Following a successful pilot of Augmentiqs telepathology for routine use in internal Charles River (CRL) projects, CRL has decided to expand the use of Augmentiqs telepathology for toxicologic pathology studies – including GLP preclinical studies for FDA submissions. 

The initial 5-month pilot included heavily documented use of the Augmentiqs telepathology system, with parameters including hours saved, client satisfaction and usability. The hard cost-savings awarded by real-time telepathology by remote pathologists showed an ROI well within the first year, and hard cost savings of over $17,000 per user. In addition to cost savings, the study found Augmentiqs outperformed other digital pathology technologies such as Whole Slide Imaging and 3rd ocular cameras in benchmarks such as ease of use, quality, innovation, speed and value. 

Principle Applications of Telepathology in Toxicologic Pathology

Among the principle applications of real-time telepathology in toxicologic pathology are consultations among pathologists and sponsors, online peer review, and group consultations as part of investigative studies, science advisory boards, and pathology working groups. CRL has decided to initially focus its use of Augmentiqs for peer review of GLP preclinical studies.

Dr. Abraham Nyska, an awarded toxicologic pathologist and adviser to Augmentiqs praised the results from CRL and said, “The availability of Augmentiqs as a relatively low-cost microscope-integrated telepathology systems now permits a much more feasible, cost-effective, and practical use of telepathology in biomedical research and preclinical studies as an alternative to travel of pathology experts or shipping slides. It can facilitate more informed decision-making relating to GLP study results and strategic business steps in a shorter period of time.”

Dr. Bob Maronpot, former director of experimental pathology at NIEHS/NIH said, “Augmentiqs technology facilitates good science by conveniently supporting informal and formal consultation and pathology peer-review consistent with best practices of toxicologic pathology. It is believed that data will accumulate from peer-review sessions, pathology working groups, and other applications that will enrich the science that can be supported by this technology.”