Insert the Sierra slide into the WSI device to be assessed and initiate a scan.
Validating the colour reproducibility of a whole slide imaging scanner
Many laboratories are moving into digital imaging. But there’s an understandable hesitation from some pathologists, who ask: “How can we be sure that the digital image we see is truly representative of the slide?” In particular, with histopathology’s need for accurate staining, how can practitioners be assured that nothing is being lost or inaccurately represented in the digitisation process?
Sierra Validate and Standardise (VS) Analyser helps to answer these questions. Used in combination with the Sierra Slide, which provides colour reference with human tissue scanning characteristics, the software analysis tool validates the colour reproducibility of a digital pathology scanner (or portfolio of scanning devices) across 55 commonly used tissue stains. This enables a full appreciation of any variances from ground truth colour.
Sierra Validate & Standardise Analyser
For organisations and professionals in the field of digital pathology and pharmaceuticals, adhering to process control for quality and regulatory purposes is paramount. They are reliant on digital pathology Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) devices for accurate diagnosis and drug trials – both with life changing implications.
Sierra VS-Analyser is a WSI colour validation solution that determines the variances between the colour reproducibility of a particular WSI device and ground truth colour. The Sierra VS-Analyser package consists of a software validation and analysis tool along with a Sierra Calibration Slide. This package contains a number of credits along with a unique activation code and directions to download a stand-alone software application using Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
Make informed decisions
The first of its kind available on the market, Sierra VS-Analyser enables practitioners, pathologists and technicians to make informed decisions on the digital pathology equipment and related workflow utilised. Following a simple three-step process, technicians and pathologists can get a snap-shot view of the colour reproducibility of a digital pathology scanner.
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The scan of the Sierra slide is then uploaded to the Sierra VS-Analyser software tool. On doing so the application will automatically generates simple infographic data on the analysis process.
Three
On completion of the process Sierra VS-Analyser software will present ‘Before’ and ‘After’ grids displaying the CIEDE2000 differences for each of the colour patches on the Sierra slide.
See the difference ‘Before’ & ‘After’ colour correction
The ‘Before’ pane shows the CIEDE2000 difference between the average RGB colour of the patch (obtained during analysis of the image of the Sierra slide) and the ground truth colour of that patch. The ‘After’ pane shows the CIEDE2000 difference between the average RGB colour of the patch after application of an ICC profile and the ground truth colour of the patch.
Detailed report of variances and meaning
Sierra VS-Analyser will also allow the user to visualise the effect of applying the Sierra ICC profile to a tissue image (scanned from the same device analysed). The Software provides further analysis of “Before” and “After” differences in a PDF report, which can be exported from the software. Further information is contained in the report explaining the differences in the analysis.
Out of the Box
Sierra VS-Analyser
Sierra Slide
- Standard size 1 glass slide with 55 biologically stained patches
- Spectral truth of slide confirmed using spectrophotometer
- Unique serial number for ease of identification
- Each Sierra slide has a life span of 100 reports
- Comes in a protective storage case
Sierra VS-Analyser Software
- Analysis software for installation on server running Microsoft Windows 10
- The application is easy to navigate and does not require the user to be a colour management or software expert.
- Report generated following completion of analysis process
- Analysis stored for multiple devices for future reference (up to 5)
Starting the journey
For those just starting to assess the colour accuracy of your digital pathology images, Sierra VS-Analyser comes with the Sierra slide comes and forms part of the Sierra VS-Profiler product package. Used in combination you will be able to analyse any given WSI device, understand any variance that exists and generate a unique ICC profile to ensure these are colour calibrated.
Colour management
Whether you have integrated Sierra technology into your workflows yourselves or in collaboration with FFEI’s specialist consultants, Sierra slides can be purchased to ensure all devices are calibrated to ICC standards – whether at production or servicing in the field.