Case Studies > Vistapath's Partnership with Scale Studio: Enhancing Patient Experience through Next-Generation Pathology Lab

Vistapath's Partnership with Scale Studio: Enhancing Patient Experience through Next-Generation Pathology Lab

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Computer Vision Software
Cybersecurity & Privacy - Security Compliance

Applicable Industries

Equipment & Machinery
Paper & Pulp

Applicable Functions

Procurement
Quality Assurance

Use Cases

Computer Vision
Leasing Finance Automation

Services

Testing & Certification
Training

About The Customer

Vistapath is a pathology lab that aims to build the next-generation pathology lab by leveraging computer vision and artificial intelligence. They focus on improving the grossing process, a critical step in diagnosing diseases like cancer. Vistapath's goal is to reduce human errors in the grossing process that can lead to misdiagnoses. To achieve this, they developed the Sentinel, a device that augments histologists’ work with a tissue detection model. Vistapath serves various labs that use a variety of histology cassettes and background substrates.

The Challenge

Vistapath, a pathology lab, was facing a significant challenge in the grossing process, a critical step in diagnosing diseases like cancer. Grossing involves assessing and documenting the physical characteristics of tissue samples, a process that is prone to human error and can lead to misdiagnoses. Vistapath aimed to reduce these errors by leveraging computer vision and artificial intelligence. However, they faced a problem in developing a robust tissue detection model. The model required hundreds to thousands of accurately annotated images, a task that required a tool that could be easily used by their histologists and experts. Initially, Vistapath used an open-source annotation tool, but it lacked automation and scalability. They then tried a tool with more automation, but it failed to meet their security and compliance requirements. Therefore, Vistapath needed a partner who could provide an annotation automation tool that could meet their strict security and compliance requirements.

The Solution

Vistapath partnered with Scale and used their product, Studio, to solve their annotation problem. Scale Studio met Vistapath's security and compliance requirements, and also provided the automation tools needed to label data more efficiently. The auditing tools provided by Studio helped reviewers confirm the accuracy of annotations. The partnership with Scale allowed Vistapath to accelerate the rate of annotation and increase productivity for their Machine Learning team. Studio also served as a data warehouse for Vistapath, providing a central location where datasets were stored and could easily be queried. As a result, Vistapath's tissue detection model continued to improve with more and better data, enabling histologists and pathologists to produce faster and more accurate grossing reports.

Operational Impact

The partnership with Scale and the use of Studio has led to significant operational improvements for Vistapath. The automation and auditing tools provided by Studio have made the annotation process more efficient and accurate. This has not only increased productivity but also improved the quality of their tissue detection model. The ability to quickly label new data on new taxonomies has led to model improvements. Furthermore, Studio serves as a data warehouse, providing a central location where datasets are stored and can easily be queried. This has streamlined Vistapath's operations and made data management more efficient. As a result, histologists and pathologists can produce faster and more accurate grossing reports, improving diagnostics and enhancing patient outcomes.

Quantitative Benefit