A telepathology based Virtual Reference and Certification Centre for DNA image cytometry

An increasing need for flexible consultation between pathologists, includin g the application of fast evolving supplementary technologies, has been ide ntified during the last years. Although pathology is already one of the mos t advanced application of telemedicine there is more to come from the fast evolution towards computerized microscope image analysis: A reproducible qu antification of measurable descriptors of the lesions in cells and tissues (so-called biological markers) is an indispensable adjunct to routine diagn ostic application. Among such quantitative methods DNA image cytometry is i ncreasingly applied by pathologists for assistance in diagnostics. As for other pathological issues, too, a reference center for the clinical application of DNA image cytometry might be therefore of utmost value for p athologists using that method. Based on advanced telematic technologies, a Virtual Reference and Certifica tion Center (VRCC) could be installed for certifying the cytometry hardware and software, the analytical procedures, and the basic interpretation of t he results. It will be designed to be operated as a non-attended service, b ased on quantification servers accessible via Internet round the clock. The VRCC will supply appropriate standardization and normalization materials a nd run a GroupWare platform for consensus making by experts.