HNL Lab Medicine Digital Pathology Platform Speeds Up Diagnoses and Enables Remote Work
April 2026 — HNL Lab Medicine, a laboratory partner affiliated with Lehigh Valley Health Network and part of Jefferson Health, has successfully implemented a digital pathology platform that is improving diagnostic turnaround times, enabling remote work for pathologists, and preparing the lab for AI-assisted diagnostics.
The organization operates across a large hospital network, and before adopting digital pathology, one of its biggest challenges was managing complex workflows across multiple locations. Pathologists were spread across hospitals located up to 50 miles apart, and transporting physical glass slides for second opinions often took an entire day, delaying diagnoses and treatment for patients.
Transition to Digital Pathology
To solve these issues, HNL Lab implemented a fully digital pathology system using Leica GT450 scanners and Proscia Concentriq. The digital system allows pathology slides to be scanned and shared instantly across the network, eliminating the need to physically transport slides.
Within 12 months, all 25 pathologists in the organization were fully using the digital system. The transition enabled:
- Instant case sharing across hospitals
- Faster second opinions and consultations
- Digital tumor board collaboration
- Digital annotation for molecular testing
Remote Work and Staff Morale
One of the biggest benefits of the digital platform was the ability to support remote work. Within six months of going fully digital, most pathologists began working from home two to three days per week, improving work-life balance and staff morale.
An internal survey showed that 81% of pathologists prefer digital pathology over traditional microscopy. The organization also hired a remote dermatopathologist, helping manage increasing case volumes and address the shortage of pathologists.
Faster Results for Patients
The digital system has also improved operational efficiency. Turnaround time for cases requiring molecular testing has improved by at least one business day, allowing patients and doctors to receive results faster and begin treatment sooner.
Preparing for AI Diagnostics
HNL Lab is now in the final stage of implementing its first AI diagnostic tool, Ibex Prostate, which will be used for prostate pathology. The AI system is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy, increase efficiency, and act as a quality assurance tool.
