BD to offer Techcyte cervical cytology software
BD and Techcyte have announced a strategic collaboration under which BD will add Techcyte’s cervical cytology software to its portfolio. The Techcyte system includes an artificial intelligence-based algorithm that guides users in identifying evidence of cervical cancer and precancer.
The Techcyte software is compatible with the BD SurePath liquid-based Pap test and other liquid-based cytology preparations. Techcyte intends for it to be compatible with several widely used whole slide imaging scanners. The system’s algorithm identifies and prioritizes atypical cells within the sample that have clinical significance.
BD plans to make the Techcyte software commercially available in Europe in the second quarter. It is not yet approved for clinical use in the United States.
BD, 844-823-5433
Health IT interoperability and transparency rule in place
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Certification Program Updates, Algorithm Transparency, and Information Sharing (HTI-1) Rule took effect last month.
Under the rule, health information technology companies that supply artificial intelligence to health systems must meet specific transparency requirements.
“HHS’ leading-edge regulatory approach will promote responsible AI and make it possible for clinical users to access a consistent, baseline set of information about the algorithms they use to support their decision making and to assess such algorithms for fairness, appropriateness, validity, effectiveness, and safety,” according to an HHS press statement.
The rule also updates interoperability standards, reporting metrics, and information-blocking requirements.
Roche and PathAI to jointly develop algorithms
Roche and PathAI have entered into an agreement under which PathAI will exclusively work with Roche Tissue Diagnostics to develop artificial intelligence-enabled digital pathology algorithms in the companion diagnostics marketplace.
Roche will partner with PathAI for a prespecified term as its sole external algorithm-development company for AI-powered companion diagnostics, while retaining its ability to develop its own algorithms for companion diagnostics. PathAI will continue to be able to develop algorithms outside of the companion diagnostics arena.
Algorithms developed under the partnership will be deployed via Roche’s Navify digital pathology platform.
Under a previous arrangement, the companies had jointly developed an embedded image-analysis workflow for pathologists, which allows the algorithms to be accessed within Navify.
Roche Digital Pathology, 800-428-5074
Data Innovations launches mobile app for Lab GPS
Data Innovations has introduced Lab GPS v2.1, which includes a mobile app and other enhancements to the company’s Lab GPS software-as-a-service connectivity product.
“Lab GPS v2.1 enables LIS administrators to resolve connectivity issues faster by viewing and acting on issues from a mobile device, even when Wi-Fi is not accessible,” according to a company press release.
As with the desktop version of Lab GPS, the mobile app allows LIS administrators to stop and start Instrument Manager connections and communication traces for LIS and instrument connections remotely. Users of the latest version can monitor test systems connected to Lab GPS via the mobile app and toggle on and off test connectivity in test and production environments. Users can also set up the app to send configurable alerts based on the connection status of every Instrument Manager and instrument connection.
As part of its security and audit features, Lab GPS v2.1 will log the initiation point of an action sent to Instrument Manager to let administrators determine if the request was sent from the mobile app or Lab GPS’ Web app. Single sign-on access is required. Administrators at institutions that do not permit mobile apps can disable the functionality.
The mobile app is available to Instrument Manager clients that have a Lab GPS subscription. It is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple Store.
Data Innovations, 888-299-1750
Corista platform receives license from Health Canada
The Concord, Mass.-based digital pathology solutions provider Corista has obtained a class II medical device license from Health Canada for its DP3 Web-based image-management platform.
The license further supports Corista’s recently announced strategic partnership with Mortsel, Belgium-based Agfa HealthCare, under which Corista is integrating its DP3 technology into Agfa’s Enterprise Imaging for Pathology platform. The license allows Corista to provide its digital pathology workflow solution to Agfa’s Canadian customer base.
Corista, 978-287-6188
HHS approves two entities as Qualified Health Information Networks
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has reported that CommonWell Health Alliance and Kno2 have been designated as Qualified Health Information Networks, capable of nationwide health data exchange, under the voluntary Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement.
CommonWell and Kno2 join eHealth Exchange, Epic Nexus, Health Gorilla, Konza, and MedAllies as QHINs. They can exchange data with other QHINs in accordance with the common agreement’s policies and technical requirements.
Dr. Aller practices clinical informatics in Southern California. He can be reached at [email protected]. Dennis Winsten is founder of Dennis Winsten & Associates, Healthcare Systems Consultants. He can be reached at [email protected].