Characterization of Displays used by Pathologists for Clinical Interpretation of Whole Slide Images

Abstract

The use of digital slide images by pathologists for clinical interpretation has grown in prevalence in the last two decades. However, there have been minimal standards set in regards to the display of these medical images. Although medical imaging physics has been traditionally linked to radiology, there are many ways in which pathology could potentially benefit from similar display standards and quality control measures. The purpose of this study was to identify variations that currently exist in a clinical pathology environment and to determine a method for evaluating displayed color accuracy of pathology relevant colors. Many variations in hardware, display settings, and output were identified among the current fleet of pathology monitors but the majority had adequate color accuracy. Additionally, it was determined that display measurements of a well-established color calibration chart can be used to predict the display color accuracy of pathology relevant colors. The goal is that these findings will help guide future pathology display studies.