Salford Royal is speeding up test results and treatment after becoming only the second pathology laboratory in Greater Manchester to start using digital images for biopsies.
This advancement in technology involves the scanning of traditional glass slides so they can now be viewed as an image rather than through a microscope to provide a diagnosis for patients.
Led by the Greater Manchester Pathology Network, the Salford laboratory joins The Royal Oldham Hospital which was the first pathology laboratory in Greater Manchester to go live with digital images. The project has been delivered whilst the laboratory team continue to provide a high-quality service for pathology tests for patients.
Using digital pathology, results can be shared securely between hospital experts across the network, replacing the need to transport glass slide samples between hospitals.
This will mean a faster turnaround time for test results and treatment can be started sooner.
The team at the Salford have chosen to prioritise dermatology and urology biopsies to enable all consultants and trainees to complete the required training to report digitally and safely.
Amanda Ogden, service manager, Cellular Pathology and Mortuary Service, said: “This is another big step for us on our digital pathology journey. We’re delighted to have gone live at Salford and we know this will revolutionise how we work across our laboratories.
“It will allow colleagues to work more effectively, improve collaboration and enable expertise to be shared more easily.”
Jessica Casson, senior biomedical scientist, Cellular Pathology said: "Implementing digital pathology at Salford Royal has given a glimpse of the future of cellular pathology. It has been hard work with a lot of learning throughout but with the help of many people we have started this new chapter of progress in cellular pathology. Although in its early stages it is exciting to see where this leads too."
Beth Tumilty, programme lead, Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network, added: “Another incredible milestone achieved on our GM Digital Pathology journey, Salford is the second Cellular Pathology site to go live with the new Sectra solution. We now have both laboratories at the NCA clinically live and digitally reporting.
“Digital Pathology is a key enabler for cross site working / reporting and the benefits for patients and staff will be fully realised now that both laboratories within the NCA are clinically live. This technology will transform access to second opinions, expand our subspecialty networks and support cancer MDTs like never before. We are truly excited for what's to come with this technology, this is just the beginning of our journey in Greater Manchester.”
