OnePath: Transforming Pathology Lab Management Through Digital Innovation

Introduction

This case study features Suren Avunjian, CEO of LigoLab, Westley Bernhardt, Managing Partner of OnePath Diagnostics (OPDX), and Dr. Sheva Khalafbeigi (MD, Dermatopathologist). It highlights how modern laboratory information system (LIS system) technology integrated with the latest digital pathology solutions revolutionizes pathology workflows, enhances efficiency, and improves patient outcomes.

The Evolution of Digital Pathology

The adoption of digital pathology has accelerated significantly, with COVID-19 serving as a catalyst for widespread acceptance. According to Avunjian, as recently as four years ago only one in twenty laboratories engaged with LigoLab also expressed interest in digital pathology. That number, however, has surged.

“Today, 19 of 20 labs that come to us ask about digital pathology integration,” said Avunjian. “Not only to ask us about it but also to learn more about the best practices and recommendations of hardware and laboratory software systems we work with.”

LigoLab has long recognized the potential of digital pathology, having developed the first LIS system-digital pathology integration with BioImagene 15 years ago. 

“We saw the potential of digital pathology way back then, even as the industry grappled with the high cost of whole slide imaging scanners and a lack of standardization and tools across platforms,” continued Avunjian. “There were concerns over image quality, fidelity, and the cost of storing these images. Pathology group decision-makers were skeptical about the reliability and effectiveness of digital methods compared to conventional microscopy, so much has changed since those early days of discovery.”

Fast forward to today, and advancements in imaging technology, cloud storage, and AI-driven tools have drastically reduced costs while improving efficiency.

“We’re now at a point where AI-assisted diagnostics coupled with LIS system-digital pathology integration enables pathologists to analyze images with greater speed and accuracy, reinforcing digital pathology’s role as an essential component of modern laboratory operations,” added Avunjian.

Editor’s Note: BioImagene was later acquired by Roche in 2010 for approximately $100 million. After the acquisition, BioImagene’s technologies were integrated into Roche's Ventana Medical Systems division, which specializes in pathology solutions.

White Paper: How Modern Laboratory Information Systems Can Become the Foundation for a Digital Pathology Ecosystem

The OnePath Diagnostics (OPDX) Digital Transformation

Facing challenges such as a national shortage of pathologists, inflationary pressures, and stagnant reimbursement rates, OPDX prioritized automation and efficiency to enhance service delivery. Their goals included:

• Addressing workforce shortages through digital pathology capabilities.
• Delivering faster, more reliable diagnoses.
• Ensuring cost-effective solutions without adding complexity.

Drawing on his experience with radiology’s digital shift, Bernhardt saw digital pathology as the future and sought strategic partners to drive OPDX’s transformation.

“We embraced digital pathology as a company because it allows us to deliver the best subspecialist pathologists to everyone that needs them so treatment can happen quicker and better with more reliability,” said Bernhardt. 

“Once it was possible to scan at the right speed, get the storage cost down, and deliver something that could replace the microscope, we knew it would move forward quickly because of all the digitized slide benefits,” he said. “We anticipated the paradigm shift. From there, we had to find the right partners.”

Strategic Partnership: LigoLab, Lumea, & OnePath

To execute their vision, OPDX partnered with LigoLab (lab information system provider) and Lumea (digital pathology software provider) to create a seamless, fully integrated ecosystem that enables pathologists to transition from traditional microscopy to digital workflows without disruption. Key elements of this integration included:

• Automation – Eliminating manual redundant tasks such as data entry and case distribution.
• Interoperability – Ensuring LIS system and digital pathology platforms work cohesively.
• AI-Driven Tools – Enhancing lab workflows with automated slide labeling, gross examination support, and decision-assist tools.

“This is a fully bidirectional integration, not just an HL7 feed,” said Avunjian. “As slides are ordered in Lumea, they automatically enter the LigoLab’s platform, ensuring seamless data transfer. The pathologist can review, diagnose, and sign out cases digitally, with reports automatically generated and distributed through the LIS system solution.”

For Bernhardt, the goal was clear: to enable pathologists to work freely, eliminating the need for rigid, on-site workstations. 

“With LigoLab and Lumea, we’ve built a system that allows true mobility and accessibility, giving pathologists the freedom to diagnose cases from anywhere,” he said. “It's all about finding the right people with vision who are flexible and can help us grow and change with what we see coming next.

Bernhardt anticipates that more changes are on the horizon. 

“Soon there will be more LIS software vendors and digital pathology solutions and they’re going to get quicker. Storage is going to get cheaper. Everything is going to change, just like when cameras went to phones. It's going to be similar in that respect. Because of this industry colleagues must pay attention to the process to ensure they get what they need to be successful as this space continues to evolve.”

Implementation & Workflow Enhancements

To be expected, the LIS system-digital pathology integration required careful planning and customization. OPDX successfully implemented:

• Automated Case Assignment – LigoLab’s LIS system intelligently assigns cases based on specialty, availability, and insurance requirements.
• Remote Sign-Outs – Pathologists can work from anywhere using the integrated solution.
• AI-Assisted Grossing – AI-powered imaging aids in gross examination, reducing manual workload and turnaround times.
• Optimized Digital Viewing – High-resolution digital slides improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Automated Coding & Lab Billing – LigoLab’s LIS system automates ICD-10 and CPT coding, streamlining and simplifying laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM).

Impact on Pathologists & Healthcare

The transition to digital pathology has significantly enhanced pathologists' quality of life and patient care. Dr. Khalafbeigi noted that the new system allows greater flexibility, collaboration, and faster turnaround times while allowing pathologists to put down roots after typically moving for medical school, residency, fellowship, and maybe even the first or second job. 

“That's something I love because it helps make my job much easier,” she said. The growth of digital pathology was inevitable and I'm glad that we, as a collaborative effort between these companies, are at the forefront of that.” 

Dr. Khalafbeigi also acknowledged the system’s ease of use.

 “The system is user-friendly and the images are very crisp and clear. I don’t feel like I’m wasting time trying to move images around. I’m able to do a quality job for the patient and our clients, and I’m able to work efficiently,” she said.

Moreover, increased digital pathology access has been a game-changer for rural hospitals, allowing OPDX to provide sub-specialist expertise remotely, thus ensuring higher diagnostic accuracy for facilities that previously relied on general pathologists.

Future Innovations & Scalability

Looking ahead, OPDX remains committed to continuous innovation, focusing on:

• AI-Driven Automation – Expanding AI applications in histology and microtomy.
• Enhanced Interoperability – Encouraging open-system integration with other laboratory information system vendors.
• Scalability – Leveraging LIS lab and digital pathology relationships to expand diagnostic services nationwide.

“OnePath is a national company. We don't have any geographical limitations for where we work. That's one of the beauties of digital pathology, even though there's a shortage of pathologists, there is no reason that your patients and your clinicians can't get the best subspecialist care,” said Bernhardt.

Conclusion

The OPDX case study exemplifies the transformative power of modern laboratory information systems and digital pathology integration. Through strategic partnerships, AI-driven efficiencies, and workflow automation, OPDX has modernized its pathology services while overcoming industry challenges. As digital pathology continues to evolve, OPDX and LigoLab remain at the forefront, ensuring pathologists have the tools they need to deliver faster, more precise, and more accessible patient care.

Editor’s Note: Avunjian, Bernhardt, and Dr. Khalafbeigi recently hosted an informative webinar covering the same topic. Click the link below to access the on-demand webinar. 

On-Demand Webinar: Utilizing Digital Pathology to Help Offset Today’s Laboratory Challenges

LigoLab: Innovative, Unified, and Scalable Laboratory Information System Software Solutions

At LigoLab, we didn’t just set out to build a laboratory information system (LIS) software solution - we embarked on a journey to redefine what a lab information system can do. 

Our mission is to provide a transformational all-in-one LIS system and laboratory revenue cycle management (lab RCM) platform that seamlessly integrates advanced tools, technologies, and workflows, empowering laboratories to constantly evolve technically and financially and stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

We see digital pathology and AI-driven tools not as standalone products but as essential components that must be deeply embedded within the lab’s informatics ecosystem. A truly innovative LIS lab solution doesn’t force users to toggle between disconnected systems or rely on inefficient, manual workarounds. Instead, it unifies operations, automates processes, and eliminates barriers - ensuring that every laboratory can scale, innovate, and remain competitive.

Rigid, outdated LIS software holds organizations back. In contrast, LigoLab was built for the future - a dynamic, continuously evolving pathology lab management system designed to grow alongside its users. Our platform removes operational bottlenecks, enhances interoperability, and optimizes communication and data exchange, ultimately driving greater efficiency, better patient outcomes, and industry-wide transformation.

Now approaching two decades of service, LigoLab proudly supports 300+ medical laboratories nationwide, spanning all diagnostic disciplines (pathology, clinical, molecular diagnostics, microbiology, toxicology, genomics, etc.). By maximizing LIS system and lab billing automation and empowering growth, we give our partners the competitive edge they need to thrive in today’s healthcare marketplace - not just for today, but for the future of laboratory medicine.

OnePath: Advancing Diagnostics with Modern Digital Pathology Services

OnePath is a healthcare technology company specializing in digital pathology, providing high-quality diagnostic expertise to physician groups, laboratories, hospital systems, and AI companies. By combining cutting-edge technology with sub-specialty pathology expertise, OnePath enhances diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and patient care while seamlessly integrating with existing healthcare workflows.

With a strong commitment to innovation and precision, OnePath offers comprehensive diagnostic services across multiple medical specialties, including dermatology, urology, gastroenterology, women’s health, and podiatry. The company also provides technical histology services, including tissue processing, special staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and slide digitization, ensuring laboratories have access to the latest advancements in pathology.

OnePath empowers physician-owned laboratories by offering cost-effective solutions such as slide purchase programs, combined supply purchasing, and laboratory automation. Additionally, the company provides expert pathology staffing, compliance support, and revenue management services, enabling labs to operate more efficiently and maximize their diagnostic capabilities without added operational strain.

The company’s state-of-the-art digital pathology solutions eliminate the need for large capital investments, offering fully customizable platforms that integrate seamlessly with laboratory information systems, EMR systems, and digital slide viewers. By providing digital pathology consulting, system implementation, and AI-driven diagnostic tools, OnePath helps laboratories modernize and scale effortlessly while maintaining the highest diagnostic standards.

‍