Scan area mask

Shannon Mitchell Updated by Shannon Mitchell

The scan area mask is a feature used during order entry when the user is presented with a scan preview. The highlighted area of a scan preview indicates which slide areas will be scanned. The green area in the scan preview below is the suggested scan area mask.

When the scanner's suggested scan area mask is unacceptable, users may create a manual one. For more information, view Adding, editing, and deleting scan area masks.

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 differ.

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 for areas of importance.

An estimated scan time should also be between eight and ten minutes. However, smaller sample sizes may result in shorter scan times, and larger sample sizes may result in longer ones. The scan quality (size of the masked area) is always more important than the scan time.

If a user believes the suggested scan area mask is not sufficient, the user should use the scan area mask features to alter the mask. For more information, view Adding, editing, and deleting scan area masks.

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 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.

However, due to splatters' random size and shape, 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. Sometimes, simply drawing masks around more important areas of the slide will render the best scan.

Scan mask area considerations

Overlapping masks

Avoid overlapping masks. Overlapping masks unnecessarily increase the time it takes to scan a slide. If two or more masks overlap, use the scan area mask features to edit them.

Time to scan

When considering how much material to capture, especially with slides with a larger sample area, the recommended time is 8-10 minutes 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 consider the amount of material selected and the time to scan when the sample size is larger. Consider eliminating white space and using the suggested mask patterns to reduce scan times.

Estimated scan time

The scan time estimates how long the scanner will take to scan a slide's masked areas. The estimated time changes when a user changes, adds, or deletes a mask.

If no mask is present, 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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