FORENSIC
PATHOLOGY
In forensic pathology, microscopic findings are often rare, case-specific, and difficult to reproduce as frequently physical slides are returned to the originating office. This limits long-term access to histological material for teaching, consultation, and documentation. While automated whole-slide scanners are getting more and more available in clinical pathology, they are often impractical for low-volume forensic workflows. mvSlide offers an alternative approach, enabling forensic pathologists to create high-quality digital records using their existing microscope. This use case highlights how mvSlide supports documentation and teaching in postmortem examinations.​
Digital Slide Documentation with mvSlide in Forensic Pathology
Forensic pathology workflows can vary widely across institutional settings and case volumes. However, individual cases often carry high scientific, educational, and legal significance, making reliable documentation of microscopic findings particularly important. Below are important aspects of digital slide documentation in forensic pathology and how mvSlide supports these workflows.
Key aspects and challenges:
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Each case is typically unique, with findings that may not be easily reproducible
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Individual slides often represent high-value material, even when overall case volume is low
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Physical slides may be returned to originating institutions or fade over time, making rare findings difficult to preserve
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Automated scanning solutions are expensive and therefore not reasonable for low-volume forensic work in particular​
Why mvSlide fits forensic pathology workflows:
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Designed for low-volume, expert-driven use
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Integrates directly with existing microscopes, no workflow disruption
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Affordable alternative to automated scanners or scanning services
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High-quality scans at low magnification (e.g. 4X, 10X), suitable for most forensic applications
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User-controlled scanning focused on relevant regions
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Simple and intuitive operation​
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Typical applications of mvSlide in forensic pathology:
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Archiving of selected rare or unique histological findings
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Preserving slides that may fade or be lost
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Teaching and training of students, residents and colleagues
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Peer consultation and expert exchange
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Annotation for documentation and expert explanation
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Visual material for reports and courtroom demonstration
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​​​​​​​​​Below, a panoramic image created with mvSlide showing an HE-stained lung section is shown. The slide was digitzied by Dr. Robert A. Kurtzman, D.O., Forensic Pathologist, using mvSlide prior to returning the physical slide and archived as a permanent record. According to Dr. Kurtzman, mvSlide allows to have a permanent digital record of each slide; as he is in a low volume setting, an automated scanner or a scanning service would be cost-prohibitive.
Panoramic image of a HE-stained lung tissue section.
The scan was kindly provided by Dr. Robert A. Kurtzman.​
​Scanning at higher magnifications naturally requires more time. mvSlide is therefore particularly efficient for scanning mainly at lower magnifications, which is sufficient for many forensic pathology use cases. Its manual approach makes mvSlide an excellent fit for low-volume, high-value forensic work, while high-throughput laboratories may benefit from automated scanners. mvSlide complements established forensic workflows by adding flexible, high-quality digital documentation where it matters most.​​
Limitations and scope of use:
​​​Summary:
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mvSlide enables permanent digital documentation of forensic histology
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Particularly well suited for low volume, high-value cases
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Digital slides created with mvSlide support teaching, consultation, expert interpretation and professional communication
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mvSlide offers a pragmatic digital pathology solution for forensic settings
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CONTACT US
Microvisioneer GmbH
Schmidzeile 15
83512 Wasserburg am Inn
Germany
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Tel.: +49 (0) 151 41605950
