Construction and implementation of a comprehensive hematopathology virtual teaching set

Abstract

Diagnostic hematopathology requires a multiparametric approach and integration of morphologic findings with the clinical, immunophenotypic, and other features. As hematopathology moves into an increasingly digital era, internetdeployed teaching sets consisting of whole slide images (WSI) and comprehensive ancillary information can help prepare hematopathology trainees for the future. Approximately 200 hematopathology conference cases over a 1-year period were de-identified, and case information (including clinical, microscopic and immunophenotypic features, flow cytometric histograms, and cytogenetic and molecular results) were entered into a database. Approximately 1,800 WSI were prepared by scanning using ×40 magnification, and WSI and supplemental data were stored on separate servers and referenced in the database via hyperlinks. From January 2009 to November 2011, the website has been accessed over 6,000 times. The user can view the list of cases and brief clinical history, with or without the diagnosis displayed. Once a case is chosen, the complete clinical history, WSI, case data, and other hyperlinks are displayed, and the user can also scroll down to see the diagnosis shown at the end of the case. Preand post-test evaluations are available for self-assessment. The hematopathology virtual set is emerging as an important tool in hematopathology education. The internet-deployed database is unique in the wide range of ancillary studies readily accessible, which reinforces the multiparametric approach in hematopathology.