There are many factors we to consider when building a robust WSI IT infrastructure.

• • • • Scalability: Our infrastructure is scalable, allowing it to handle varying workloads and data volumes efficiently.
        
        

      • Redundancy and Backup:  We have taken utmost care for redundancy and backup solutions to ensure data availability and disaster recovery.  All data is stored on multiple locations and locally backed up with automated failover and disaster recovery systems.
        
        

      • Access Control: We have a strict access control mechanisms to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data and systems. We don't keep or transfer any identifiable patient data.
        
        

      • Compliance Monitoring: We continuously monitor the system for compliance with relevant regulations and standards, and update the processes as needed to stay compliant. This is all included in the service at no extra cost to you further simplifying implementation and scaling in the long run.

We take care of medically compliance and regulations, so you don't have to. Automatically be compliant simply by using our network. When building and designing a pathology whole slide scanning (WSI) solution in the cloud, there are several legal and medical compliance considerations to keep in mind. 

• • Validation and Quality Control: Our WSI system undergo rigorous validation to ensure accuracy and reliability. This includes validating the hardware and software components and establishing quality control procedures to maintain consistent performance.

• • Data Security and Integrity: Implement robust security measures to protect data integrity and prevent unauthorized access. This includes encryption, secure data transmission, and regular security audits.
    
    

  • Interoperability: Ensure our system can integrate with other medical systems and standards, such as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine), to facilitate seamless data exchange and interoperability.
    
    

  • Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain comprehensive documentation of all processes, including image acquisition, processing, storage, and retrieval. This is crucial for regulatory compliance and quality assurance. 

By addressing these legal, medical, and IT architecture considerations, we have built a compliant and reliable whole slide scanning solution that meets industry standards and regulatory requirements. 

On top of being compliant with the WSI standards, we don't transfer any patient personal information on the cloud and only store encrypted case numbers in the database. In the case of data breaches there are no personal information trackable.  Only case number can only be identified via a secure login on the front end, and then use in combination with your local private and secure LMS system which should also be POPIA and PAIA Complient.   
Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA)

The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000, (PAIA) gives effect to section 32 of the Constitution of , which provides that everyone has the right to access information held by the State, as well as information held by another person (or private body) when such privately-held information is required for the exercise and protection of rights.

PAIA aims to underline the importance of access to information in a democratic society by fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. PAIA does this by requiring public (government) and private (non-government) bodies to create both a manual describing the type of records they hold, and procedures for others to access that information.

Protection Of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

The Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 gives effect to the right to privacy which is guaranteed by Section 14 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

The Act aims to promote the protection of personal information processed by public and private bodies and introduces the conditions of lawful processing so as to establish minimum requirements when personal information is processed. The Act provides for the establishment of an Information Regulator to exercise certain powers and to perform certain duties and functions in terms of this Act and the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000.

• Standardization: DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is a universal standard for storing, transmitting, and sharing medical images. Using DICOM-compatible software ensures that your whole slide images (WSIs) can be easily shared and viewed across different systems and devices, regardless of the manufacturer.
  
  

• Interoperability: DICOM compatibility allows seamless integration with other medical systems, such as Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS). This interoperability is crucial for efficient workflow and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
  
  

• Data Integrity: DICOM files include metadata that provides important information about the image, such as patient details, acquisition parameters, and annotations. This ensures that the context and quality of the images are preserved, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and research.

Using DICOM image format in WSI makes it easier to integrate with Meditech LIS (Laboratory Information System) because:

1. Seamless Data Exchange: DICOM provides a standardized method for transferring images and associated metadata between systems. This simplifies the process of uploading, storing, and retrieving WSIs within the LIS.

2. Efficient Workflow: With DICOM compatibility, pathologists can access and review digital slides directly from the LIS, streamlining the diagnostic process and reducing the need for manual data entry.

3. Compliance: Many healthcare institutions require compliance with DICOM standards for digital pathology systems. By using DICOM-compatible software, you ensure that your system meets these regulatory requirements and can easily integrate with existing infrastructure

Download the Meditech PAIA Manual>