Pathology Lab Imaging Equipment Checklist

Setting up a new pathology lab, or planning a refresh of an existing one, requires a clear-eyed list of imaging equipment. This is the working checklist we use with hospitals and research labs. Some items are obvious. Some are commonly forgotten until the gross room goes live and something is missing.

Tier 1: Required Imaging Equipment

Every pathology lab needs the following pathology lab imaging equipment, regardless of volume.

Grossing imaging station

A purpose-built grossing table with integrated camera, lighting, and software. Sizing depends on volume:

• Under 10 cases per day: compact tabletop (13 by 20 inches).
• 10 to 50 cases per day: standard tabletop (20 by 30 inches).
• 50+ cases per day: full mobile cart configuration.

Backup specimen camera

A standalone DSLR with macro lens for the rare case where the grossing station is in service. Even a 5-year-old consumer DSLR works as a backup.

Color calibration card

An X-Rite ColorChecker Passport or similar. One per grossing station. Calibration runs monthly.

L-shaped scale rules

Plastic L-rules in 5 cm and 15 cm sizes for in-frame scale references. Disposable.

Computer per station

A workstation per grossing station, with at least 16 GB RAM and a fast SSD. Image capture and live view are RAM and disk hungry.

Network attached storage

RAID NAS sized for at least 5 years of image volume plus 50 percent buffer. Pathology image data is high-value and small relative to genomic data, but it accumulates.

UPS on every grossing station

An uninterruptible power supply prevents image loss during power blips. Sized to 30 minutes of uptime.

Tier 2: Highly Recommended

LED light table for transmitted-light work

For backlit imaging of transparent specimens, slide preparations, and cell blocks. See the V700 light tables.

Standalone macro photography stand

For high-magnification work outside the grossing flow. A copy stand with an 18 to 24 MP camera and a 100 mm macro lens.

Whole slide scanner

For digital archive and remote consultation. Volume-dependent: a small lab can outsource, a hospital pathology service usually buys one.

Dedicated dictation system at each grossing station

Voice recognition tied to the LIS, with a quality lavalier or boom microphone. Avoid handheld microphones in a wet gross room.

Foot pedals for imaging and dictation

Hands-free capture for both image triggers and dictation start/stop.

Tier 3: Specialty

Alternate light source

UV, IR, or 415 nm violet light for forensic specimens, hemorrhage detection, or fluorescence imaging.

Polarizing filter set

Circular polarizers for cutting glare on shiny specimens, glass slides, and clear containers.

Macro photography ring light

A ring of LEDs around the lens for shadowless close-up work.

Stitching software

For panoramas of large specimens or multi-frame slide scans.

Software

Beyond the imaging-station software, plan for:

• LIS integration for case-folder routing.
• PACS or image-archive software for long-term storage.
• Backup and disaster recovery software.
• Audit-log software (especially for forensic work).

Lighting and Environment

• 5500 K LED panels at every grossing station.
• UL-approved low-voltage lighting in wet zones.
• CRI 95 or higher on all imaging lights.
• Anti-fatigue mats at every grossing station.
• Adjustable-height stations for ergonomic compliance.

Budget Guidance

For a hospital pathology service running 30 to 50 cases per day, a complete imaging buildout looks roughly like this:

• Two grossing imaging stations: $16,000 to $20,000.
• Backup specimen camera: $1,500.
• Color calibration cards and L-rules: $300.
• Workstations and UPS: $5,000.
• Network attached storage with RAID: $4,000 to $8,000.
• LED light table: $5,000 to $7,000.
• Software, integrations, training: $5,000 to $10,000.

Total: roughly $40,000 to $50,000 for a complete imaging buildout. Specialty equipment adds 20 to 40 percent on top.

Common Forgotten Items

• Backup foot pedals. They wear out.
• Color calibration cards. They get misplaced.
• Spare LED panels. A single panel failure should not take a station down.
• Documentation of camera settings. Stick a laminated card to the station.
• Image archive verification process. Plan a monthly spot-check.

The Photodyne Bundle

Photodyne provides the grossing imaging station, LED light table, integrated software, and training as a bundled package. Contact us for a buildout quote tailored to your case volume and lab footprint.