this new pathology lab software application offers the option of off-site consultations with multiple colleagues in the field, increased efficiency, and faster turnaround times.
Digitization has introduced algorithms and AI for computer-aided diagnosis, while advances in digital scanners 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.
Is your lab already using digital pathology workflows, or preparing to explore their advantages?
On-Demand Webinar: Utilizing Digital Pathology Solutions to Help Offset Today’s Laboratory Challenges
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What Do Our Lab Partners Think About Digital Pathology Solutions?
While the overall benefits of digital pathology are clearly worth pursuing, it may not be the right choice for every pathology group at the moment.
With that in mind, we at LigoLab recently surveyed several of our lab partners. Below is a sample of the responses we received.
Q: Are you using, or do you plan to implement, a digital pathology workflow at your pathology laboratory?
Darlene S. (Project Manager - Tampa, FL) - Yes, the laboratory is fully committed to digital pathology workflow, with all cases being fully scanned and archived. The laboratory also applies digital image analysis and AI tools to the practice of pathology.
Stacey G. (Project Director - San Antonio, TX) - Our laboratory supports digital pathology, but not for diagnostic purposes. We are open to the idea of implementing digital pathology solutions for diagnostic purposes within the next 3 to 5 years.
Shamim A. (LIS Administrator - San Diego, CA) - We’re exploring digital pathology, particularly for research-driven cases. While we’re still in the early stages, we expect to move forward with implementation within the next few years.
Pam E. (Billing Analyst - Pensacola, FL) - Yes, on a limited scale. Not for a primary diagnosis, but for additional stains, we are now piloting our slide scanner.
Discover More: Anatomic Pathology Software Roundtable Recap - Balancing Pressures with the Promise of New Technology
Digital Pathology Drawbacks?
Are there potential drawbacks in addition to the benefits of digital pathology?
Yes, there are a few.
Some pathologists remain hesitant to move away from the microscope. For those trained in traditional workflows, reviewing samples this way can feel more familiar and reliable. However, digital pathology is already a key training tool for the next generation of pathologists, so this reluctance will likely fade over time.
Adoption also brings technical considerations. Whole-slide imaging produces (extremely) large, high-resolution files, creating storage challenges. Labs may need upgraded computers with higher-resolution monitors, stronger internet connections, and more robust LIS laboratory information system platforms capable of efficiently managing and transferring these files.
Even with the drawbacks, however, the consensus among lab professionals is that the subfield of digital pathology will continue to make advances. For most industry professionals, the advantages far outweigh the negatives.
The pandemic forced pathologists to work from home, thereby removing a regulatory barrier for doing so.
Is this the new normal?
Only time will tell, but it’s a good bet that digital pathology solutions are here to stay and a strong alternative to the microscope for many forward-thinking pathologists across the country.
Article References
- College of American Pathologists, Remote Sign-Out Cases With Digital Pathology FAQs
- Digital Pathology Association, Digital Pathology FAQ
- Shelley Farra, Digital Pathology Challenges, News-Medica-Life Sciences
- Isis Ricano-Ponce, Clinical Pathology Goes Digital, Clinical Lab Manager
- The Medical Futurist, The Digital Future of Pathology, Medical Futurist
LigoLab: LIS Software and Much More!
What’s the point of having the best laboratory information system/LIS software solutions and best practices if you don’t share them with others?
Since 2006, LigoLab has empowered anatomic pathology, clinical, and molecular diagnostics laboratories to grow and succeed. Over nearly two decades, we’ve partnered with some of the most innovative labs in the country, building deep expertise in pathology lab management and laboratory information system software.
We stay connected with our partners and continuously refine the LigoLab Medical LIS & Lab RCM Informatics Platform to meet their evolving needs. This ongoing collaboration enables labs to deliver better service, strengthen patient care, and adapt their 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
Note: This blog post is part of a series highlighting the best LIS software practices and solutions these labs have employed to enhance customer service and rapidly grow their businesses.
If you missed either of the first two posts, click on the links 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
Take your pathology practice beyond the microscope!
Discover how LigoLab’s advanced LIS software platform with seamless digital pathology integrations streamlines workflows, enhances accuracy, and prepares your lab for the future.
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