Validating Whole Slide Imaging for Diagnostic Purposes in Pathology

Our evidence-based guideline, "Validating Whole Slide Imaging for Diagnostic Purposes in Pathology", published in 2013, serves as a practical guide for pathologists and laboratories to confirm the accuracy and concordance of their own whole slide imaging (WSI) systems for diagnostic work while ensuring the digital tool is being used properly for its intended clinical use.

Keeping pace with the growing clinical applications for WSI, the CAP in collaboration with the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the Association for Pathology Informatics convened an expert panel of pathologists, histotechnologists, and a methodologist to update the guideline. Adhering to the National Academy of Medicine guideline standards and now using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, the panel’s draft recommendations are intended to help pathologists and laboratories confirm the accuracy and equivalence with light microscopy of WSI systems before they are used for diagnostic purposes.

Assess evidence published since the release of the original guideline to provide recommendations for validating WSI systems used for diagnostic purposes.

What should be done to validate a whole slide digital imaging system for diagnostic purposes before it is placed in clinical service?

Guideline Status: Review and Approve

• Summary of Recommendations
• Methodology Supplement
• Teaching Presentation
• Frequently Asked Questions

• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• Association for Pathology Informatics