North Tyneside Pathology Department Enhances Efficiency with New Solas OR Imaging System

Phil Gibson - Cellular Pathology & Mortuary Service Manager and Carmen Ward – Advanced Practitioner in Histological Dissection

North Tyneside’s pathology department has recently enhanced its diagnostic capabilities with the installation of the Solas OR specimen radiography system from Cirdan. The advanced unit is designed to deliver high-resolution X-ray images of resection specimens directly within the pathology lab, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency.

The Solas OR has already made a significant impact on daily operations. Carmen Ward, Advanced Practitioner in Histological Dissection, shared her experience:

“The system is easy to use and user friendly with all levels of staff being able to use it competently. Daily end-point calcification tests are now carried out using the system which is more accurate than the calcium oxalate test previously used. Resection specimens are now x-rayed in-house rather than at Radiology, thus reducing the processing/dissection times.”

By bringing specimen imaging in-house, the department has eliminated previous bottlenecks associated with sending specimens to Radiology. This change not only speeds up processing but also supports more timely and accurate dissection, benefiting both staff and patients.

The Solas OR also enhances routine testing. Daily endpoint calcification tests, which are critical for assessing tissue quality, are now performed with greater precision, improving diagnostic confidence across the department.

With its intuitive interface and versatile functionality, the Solas OR is helping North Tyneside pathology staff work more efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of patient care. The department continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and excellence in histopathology, ensuring faster, more accurate results for all specimens.