Dr. Mei Lin Bissonnette presents her talk, “Renal Pathology Provincial Update,” as part of BC Renal and UBC’s provincewide rounds.

0:6:18 – Introduction
She begins by providing statistics on annual biopsies numbers in BC, which have been increasing in recent years, as well as quality assurance data captured.

0:10:02 – NHA Quality Initiative
Dr. Bissonnette then notes that Northern Health in Prince George was faced with a biopsy quality issue, whereby rebiopsy was often required, putting a strain on patients and hospital resources. Part of the problem was no bedside biopsy evaluation at the time of collection, and limited pathology resources. They created a program whereby a renal technologist traveled to Prince George to train ultrasound technicians. Dr. Bissonnette presents the results of that initiative, noting a subsequent increase in the precent of adequate biopsies. Efforts are underway to expand this project across the province. This involves partnering with local hospital foundations so that they can provide a uniform provincewide remote system, so Dr. Bissonette’s lab can provide remote support.

0:18:40 – 2024 projects
She then provides an overview of projects in progress, including the automation of immunofluorescence staining, which is currently done manually. As well her team is developing IHC stains for panel membranous antigens, and working to enable easy access to NanoString for clinical integration of BHOT panel. Lastly, they are looking to implement a second electron microscope at St Paul’s Hospital.

0:23:21 – Digital pathology
Dr. Bissonnette then discusses challenges around digital pathology, whereby managing and storing such high volumes of data can be challenging. She provides an overview of the Renal Pathology Digital Pilot which began in 2019, assessing how to manage large volumes of data indefinitely. They obtained a high throughput slide scanner in 2023 which has enhanced and expanded existing Health Authority digital infrastructure and storage solutions with Microsoft. PHSA is looking to apply this through provincewide infrastructure and data integration. An 18month PHSA provincial test bed is taking place.

0:32:15 – Benefits of new digital approach
Dr. Bissonnette notes this new approach will offer immediate visual comparisons among biopsies, eliminate loss of slides, and results in a more integrated system that includes IF and EM images, as well as lead to more data available for research and future educational uses. It also includes many benefits from a data management angle, as they plan to create an online pathology portal and connect it to PROMIS. It will allow for improved tracking of tissue and scheduling.

0:38:40 – Biobank
Dr. Bissonnette emphasizes that what they are really trying to do is create a comprehensive biobank, and how it will be connected with UBC’s OpenSpecimen project, while respecting patient privacy. Her team is working toward incorporating genetic analyses into the biobank.

0:43:00 – Questions from the audience
Dr. Bissonnette takes questions from the audience.

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