iSOFT partners i-Path to add digital pathology to laboratory system
13 August 2010
iSOFT Group Limited (ASX: ISF) is to partner with
Belfast-based i-Path Diagnostics to significantly boost its ability to
deliver modern, web-based digital pathology solutions to its 150
pathology customers in the UK and the wider market.
i-Path’s web-based platform will be added as a module to iSOFT's
existing laboratory product suite. The aim is to deliver the
solution under a software-as-a-service model, giving customers the
opportunity to access data when and where they need it and the
option to scale the solution to meet the needs of their
organisation.
The benefits of integrating digital pathology services into
existing laboratory information systems include instant access to
whole slide images and associated clinical data, the ability to
digitally archive slides and the promotion of the role of the
pathologist in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
i-Path’s core product PathXL, is an innovative web-based software
platform that enables glass slides used by pathologists to be
converted into digital files and then accessed and distributed via
NHS N3 network or the internet. Applications of this technology,
known as Virtual Microscopy, facilitate education, training and
research in the medical, biological and pharmaceutical sectors and
are also emerging as a secondary diagnostic reporting tool.
Adrian Stevens, Managing Director of iSOFT’s UK and Ireland
business, said: “With a dominant market share, there is a huge
opportunity here for iSOFT. The i-Path application will save
customers time and money by eliminating the need to post glass
slides and risk them being lost or broken.
“This is a hugely exciting opportunity. Over 150 customers
attended the recent Laboratory User Convention held in Birmingham
and had the opportunity to see i-Path solutions during a
presentation made by Professor Peter Hamilton from Queen’s
University Hospital, Belfast.”
Stuart Harvey, i-Path’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “i-Path is
very enthusiastic about the opportunities the iSOFT relationship
will bring to both companies, in terms of boosting both product
development and market share. The collaborative relationship will
see the development of a fully integrated lab software in which i-Path’s
digital slide viewing technology will bring pathology data to life
for the clinician.
"In partnering with i-Path, iSOFT is demonstrating a commitment
to its customers to offer cutting edge digital pathology technology.
Choosing i-Path as its partner is an indication of our credibility
in the market as innovators and experts in this field.”