Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Digital pathology
Colour inconsistency between scanners
What it looks like
Slides appear with varying shades of color despite being prepared from the same tissue sample.
Where it usually appears: Typically observed when comparing images from different digital scanners or during batch processing of slides.
Likely causes
- Different scanner calibration settings
- Inconsistent lighting conditions
- Variations in scanning software algorithms
- Differences in slide preparation techniques
Immediate checks
- Verify scanner calibration settings
- Check lighting conditions in the scanning area
- Ensure consistent slide preparation methods
Corrective action
- Recalibrate scanners to a standard reference
- Adjust lighting to uniform levels during scanning
- Standardize scanning protocols across all devices
Preventive action
- Implement routine calibration schedules for all scanners
- Train staff on consistent slide preparation techniques
- Use the same scanning software version across devices
This atlas is for educational purposes for laboratory professionals. It does not replace your institutional SOPs, manufacturer instructions, validated protocols or pathologist judgment. Adapt any action to your laboratory and equipment.
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