While we at Flagship do not believe whole slide imaging is ready yet for primary read in toxicology studies, we are working to offer peer review and image analysis in formal GLP studies. We are undergoing GLP validation for image analysis, and have formed a group called VIPER, or Virtual Imaging in Peer Reviews, to look at validation, workflow, performance, and technology needs in a vendor-independent fashion.
VIPER’s first meeting was led by Dave Young and Frank Voelker, and took place at the ACVP meeting in December 2009 in Monterrey, California. In attendance were pathologists representing 5 pharmaceutical companies and one medical device company. The powerpoint from that meeting is attached here.
The goals of VIPER are:
- Validate and make a recommendation on the use of whole slide images for remote peer reviews in preclinical toxicology studies
- In a vendor agnostic fashion, highlight technology needs and improvements in workflow for remote peer reviews
PROGRESS
- April 2010: Received authorization to scan a closed toxicology study that has already had two traditional peer reviews
- May 2010: Glass slides sent to Flagship Biosciences and scanned
NEXT STEPS
- Arrange complete study virtually for peer review evaluation
- Compare “digital read” with glass slide results
- Discuss workflow, ergonomics, and time comparison between “digital read” and glass microscope reading of peer reviews
- Next meeting: STP 2010
