Smartphones for medical Imaging: A case Study in macroscopy at the Béziers Hospital Centre
Smartphones for medical Imaging: A case Study in
macroscopy at the Béziers Hospital Centre
The use of smartphones as a medical imaging tool has transformed the daily practice of healthcare professionals at the Béziers Hospital Centre, particularly in the field of pathology.
In this interview with Kassandra Meier, a medical laboratory technician at the Béziers Hospital Centre, you will discover how these devices enhance diagnostic accuracy, facilitate communication between teams, and improve the quality of patient care.
The TM-Capture system, developed by Telemis, is a smartphone and tablet solution featuring an intuitive interface that enables patient identification, image capture, and the instant transmission of images to a PACS/MAC/IMS.
1. How do you use TM-Capture? What are the benefits of this software, and in which tasks is it used? What are your daily experiences?
We use the TM-Capture tool in the macroscopy room. For each sample requiring an overall view or a focus on a specific area of interest for pathologists, it allows us to provide them with a concrete image to complement the written description.
On a daily basis, this software helps us both to highlight areas of interest for the pathologists and to document how the specimen was handled (which section slice, which cassette, etc.).
This software is particularly beneficial because it eliminates the need to call the pathologist responsible for analysing the sample every time a targeted specimen requires review. Instead, they can directly access the image from their office, just as they would with the patient’s complete medical file.
2. Why was dermatology given priority? What specific challenges were you aiming to address in this field?
In dermatology, several key criteria must be carefully observed before processing and sampling a specimen. These include the overall appearance of the skin flap, the characteristics of the lesion, and the various margins.
Since dermatology specimens are handled by junior doctors working in pairs with a technician, pathologists do not always have a direct visual reference for these crucial aspects when examining slides or drafting reports. It is therefore highly important—if not essential—that they have access to macroscopy images.
As technicians assisting junior doctors during macroscopy, we strive to provide the most detailed descriptions possible, along with diagrams to indicate the location of the lesion and how the specimen is oriented. However, nothing is more reliable than a photograph, linked to the patient’s identity, to accurately convey how the specimen appears before any further processing.
3. How could this solution be extended to other departments or uses? What advantages does its implementation bring to your hospital?
Beyond macroscopy, this solution could also be used earlier in the process, as demonstrated in dermatology. The physician managing the patient’s care could take a photograph before the specimen is collected, allowing us to document its appearance before fixation. This would be particularly useful for fragile samples that may arrive slightly damaged due to transport (e.g., detached crusts) or to ensure the specimen matches the patient’s identity.
In other applications, the TM-Capture tool could facilitate the transmission of images of various specimens or areas of interest to pathologists working remotely. In such cases, alongside slides and patient records, the pathologist would also have access to the macroscopic appearance of any specimen, even when working from a distance.
4. What impact has the implementation of TM-Capture had on patient care and the daily work of healthcare professionals?
The introduction of this tool has eliminated uncertainty in our workflow. On days when we handle a large number of dermatological specimens of all types, capturing images ensures that errors are entirely avoided. In addition to the written description and diagram, a photograph linked to the patient’s number and identity provides absolute certainty that this specimen corresponds to this number and this lesion/result—without any doubt.
Furthermore, the pathologist responsible for drafting the report no longer wastes time seeking clarification from the junior doctor or technician about aspects they did not see firsthand. Thanks to TM-Capture, they can review exactly what we observed earlier in the process.
5. What recommendations would you give to a facility with similar needs to those identified at Béziers Hospital Centre?
We recommend having a dedicated smartphone for macroscopy photography, whether for fresh specimens or pre-analytical samples. This ensures that all pathologists have easy access to images of the specimens. Additionally, as a smartphone is significantly lighter and more manoeuvrable than a fixed camera or a standard digital camera, it provides the necessary practicality to move around the specimen, adjust distance, and capture optimal images regardless of its size.
We also strongly recommend the use of TM-Capture for all current and future users of telepathology. As this technology is increasingly adopted and represents a key advancement in anatomical and cytopathology, having comprehensive access to all specimen details—particularly its macroscopic appearance—without having directly observed it beforehand is crucial.
The strength of TM-Capture lies in its ability to photograph any relevant element for inclusion in the patient’s record, as long as it is registered in the database.
It also allows for modifications such as adding text, marking sectioning details on an intact specimen, or inserting additional information on tissue blocks, ensuring thorough and precise documentation.
6. What criteria guided your choice in selecting the company to support you in this innovation? What convinced you?
We engaged in extensive discussions with Telemis regarding the functionality of this tool and its potential evolution in alignment with our own development. As a result, all the advantages previously mentioned—its practicality in macroscopy, post-sampling processes, and telepathology—were carefully considered.
Since the company met our key requirements, adopting TM-Capture as part of our daily practice was the logical next step.
In conclusion, the adoption of TM-Capture at the Béziers Hospital Centre has marked a significant advancement in the management of specimens and pathology diagnostics. By facilitating access to macroscopic images and minimising errors, this tool not only enhances the efficiency of pathologists but also improves the quality of patient care.
The recommendations for a similar implementation and the criteria for selecting a technology partner highlight the importance of choosing adaptable and forward-thinking solutions. TM-Capture has thus proven to be a valuable asset for healthcare institutions looking to optimise their diagnostic practices.
