Dynamic robotic telepathology: a preliminary evaluation on frozen sections, histology and cytology

We evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of a dynamic robotic telepathology sys tem for the delivery of pathology services to distant hospitals. The system provided static/dynamic features and the remote control of a robotic micro scope using four ISDN lines. For evaluation purposes, 184 consecutive cases were diagnosed at distance using the system. The cases were 60 frozen sect ions, 64 cases of gastrointestinal pathology and 60 cases of urinary cytolo gy. The telemedicine diagnoses obtained in this way were compared with trad itional microscopic diagnosis. Diagnostic agreement ranged from 90% in urin ary cytology to 100% in frozen sections. The results suggest that a dynamic robotic telepathology system can be a useful tool for supporting the patho logy practice of isolated hospitals.