New Software Connects Digital and Molecular Pathology

A new software module enables users to transfer information about specific areas marked on digitized tissue sections for laser microdissection. This benefit pathologists and molecular biologists.

The Palm VisDat (Virtual Slide Data Transfer), module of Palm RoboSoftware, has an intuitive user interface and is very easy to operate. Microscopic specimens are scanned with the Mirax system and uploaded to a server database using the MDSD (MIRAX Digital Slide Desktop) module. The digital tissue sections can then be accessed remotely via the Internet, and regions of interest marked. The VisDat module transfers the markings from the MDSD database to a laser microdissection system where selected areas are isolated for subsequent molecular analysis. Accuracy in the transfer of the object coordinates is maximized due to the precise reference method of the software module.

Introduced by Carl Zeiss (Jena, Germany), Palm VisDat, the new module saves users time eliminating the need for microscopic analysis to check if the specimens are important. Only after the microscopic analysis, could examination on the laser microdissection system be performed to mark regions of interest.

The connection between MDSD and VisDat makes it possible to access the digital images via the Internet and discuss them online in teleconsultation meetings before the data is sent to the Palm systems via a network connection. Several users (including those in remote settings) select areas of interest in the tissue section simultaneously using color-specific object markers. These are recognized by the Palm software and used for color-coded separation into different collection vessels during the laser microdissection process.

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Carl Zeiss