MIAP – Web-based platform for the computer analysis of microscopic images to support the pathological diagnosis

Abstract The aim of the project is to design and to implement a web-based platform for the computer analysis of microscopic images which support the pathological diagnosis. The use of the platform will be free of charge. It offers: quantitative analysis of staining tissue sample’ images, archiving microscopic images, peer consultation, and join work independently from distance between scientific collaborating centers to registered doctors, scientists and students. The use of proposed platform allows: (i) to save pathologists’ time spend on quantitative analysis, (ii) to reduce consulting costs by replacing sending of the physical preparations by placing their images (mostly virtual slide) on the platform server, (iii) to increase reproducibility, comparability and objectivity of quantitative evaluations. These effects have a direct impact on improving the effectiveness and decreasing the costs of patients’ treatment. This paper presents the main ideas of the project which deliver web-based system working as multi-functional, integrated, modular and scalable computer system. The details of hardware solutions, concept of the workflow in the platform, the programming language and interpreters, the specific tools and algorithms, and the user interfaces are described below. The practical solutions for web-based services in the area of medical image analysis, storage and retrieval are also presented and discussed.