From the editor: Definiens recently launched a new version of the leading image analysis solution for quantitative digital pathology, Tissue Studio. I will briefly introduce its main features in a loose sequence of posts trying to answer one of the following questions each.

What can Tissue Studio do for you?
Who is Tissue Studio designed for?
Why is Tissue Studio the solution of choice?

Please watch out for forthcoming entries to learn more on new functionality of the new version or have a look at the recordings of the introductory webinar.

Why is Tissue Studio the solution of choice?

The two most important reasons are the following: Definiens Tissue Studio opens new dimensions in quantification. And it is easy to use.

The benefits of ease-of-use are pretty obvious: Straightforward interface and intuitive configuration help you to get to your results sooner. The full appreciation of the importance of truly quantitative readouts requires more imagination (and an example may help). However, to really value what Tissue Studio can do for you, I want to emphasize that quantitative results represent just one of five hallmarks of successful tissue analysis:

• Quantitative readouts
• Accuracy
• Consistency
• Robustness
• Speed

It is fairly easy to optimize some of these at the expense of others. Pathologists are very good at providing a fast assessment of tissue samples and their vast background knowledge yields very high robustness (they are able to deal with different tissue types, staining intensities and many kinds of abnormalities and artifacts). However, intra- and inter-observer variability can threaten consistency and quantitative measurements are typically very challenging (and certainly compromise speed, if possible at all). On the other hand, computer-based methods easily generate consistent results and also have little trouble providing quantitative readouts. Unfortunately, this is of very limited value if accuracy and robustness are impaired.

Definiens Tissue Studio is the leading solution for quantitative digital pathology because it uniquely combines the five virtues of successful tissue analysis. The latest release provides improvements in all these dimensions. Importantly, there is no change regarding one major characteristic of Tissue Studio: It remains as easy to use as ever.