Table 2.

Paradigms for telepathology and their respective advantages and limitations

Telepathology modality	Description	Advantages	Limitations
Static telemicroscopy	Microphotographs sent by email, etc.	Limited resources required Does not require high bandwidth connections	Requires skilled operator on-site to take representative microphotographs Slow Limited interaction
Dynamic telemicroscopy	Real-time sharing of microscopic image	Feasible with standard microscopes equipped with a camera More interactive	Requires skilled operator on-site More demanding regarding bandwidth
Robotic telemicroscopy	Remote operation of the microscope	Very interactive Various focus planes possible Less dependent on skilled operators on site	High bandwidth required More expensive devices
Whole-slide imaging	Digital microscopy of previously scanned slides	Navigation independent of operator on site	Time-consuming Expensive equipment Single focus plane