Agilent Technologies enters digital pathology scanner distribution agreement with Hamamatsu

Agilent Technologies Inc. announced a collaboration with Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., a prominent supplier of whole slide imaging systems, to integrate their NanoZoomer range, which includes the S360MD Slide scanner system, into the Agilent end-to-end digital pathology solution. Agilent completes its offering of an open and agnostic digital pathology workflow intended to accelerate breakthroughs in precision medicine with the inclusion of the NanoZoomer Slide scanner systems, which convert glass slides into high-resolution digital data via high-speed scanning.

Pathology labs today are under increasing strain to handle larger patient and test loads with fewer pathologists, which is exacerbated by the growing trend towards remote work situations. Many pathology labs are looking for new ways to improve workflow efficiency and enable remote analysis in order to meet this challenge. These circumstances have emphasised the importance of implementing a digital pathology solution to improve laboratory efficiency, clinical utility, and test quality.

Agilent takes a major step forward in its mission to provide pathologists with an advanced platform that can reduce time-to-diagnosis and help improve patient outcomes by incorporating Hamamatsu's slide scanning capability into its digital pathology solution. This scalable digital pathology workflow includes scanners, an image management system, and digital pathology applications that are compatible with Agilent pathology solutions as well as other technology and laboratory information systems (LIS), allowing forward-thinking labs to benefit from flexible, future-proof technology that allows them to grow as requirements change.

"Increased cancer cases and tests have pushed pathology laboratories towards digital pathology implementation," said Lou Welebob, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Pathology division, Diagnostics and Genomics Group. "This distribution agreement strengthens Agilent's open and agnostic end-to-end digital pathology offering and shows our commitment to delivering superior digital pathology solutions to our customers," says the company. “Time is critical for patients and clinicians when awaiting a diagnosis. At Hamamatsu, our NanoZoomer Slide scanner digital pathology product line will help revolutionize the diagnostic process, enabling fast turnaround times, more efficient workflows, and more collaboration among pathologists worldwide.

We are committed to facilitating the adoption of this transformative technology to help pathologists improve patient care and patient outcomes for every patient and, ultimately, anywhere in the world,” said Laura Pagano, vice president of sales at Hamamatsu Corporation. Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. is a leading provider of whole slide imaging systems and related technology such as optical sensors, light sources, and complex instrument systems that use them. Agilent Technologies Inc. is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation that advance the quality of life.