Improving the Teaching of Histology by Using the Manual Whole Slide Imaging Technology

Abstract

The tissue sample analysis based on the visualization of the entire tissue sample represents an important methodology in clinical diagnostics, research, and education. This process that enables visualization of the entire tissue sample is named whole slide imaging. For clinical purposes, professional and very expensive scanners are used for tissue sample digitization and the creation of whole slide images. In education, it is possible to use whole slide images that do not necessarily follow strict medical standards and regulations. Therefore, the important research task is to propose a methodology for the manual creation of whole slide images and its adequate use in medical education. In this paper, the use of manually created whole slide images in histology classes education were analyzed. In the experimental part of this research, the methodology of manual creation and usage of WSI in histology education is presented in more detail. The subjective assessment of the user's satisfaction with WSI usage in education was also performed. It was shown that the whole slide images were evaluated very positively in the histological analysis and education process. The results of this research showed that the use of whole slide images in histology classes is in line with the process of digital transformation in education.