Which telepathology modality uses whole slide imaging systems and is investigational (z-stacking)?

• A. Hybrid telepathology
• B. Static telepathology
• C. Dynamic telepathology
• D. Digital cytology

Answer: (A)

Whole slide imaging lets you digitize an entire glass slide so you can navigate it at high resolution just like you were looking through a microscope. Adding z-stacking means capturing multiple focal planes to create a depth-aware view, which is still being explored and validated in practice. This combination is characteristic of hybrid telepathology, a modality that blends WSI-based review with other remote viewing methods and is considered investigational because z-stack technology in whole-slide systems isn’t yet standard in routine clinical use.

Static telepathology relies on single, still images without depth or live interaction, while dynamic telepathology involves real-time remote control of the microscope but not necessarily whole-slide imaging with depth stacking. Digital cytology focuses on digitizing cytology specimens, not the comprehensive whole-slide approach with z-stacking.