Automated slide scanning was first developed in response to the increasing volumes of samples in clinical pathology. As well as improving productivity by freeing up pathologists from much routine work, digitizing the samples makes meeting requirements for long-term storage less challenging and more cost-effective.

Slide scanning can also be used outside of clinical and biological inspection to speed up processes, for example, in industrial, agricultural, and geological applications. With less time spent at the microscope, users can focus on sample preparation and analysis, leading to higher-quality data.

Whole slide imaging is a form of slide scanning that records barcodes or other written information present on the slide together with the sample. This offers four benefits:

1. Patient details are retained alongside the image data for quick reference.
2. The morphology of the entire tissue section is captured for ease of sample recognition by pathologists.
3. Only crucial areas of the slide are captured at high magnification, decreasing the time it takes to scan each slide.
4. Slides can be viewed remotely and instantaneously by specialists, allowing for quicker diagnosis.

What to look for in slide scanning systems

Image quality is based on the selection of appropriate objectives, cameras, optical components, and light sources. In histopathology, for example, having the correct color balance and image resolution is essential for making accurate diagnoses.

Mechanical reliability is essential in any automated imaging system. Complete slide scanning systems use most of the typical components found in motorized microscopy systems: motorized stages, focusing apparatus, objective switching devices, sensitive microscopy cameras, and powerful light sources. A crucial element that differentiates these systems from other imaging automation systems is a robust and reliable automatic slide-loading system.

The loading method ensures the reliable positioning of slides under the optics and ensures that slides are fully protected. It maintains a high scanning speed for rapid slide analysis without compromising repeatability and accuracy. This helps to generate more precise and volumetric images.

Prior’s slide loading solution: the SL160

The SL160 is the next generation of slide loader, designed specifically for OEMs to allow seamless integration into various third-party systems.

It features a unique slide-loading mechanism where batches of 4 slides, fitted into dedicated trays, can be loaded at once. This saves time for operators: the slides won’t need direct handling plus it allows for variability in slide preparation, having no effect on the loader.

The trays are positioned directly in the optical path on our H101N2F stage, which automatically finds an optimal balance of speed and accuracy, demanded by slide scanning applications. The SL160 can be fitted with linear encoders to optimize stitching at higher magnifications.