Unique Telepathology Network Planned for Netherlands

A unique project that will connect all 50 pathology laboratories in the Netherlands, and enable cloud-based, image sharing, has been initiated.

The network, the first of its kind in the world will connect all pathology labs to a shared telepathology solution and allow pathologists to share digital pathology images anywhere in the Netherlands.


The contract was signed by Sectra, and the organization Pathology Projects (SPP), and includes the Dutch Society of Pathologists (NVVP), and the Netherlands Stichting PALGA. The solution will enable pathologists to consult with each other throughout the Netherlands, and will allow them to access previous patient images easily from anywhere in the country. The solution is also expected to improve cancer care in the country and support the execution of panel discussions.

Sectra designs and manufactures primary diagnostics solutions for pathology, including archiving and review workstations with digital tools that speed up existing manual workflows. The digital pathology solution facilitates sharing of digital slides, and patient data, and can enhance consultations, second opinions and frozen section workflows.

President and CEO of Sectra, Dr. Torbjörn Kronander, said, “Implementing a pathology solution on this scale requires integration between several different IT solutions throughout the 50 labs. Sectra’s philosophy and proven track record of implementing standard-based integration is a core strength for us, which makes me extra proud to be part of this unique project.”