Annual Meeting On-Demand - Short Course #8 - A Practical Guide to Digital Cytology and AI: Improving Workflows Based on Real-World Experience

The adoption of whole slide imaging (WSI) and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms has been growing in clinical practice with multiple potential benefits. As pathology laboratories consider and incorporate such technologies into daily clinical practice, there are many workflow considerations that are key to implementation. Additionally, in incorporating a digital workflow there are opportunities to develop and incorporate deep learning algorithms to aid cytology practice. With improvements in both WSI and AI technologies, it is important to identify the practical aspects of implementation as it relates specifically for cytology. These aspects include but are not limited to identifying an optimal WSI workflow, development of ongoing QA/QC, how to troubleshoot errors, structuring data for AI, awareness of the pros and cons of different AI algorithms, and regulatory considerations. 


In this session, we will go over the various aspects of adopting WSI and AI into cytology practice based upon real world experience. The overall focus will be geared to provide those that are interested in adopting WSI and AI or are in the early process of implementation with an overview of the necessary considerations. Elements that will be discussed include pre-implementation and post-implementation considerations such as storage, workflow development, hardware/software selection, troubleshooting scanning issues, various AI tools publicly available, how to use such AI tools, a robust QA/QC program, and various use cases for cytology WSI/ AI.

Target Audience

This educational activity is designed for pathologists, cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, students and other members of the cytopathology community.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the basic technical aspects of whole slide images (WSI) as it pertains to cytology preparations and workflow considerations.
  • Discuss various artificial intelligence (AI) strategies and how they can improve cytology practice and operations.
  • Discuss the technical challenges in adopting WSI and AI to cytology practice including how to troubleshoot common issues.
  • Provide practical resources to help guide those interested in implementing WSI and AI for the cytology laboratory.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.50 California Credits
  • 1.50 CMLE
  • 1.50 Florida Credits
  • 1.50 Participant
Course opens: 
01/01/2026
Course expires: 
12/31/2029
Cost:
$125.00

Presenter(s):
David Kim, MD
Brie Kezlarian-Sach, MD
Hasan Bilal, MD 

DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
The faculty, committee members, Executive Board and staff who are in position to control the content of this activity are required to disclose to the ASC and to learners any financial relationships that have occurred within the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. The ASC has reviewed the disclosures and mitigated all relevant financial relationships.

The following individuals have reported financial relationships:
Israh Akhtar, MD, FIAC: Consultant - Astra Zeneca
Zaibo Li, MD, PhD: Consultant - PathAI, AlxMed; Board of Directors - Digital Pathology Association
Paul VanderLaan, MD, PhD: Consultant – Gala Therapeutics

The following individuals have reported no relevant financial relationships:
Kristen Atkins, MD, Catherine Bammert, PhD, CT, MB(ASCP), CT(IAC), Christine Booth, MD, Marilyn Bui, MD, PhD, Amy Clayton, MD, Jacqueline Cuda, BS, SCT(ASCP), Fang Fan, MD, PhD, Beverly Haigler-Daly, BS, CT(ASCP), Michael Henry, MD, Angelique Levi, MD, Xiaoying Liu, MD, Abberly Lott Limbach, MD, Maria Cecilia Lozano, MD, PhD, MIAC, Varsha Manucha, MD, Sean McNair, MPH, CT(ASCP), Sara Monaco, MD, Maheswari Mukherjee, PhD, MSc, BPT, SCT(ASCP)CM, Dianna Ng, MD, Michiya Nishino, MD, PhD, Christopher O'Conor, MD, PhD, Melissa Randolph, BS, SCT(ASCP), Michelle Reid, MD, MSc, Marilin Rosa, MD, Sinchita Roy-Chowdhuri, MD, PhD, Momin Siddiqui, MD, FIAC, Zoon Tariq, MD, Michael Thrall, MD, Gary Tse, MBBS, Christopher VandenBussche, MD, PhD, Philippe Vielh, MD, PhD, Joe Walker, Jr, MS, SCT(ASCP), Vivian Weiss, MD, PhD, Lisa Zhang, MD, David Kim, MD, Brie Kezlarian-Sach, MD, Hasan Bilal, MD

The ASC staff associated with the development of content for this activity reported no relevant financial relationships.

ACCREDITATION AND DESIGNATION STATEMENTS

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Statement
The American Society of Cytopathology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  The American Society of Cytopathology designates this enduring educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Board of Pathology Maintenance of Certification (CC)
This product can help fulfill the CME requirements mandated by the American Board of Pathology Continuing Certification (CC) process.  Earn up to 1.5 Credit Hours.

Continuing Medical Laboratory Education (CMLE)
The ASC designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 Continuing Medical Laboratory Education (CMLE) credit hours for non-physicians.  The CMLE credit hours meet the continuing education requirements for the ASCP Board of Registry Certification Maintenance Program. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Cytotechnologists with Licenses in Florida and California
This program is approved for 1.5 continuing education credits in the States of Florida and California.

Available Credit

  • 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.50 California Credits
  • 1.50 CMLE
  • 1.50 Florida Credits
  • 1.50 Participant

Price

Cost:
$125.00
Please login or register to take this course.