Over the last decade, cytopathology laboratories wishing to achieve an automated and seamless workflow process, to diminish turnaround times and to improve their diagnostic accuracy have successfully adopted information technologies and automation. New types of cameras and microscopes, connected to computers, have made possible image capture and transmission (telecytology). New innovative information technologies, including e-health and telemedical applications, constitute a valuable tool for interlaboratory collaboration and quality improvement. New applications are expected to enhance the opportunities for improvement in the field of cytological data management and sharing. In this article, we emphasize on the possible use of short videos captured by static telecytology applications in a modern cytopathology laboratory wishing to establish an effective interlaboratory comparison system and obtain expert opinions in diagnostically challenging cases from distant consultants with well recognized diagnostic competence and experience in the field of thyroid cytology.

This study aims to examine the feasibility of developing a proficiency testing scheme for cytology labs wishing to be accredited according to ISO 15189:2012, by using low cost telemedical applications. Two hundred forty-eight fine-needle aspiration specimens from patients preoperatively aspirated under ultrasonographic guidance and 208 pap smears with histological confirmation were retrospectively selected from the department's registry. Three diagnostic categories of cytological reports were used. Ten characteristic images from each case were transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for remote review by three independent cytopathologists. Contributor's and reviewer's diagnoses were collected, recorded and statistically evaluated. No significant difference in diagnostic accuracy could be detected between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of digitized images and conventional slides.

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of telecytology as a tool with increased quality standards in the optimal evaluation of thyroid fine-needle aspiration specimens prepared by the ThinPrep(R) technique (Cytyc Co., Boxborough, MA). The study was performed on 252 adequate specimens of 157 patients referred to the Cytopathology Department of University Hospital "Attikon" for preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules. In all cases, surgical excision followed the initial cytological diagnosis. Three diagnostic categories of cytological reports were used. All cases were confirmed by histological diagnosis of surgical specimens. Ten characteristic images from each case were transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for remote review by four independent cytopathologists. In addition to diagnosis, reviewers also commented on overall digital image quality. Contributor's and reviewer's diagnoses were collected, recorded and statistically evaluated. No significant difference in diagnostic accuracy could be detected between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of digitized images and conventional slides. Telecytology is a prompt and valid method for quality assessment and proficiency testing and can be integrated into daily workflow. The use of liquid-based cytology ensures that additional material is preserved for ancillary studies (if necessary) and that a sufficient number of replicate microscope slides can be produced. The use of telecytology in the daily workflow will ensure the reproducibility of cytological diagnoses and make feasible the production of digital educational material. Besides diagnostic accuracy, the implementation of a diagnostic telecytology system requires consideration of numerous financial, legal, professional, and ethical issues.

No abstract

No abstract