Pathology Workflow Automation

Efficient pathology and histopathology workflows 

Microscopy is central to pathology. It helps specialists detect abnormalities, classify diseases and guide treatment decisions. Histopathology involves staining samples to improve contrast under white light – gaining clear visualization of tissue structures.  

For many pathology applications, a simple microscope is more than adequate. Small, cost-effective systems are widely used in many laboratories and bring excellent results.  

But for many workflows, automation upgrades can bring big benefits. New research- and clinical-grade microscopes are often fully or partially motorized, and existing equipment can be upgraded with motorized components for more precise imaging, operator time savings and smoother systems. 

Challenges in pathology workflows 

Manual microscopy – while accurate – can be slow and labor-intensive. Examining multiple samples under high magnification requires careful adjustments and prolonged focus – leading to fatigue and strain for operators.  

Similarly, manual imaging brings the potential for variability, making it harder to maintain consistency across large batches. It also does not allow for digitization or remote control. That’s where automation can help. 

Automating a manual microscope for pathology 

Automation adds to a manual microscope’s capabilities in many ways. For example, motorized components can help improve precision, helping to find areas of interest more easily and streamline workflows, making repetitive tasks more manageable and reducing operator fatigue.  

These upgrades are also widely compatible with existing microscopes. Laboratories can modernize without replacing entire systems. Some of the potential upgrades include: 

• Focus control – Automatically maintains sharp images, reducing the need for manual adjustments while improving imaging accuracy. Manual focus controls are also a significant point of user fatigue.  

• Motorized stage – Allows for smooth, controlled, accurate sample movement, making it easier to scan and locate areas of interest with high precision. 

 Fluorescence accessories – adding filter wheels, alongside a multi-bandpass dichroic filter cube, can enable automated fluorescence on microscopes fitted with a manual turret.  

The benefits of microscopy automation 

Protect existing investments 

Upgrading a standard microscope with automation extends its usefulness. When combined with suitable software, it also avoids the need for costly research-level replacements. Many automation components integrate with existing manual systems, making this an accessible option for laboratories looking to modernize workflows without a substantial overhaul. 

Reduced operator fatigue 

Extended periods of manual operation cause strain and discomfort. Potential upgrades include motorized joysticks that reduce repeated wrist movements, allowing operators to control focus and stage movement with minimal effort. Likewise, flat-top stages give easier access to samples, improving user comfort and making workflows more straightforward. 

Digitization of slides 

Digital pathology removes the need for physical slide storage, giving near-instant access to images for review and comparison. Prior Scientific’s stages, equipped with our Intelligent Scanning Technology (IST), deliver precise and repeatable positioning to keep each scan highly accurate. This helps ensure that digital images are perfectly stitched and easy to analyze.  

Remote access 

A fully motorized system also supports remote collaboration. Experts can review samples from different locations – far from the microscope. Remote access also assists in teaching environments, with students controlling an instrument from another location. 

Applications of automation in pathology 

Some of the applications of microscope automation in pathology include: 

• Hematology – Blood analysis requires high magnification to identify individual cells and bacteria. As such, precision movement is essential to avoid errors when working at these levels. Motorized stages – such as the H101E1F– allow for stable and repeatable positioning and high accuracy, essential when working with high magnification objectives.  

• Cytology – Fluorescence microscopy is used in cytology to distinguish different tissues using fluorescent markers. Laboratories with manual fluorescence microscopes can upgrade them with motorized components to improve imaging efficiency and consistency.  

• Phase contrast and DIC – These techniques help identify key structures in samples. Combined with artificial intelligence (AI), they allow for the increased automation of analysis and less extensive sample preparation. 

• Slide scanning – Applies automation and digitization on a larger scale, capturing entire slides as high-resolution digital images. This improves efficiency in high-throughput laboratories, simplifies sample storage and enhances data sharing.  

Improve your pathology workflow 

Pathology laboratories face increasing demands for speed, accuracy and consistency. Manual microscopy, while effective, brings many challenges in precision, efficiency, and ergonomics. Automation is a simple, cost-effective upgrade option. Using various techniques, it makes microscopy more precise, easier to use, and less strenuous for the operator.  

If you’re looking to buy a new manual microscope and add motorization – or upgrade an existing system – Prior’s pathology automation solutions are widely compatible with many leading brands, such as Nikon and Evident. 

With upgrades like motorized components, automated focus control and digital imaging, laboratories can build more reliable, intuitive, adaptable workflows. Contact our experts to learn more.