Artificial Intelligence is Aiding Pathologists

Several artificial intelligence systems are appearing within the laboratory marketplace aimed at aiding the pathologist in making faster and more accurate decisions in relation to disease diagnosis.

One area where artificial intelligence and machine learning are set to make an impact is with the detection of cancer. This is a big step-change, considering that for over 150 years the classic approach to pathology has involved a sample of tissue being examined under an optical microscope, with the pathologist drawing upon his or her experiences to determine whether the tissue sample is cancerous.

New developments are changing this. For example, digital whole slide imaging enables the pathologist to capture an entire tissue sample on a slide. The image can then be digitally captured and analyzed with the help of specialized digital pathology software. Such software, according to Dr. David West Jr., who runs an imaging company called Proscia, allows laboratories to send images between each other, so that different opinions can be obtained. The digitalization also enables the software to perform part of the analysis. Here image analysis algorithms can engage in immunohistochemistry quantification. This process, whereby the algorithm can help to interpret the material, improves standardization and the consistency of decision making. It also speeds up analysis.

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Source: Digital Journal