Order Entry: Scan Area Mask

Shannon Mitchell Updated by Shannon Mitchell

When the scan-area mask suggested by the scanner is not acceptable, users may create a manual scan-area mask to better suit their needs.

What is a scan-area mask?

A scan-area mask is the highlighted area of a scan preview that indicates which areas of a slide will be scanned. In the scan preview below, the green area is the suggested scan-area mask.

Scan area mask example.

Evaluating a Scan-area Mask

To evaluate a scan-area mask, consider:

  • The type of sample on the slide (smear or splatter)
  • The amount of sample that has been masked
  • The estimated scan time

The most-important areas of a smear or splatter are very different. Therefore, the type of mask (size and shape) will also be different.

It is recommended that at least 50% of the sample on the slide is selected for scanning, including as many high-value areas as possible. White space should be avoided and a good margin should exist around areas of importance.

It is also recommended that an estimated scan time should be between 8-10 minutes; However, smaller sample sizes may result in shorter scan times, and larger sample sizes may result in longer scan times. The quality of the scan (size of the masked area) is always more important than the scan time.

If in a user’s opinion, the suggested scan-area mask is not sufficient, the user should use the scan-area mask tools to alter the mask.

Mask Patterns for Smears

When users create a mask for a smear, they should include the feathered edge, monolayer, edges, and leading edge with ample margin in all areas. This creates a hollow arrow shape as demonstrated below.

Mask patterns for smears

Mask Patterns for Splatters

When users create a mask for a splatter, they should include at least 50% of the slide, using a horizontal or vertical striped pattern to cover areas of importance. Users should make sure to include areas that are both lighter and darker.

Mask patterns for splatters

However, due to the random size and shape of splatters, stripes may not always be the best solution. What is important is to capture 50% or more of the slide, including lighter and darker areas. In some instances, simply drawing masks around more important areas of the slide will render the best scan.

Mask patterns for splatters two

Scan-area Mask Tools

Icon

Description

Add Another Area ()

The pen tool is used to deselect selected masks or to create new masks. A maximum of 4 masks can be created on each slide.

Delete ()

Click to delete a selected mask.

Undo ()

Click to undo the last action. There is an unlimited number of undos.

Reset Scan Areas ()

Click to reset the mask to the default scan-area mask.

Creating and Editing masks

Once the scan preview appears, if the suggested scan-area mask is insufficient, users can use the scan-area mask tools to manually create up to 4 masks.

Selecting and Deselecting a Mask

To select a mask, click on the pen tool () and then click on the mask. To deselect a selected mask, click on the pen icon.

Creating a New Mask (Click and Drag)

You can create a new mask by selecting the pen tool () and clicking and dragging on the slide. You cannot create a mask that is larger than the scannable area of the slide (dotted lines).

Creating a New Mask (Click to Place Mask Points)

You can create a new mask by selecting the pen tool () and then clicking multiple times to place multiple mask points. The mask points define the shape of the mask. You cannot place a mask point outside of the scannable area of the slide (dotted lines).

Adding a Mask Point

To add a mask point:

  1. Select a mask.
  2. Click anywhere outside of the mask.
  3. A new mask point is added.

Editing Mask Points

A mask point is a blue dot that defines the area of a scan-area mask. To move a mask point:

  1. Select a mask.
  2. Select a mask point by mousing over the point.
  3. Click and drag the mask point to the desired location.

Deleting a Mask Point

To delete a mask point:

  1. Select a mask.
  2. Mouseover a mask point. The mouse point should change to a finger.
  3. Click on the (X) key.

Deleting a Mask

To delete a mask:

  1. Select a mask.
  2. Click on the Delete tool ().

Moving a Mask

To move a mask:

  1. Select the mask.
  2. Click in the center of the mask and hold down the mouse button.
  3. Drag the mask into its new position.
  4. Release the mouse button.

Overlapping Masks

Avoid overlapping masks. Overlapping masks unnecessarily increase the time to scan a slide. If two or more masks are overlapping, use the creation, editing, and deletion tools to update the scan-area masks.

Time To Scan

When considering how much material to capture, especially with slides that have a larger sample area, the recommended time is 8-10 minutes worth of scannable area. Of course, a smaller sample may result in much shorter scan times even when you have selected all the material on the slide.

Users should take into consideration the amount of material selected and the time to scan when the sample size is larger. To reduce scan times, consider eliminating white space and using the suggested mask patterns.

Estimated Time to Scan

The Estimated Scan Time is an estimate for how long it will take the scanner to scan the masked areas of a slide. When a user changes a mask, adds a mask, or deletes a mask, the estimated time changes.

If there is no mask, there is no Estimated Scan Time. If masks overlap, the time to scan takes into account both masks. A user should avoid having two or more masks overlap.

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