Background: The article gives an overview of the telepathology activity at the Norwegian Radium Hospital from the service was launched in 1994 and up until today. We show the development during these years and discuss telepathology in general terms. We also discuss those aspects that determine how well a telepathology service functions.
Material and methods: 74 frozen section slides were diagnosed by two different telepathology systems. One of these systems was used for examining its appropriateness as a tool for second opinion in pathology. A new Internet-based system was developed that provided additional functionality.
Results: A telepathology system with a digital camera outperforms one with an analog camera with respect to diagnostic accuracy.
Interpretation: Image quality determines the precision of a telepathology service. Telepathology is a feasible tool for second opinion in pathology.