Frozen section telepathology by whole-slide imaging

Frozen sections represent an ideal niche application for telepathology. This review covers the key aspects of using telepathology for this purpose. While several options exist for remote reviewing of frozen section slides such as sending selected static images by e-mail, real-time video microscopy and statistic/dynamic robotic microscopy, the use of whole-slide imaging technology will be emphasized in this review. The performance characteristics of whole-slide imaging systems in various frozen section practice settings, based on validation studies or actual patient care, will be discussed as well as issues to consider when implementing whole-slide imaging telepathology to cover frozen sections.