Hamamatsu Photonics, a developer of whole slide scanners for digital pathology, is combining its NanoZoomer solution with Siemens Healthineers’ Syngo Carbon portfolio in an effort to better bridge the gap between radiology and pathology.

NanoZoomer S360 MD Slide scanners automate digital slide creation, viewing and management for in vitro diagnostics. Pathologists use them to review and interpret digital images of surgical pathology slides prepared from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, a preservation method for biopsy specimens.

Syngo Carbon is an enterprise imaging and reporting solution that utilizes tools and open data models across modalities to consolidate all imaging-related data points into a single workspace that maximizes image space, shortens adoption times, and makes switching between systems simpler for staff.

Supporting Siemens Healthineers' expansion into digital pathology in the Americas and Europe, the agreement will provide labs, doctors and their patients with access to high-speed, high-resolution imaging; secure medical storage and data transmission; interoperable workflows, and continued AI enhancements.

"Customers are seeking integrated solutions that streamline the diagnostic process and enhance patient outcomes," Hamamatsu told HCB News. "However, the lack of integration and interoperability has hindered the adoption of digital pathology, so any solutions that address these challenges are sure to be welcomed by the market."

Siemens Healthineers entered the digital pathology market in March 2022 via a partnership with Proscia, seeing it as an opportunity to address shrinking pathologist numbers, rising biopsy volumes, resource constraints and complex requests created by new therapies.