Technological advances continue to shape how diagnoses are made, treatments are planned and patient outcomes are improved.

One of these major innovations is digital pathology, a diagnostic approach that is transforming how pathologists, healthcare professionals and researchers work together to support patient care.

By combining high-resolution imaging, artificial intelligence (AI)-supported analysis and seamless collaboration tools, digital pathology is opening new possibilities in diagnostics.

In this article, we speak with medical pathologist and Unilabs’ Digital Transformation Lead for Switzerland, Dr Antonin Bouroumeau, about how digital pathology is helping Unilabs advance precision medicine.

Demystifying digital pathology

From glass slides to high-quality digital images

At its core, digital pathology involves converting the glass slides used in traditional pathology into high-quality digital images that can be analysed on a computer.

This transition is enabled by advanced scanning technology known as Whole Slide Imaging (WSI).

WSI captures entire slides and creates a digital equivalent of the glass slide, maintaining high image quality while allowing detailed magnified views of tissue samples.

Pathologists can review, diagnose and share these images with colleagues anywhere in the world, opening new opportunities for efficiency and collaboration.

Dr Bouroumeau explains that Unilabs is now at an advanced stage of its digital pathology transformation in Switzerland.

“We’ve been integrating elements of digital pathology and AI across our network for some time; now we are scaling these efforts and strategically implementing a national rollout.”

He adds:

“By the end of 2025 we will have all the infrastructure, software, and hardware we need to launch our first full digital pathology lab in 2026. This rollout will follow a dedicated training phase for our pathologists and laboratory technicians, an essential step before digital pathology becomes part of our routine operations.”

A new era for precision medicine

AI can support pathologists in detecting and interpreting subtle tissue changes

Digital pathology also creates new opportunities for the use of AI in diagnosis, treatment planning and other areas of patient care.

AI algorithms, including machine learning and image recognition systems, can support pathologists in identifying abnormalities in tissue samples with a high level of precision.

These systems are trained on large volumes of data, allowing them to identify patterns and subtle changes that may be difficult to detect visually and, in some cases, help predict molecular characteristics of a tumour.

Dr Bouroumeau says Unilabs is already advancing digital pathology in Switzerland through the use of the IBEX Prostate AI tool.

“This machine learning tool assists our pathologists in diagnosing prostate cancer from tissue samples. As with all diseases, the earlier an issue can be detected, the better the outcomes for patients.”

He adds:

“Our use of AI is about getting the most accurate and timely results for the patients and healthcare providers we serve.”

Greater confidence and collaboration for pathologists

Digital workflows can connect specialists across locations in real time

The transition to digital pathology also brings significant benefits for Unilabs pathologists.

The technology enables pathologists, oncologists, radiologists and other specialists to access the same high-resolution images, discuss cases in real time and collaborate remotely, regardless of their location.

“Gone will be the days of needing to wait for an expert pathologist to be physically present at the local lab. Through our digital pathology capability, we will create an international virtual network of experts; our pathologists can lean on each other’s expertise and insights to verify results, or seek second opinions.”

According to Dr Bouroumeau, this real-time collaboration can also support faster and more confident reporting.

“When you go digital you can achieve around 10% faster turnaround. This means you can take on additional cases, or spend more time innovating.”

Digital pathology and AI may also create new opportunities for medical research, helping support discoveries that could lead to more personalised patient care and further advances in precision medicine.

Empowering Unilabs experts

Technology is designed to strengthen clinical expertise, not replace it

Dr Bouroumeau stresses that digital pathology is not intended to replace Unilabs experts.

Instead, it is designed to amplify the expertise of pathologists and support the continued development of personalised medicine.

“By combining pathology data with other diagnostic tools, such as genomics and molecular profiling, Unilabs can empower healthcare providers to develop treatment plans that are tailored specifically to the individual patient.”

He adds:

“Digital pathology will empower our experts with standardised quality, reduced turnaround times, and the ability to implement AI tools in routine care, thereby strengthening customised treatment plans.”