Digital Pathology is fundamentally reshaping the interpretation of IHC slides by converting glass specimens into high-resolution Whole Slide Images (WSI). This digitalization enables secure, rapid sharing of cases for remote consultation, collaboration, and educational purposes (telepathology), overcoming geographical barriers and accelerating complex diagnoses. WSI technology provides superior image quality with powerful zoom capabilities and the ability to compare multiple stains side-by-side on a screen.
The true revolutionary impact comes from the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. These computational tools automate quantitative analysis of IHC stains, such as objectively counting the percentage of cells expressing a specific protein like Ki-67 or accurately scoring complex markers like PD-L1. This automation drastically reduces inter-observer variability, increases measurement precision, and improves the speed of interpretation, particularly in high-volume settings, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and accuracy of the diagnostic process.