Vancouver General Hospital automates cancer diagnostics—cutting diagnosis time to 24-48 hours

Vancouver General Hospital has begun using automated technology to speed cancer diagnoses, with Dr. Michael Nimmo, head of VGH's pathology department, saying the lab can now deliver results in 24 to 48 hours depending on the specimen.

The lab added two new systems: an Auto Facing Device and an Auto Slide Preparation System. These automate many steps that previously required technologists, including placing tissue samples into cassettes, embedding them in wax, and slicing thin sections for microscope examination.

Rebecca Chan, VCH Technical Practice lead for the Anatomical Pathology Lab, said the new technology significantly accelerates the process. The instrument can produce up to 410 slides per hour, compared to 100 slides per hour for a technologist working manually.

Previously, staff working in shifts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. were limited by their hours. With automation, samples can be processed 24/7, allowing the lab to use its facilities much more effectively and get diagnoses out faster.

Nimmo emphasized the technology does not replace technologists. Instead, it frees them to spend more time on specialized and pressing tasks while automated systems handle repetitive preparation work.

VGH is the first hospital in British Columbia to implement this technology. The upgrade was made possible through funding raised by the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation's Greater Than Cancer campaign, which raised more than $39 million to advance cancer diagnostics, treatment, and research at Vancouver General Hospital.

Angela Chapman, foundation president and CEO, said the lab upgrade reduces the time technicians spend on slides and puts people into diagnosis and treatment faster. "Approximately 30,000 people per year will be diagnosed in the coming years with cancer. With that volume, that means we have to be innovating and speed up diagnoses and put people through treatment."