Working Together to Bring Pathology into the Digital Age

Three years ago, GE Healthcare and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) created a joint venture, Omnyx, to change the way anatomic pathology is practiced worldwide. For more than 100 years, the practice of anatomic pathology has involved inspecting, with a microscope, tissue embedded on a glass slide. GE envisioned the field going through a digital transformation similar to the one radiology went through nearly 20 years ago.

Today, Omnyx is developing an Integrated Digital Pathology solution consisting of whole-slide scanners for digitizing glass slides, along with an enterprise software system for managing the images and the corresponding pathology process.

“GE’s global presence also allows Omnyx access to markets that might be out of reach for a start-up company.”

— Gene Cartwright, CEO, Omnyx

Omnyx began its journey by working closely with the pathologists at UPMC to design a system that would meet their needs today and in the future. The system is truly designed by pathologists, for pathologists. It is also a great benefit having GE behind the formation of Omnyx. GE has a strong history and presence in healthcare, and is a trusted global brand. Its reputation and commitment are significant to early adopters of this transforming technology.

In addition, GE Healthcare’s healthymagination strategy is perfectly aligned with Omnyx product attributes and benefits. The Omnyx product can increase access and quality by providing research pathologists—anywhere within the hospital system and across the globe—access to images and case information. Previously, physical slides were shipped via courier—an obstacle to getting slides to the best pathologist.

Pathology departments can also increase efficiency by digitizing the pathologist’s process. For example, efficiency is improved through the reduction of non-value-added steps of organization, collection and communication of case information. In fact, a time and motion study discovered an opportunity to eliminate at least 14 percent of those steps. Productivity is also enhanced by connecting all of the pathologists in the department through an enterprise system. Often, departments need pathologists physically located at a remote site, but they are not fully utilized. The Omnyx solution can help level-load the department by distributing cases where there is available capacity.

The close relationship Omnyx has with GE makes us look and feel very much like a GE business. Our prospects and customers appreciate this close tie to GE, as it makes their buying experience more consistent and predictable. GE’s global presence also allows Omnyx access to markets that might be out of reach for a start-up company. The relationship provides customers with the security of knowing that GE is behind the Omnyx technology and the future of the product.