Abstract
In the last 10 years, whole slide imaging (WSI) has seen impressive progress not only in image quality and scanning speed but also in the variety of systems available to pathologists. However, we have noticed that most systems have relatively simple optics axes and rely on software to optimize image quality and colour balance. While much can be done in software, this study examines the importance of optics, in particular optical filters, in WSI.Optical resolution is a function of the wavelength of light used and the numerical aperture of the lens system (Resolution = (f) wavelength/2 NA). When illumining light is not conditioned correctly with filters, there is a tendency for the wavelength to shift to longer values (more red) because of the characteristics of the lamps in common use. Most microscopes (but remarkably few WSI devices) correct for this with ND filter for brightness and Blue filter (depends on the light source) for colour correction.Using H&E slides research microscopes (Axiophot, Carl Zeiss MicroImaging, Inc. NY. Eclipse 50i., Nikon Inc. NY) at 20×, an attached digital camera (SPOT RT741 Slider Color, Diagnosis Instruments., MI USA), and a filter set, we examined the effect of filters and software enhancement on digital image quality. The focus value (as evaluated by focus evaluation software developed in house and SPOT imaging Software v4.6) was used as a proxy for image quality. Resolution of tissue features was best with the use of both the Blue and ND filters (in addition to software enhancement). Images without filters but with software enhancement while superficially good, lacked some details of specimen morphology and were unclear compared with the images with filters.The results indicate that the appropriate use of optical filters could measurably improve the appearance and resolution of WSI images.
Highlights
Whole slide imaging (WSI) has made impressive progress over the past ten years in technology and as the number of applications in Pathology
While much can be done in software, this study examines the importance of optics, in particular optical filters, in whole slide imaging (WSI)
NY) at 20×, an attached digital camera (SPOT RT741 Slider Color, Diagnosis Instruments., MI USA), and a filter set, we examined the effect of filters and software enhancement on digital image quality
Summary
Whole slide imaging (WSI) has made impressive progress over the past ten years in technology (faster scanning and better image quality) and as the number of applications in Pathology (such as image analysis and enhancement). Developers are looking at WSI as a front end for computer aided diagnosis tools and anatomic pathology laboratory information systems in conjunction of other new relatively new technologies. In this circumstance, the quality and accuracy of image data (how accurate) is becoming increasingly important. The technologies in WSI scanners include optics, electronics, mechanical systems (such as automated slide loaders and stages), as well as computer software such as image enhancement and compression. Optics is relatively simple and images are 'enhanced' using software approaches such as white balance correction
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