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A Metadata Framework for Digitized Pathologic Images (July 1, 2008 –Current)

Project description: Due to a number of advantages over traditional glass slides, digital pathologic images are increasingly used for clinical diagnosis, scientific research, and biomedical education. However, a standardized and complete method for describing these digitized images does not yet exist. With the increased use of digital imaging in pathology, it is crucial that a standardized metadata framework be developed so virtual microscopic image information can be efficiently stored, managed, retrieved and shared. To develop this framework, the project team will examine and analyze four existing data standards, none of which, individually, provide a collection of data elements that adequately describe pathologic images. Potential data elements will be collected, merged, and evaluated to determine those that provide the best metadata set for these complex digital images. Experts in the fields of pathology, ontology, library science, and imaging will be interviewed to determine relevant test image descriptions and to construct a standard that can effectively represent image information contained in the set. This project will involve extensive collaboration with the UK Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UK Center for Excellence in Reproductive Health Science, and Massachusetts General Hospital-Department of Pathology, with the goal of providing a single standard to enable seamless querying across different pathologic imaging systems.