Construction and Implementation of Multiplatform Virtual Microscopy for Histology

Abstract

For students studying tissue and organ microstructure, histology is an image‐based approach to understanding the relationship between form and function. Borne out of a collaborative effort between members of the Digital Histology Interest Group of the American Association of Anatomists, this project examined the conversion of specialized digitized images to a newer digitized open‐source format that would allow for compilation and delivery in a browser‐based environment in a cost‐efficient way. 214 images (76GB) were converted from the Bacus format to a format that is compatible with the Google Maps application programming interface (API) using high speed image processing and conversion facility at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (courtesy of J. Rhodes). Converted images were then compiled and assembled as a virtual microscopy application using the open‐source Google API code API, and deployed on servers at Tulane University. Implementation has involved the construction of image collections for lab as well as embedding into web‐driven html guides for use during and outside of interactive laboratory sessions in Histology. The outcomes following this implementation have included the introduction of interactive microscopy‐based sessions, the creation of single window viewing arising from integration of the virtual microscopy application with html‐driven lab guides, and enhanced accessibility on a range of desktop and mobile smart‐devices.