How Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center Built a Regional Smart Pathology Hub with KFBIO: 13 Hospitals, 500K+ Cases/Year

The Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, based at Ningbo Cancer Hospital, is a pioneering regional pathology integration model in China. It consolidates pathology services from 13 hospitals across the Ningbo region, employing over 60 pathologists and 80+ technical staff. The center processes more than 500,000 cases annually, generating over 420 million RMB in yearly revenue, and serves as the core regional hub for diagnostic consultation, quality management, and telepathology.

In partnership with KFBIO, the center established a fully digital and intelligent pathology infrastructure, enabling regional integration, AI‑assisted diagnosis, and big data management. This case study details the deployment, key achievements, and measurable outcomes of one of China’s largest regional digital pathology networks.

Project Overview: End‑to‑End Digital Transformation Across 13 Hospitals

The initiative covers every step of the pathology workflow—from slide scanning and frozen section diagnosis to cross‑hospital data connectivity and quality assurance. The core components include:

1. Digital Infrastructure Deployment: 21 KFBIO Scanners

The center installed 21 KFBIO digital slide scanners:

• 12 high‑throughput models (400‑slide capacity each) for routine and high‑volume scanning.
• 9 compact models (5‑slide capacity each) for rapid and subspecialty use.

This deployment supports comprehensive slide digitization for routine, subspecialty, and consultation cases across all regional hospitals, laying the foundation for full departmental digital transformation.

2. Centralized AI Diagnostic Platform (Cervical Cytology + Histopathology)

• Developed an AI‑assisted diagnostic platform integrating cervical cytology and histopathology workflows.
• Throughput: 400–500 slides per day, exceeding 100,000 slides per year.
• This represents the first large‑scale regional deployment of KFBIO’s AI pathology solution in China.

3. Information Integration: HIS/PACS/EMR/LIS Connectivity

KFBIO’s pathology information management system was implemented across:

• 7 tertiary hospitals
• 9 county‑level hospitals

The system integrates HIS, PACS, EMR, and LIS to enable seamless sample tracking, quality control, and workflow coordination across the entire regional network.

4. Frozen Section Rapid Diagnosis with Real‑Time Transmission

Each hospital within the network is equipped for intraoperative frozen section diagnosis. Using KFBIO’s high‑speed scanners, slides are digitized and transmitted in real time to the central pathology center for immediate reporting. The system supports the surgical anesthesia feedback loop, reducing intraoperative waiting times.

5. Big Data Management: 2 PB Distributed Storage

The center established a 2 petabyte (PB) distributed data storage system for regional pathology data archiving, ensuring secure, scalable, and unified data management across the entire network. This infrastructure supports long‑term image retention and multi‑hospital access.

6. CNAS Certification Support

KFBIO provided comprehensive support for CNAS (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment) certification, including data management, document standardization, and process validation. This helped the center achieve internationally recognized quality assurance standards, further strengthening its regional leadership role.

Similar Reference Projects Using KFBIO’s Regional Smart Pathology Solutions

KFBIO’s regional and smart pathology solutions are also in successful operation at:

• West China Hospital
• Fudan Zhongshan Hospital
• Zhejiang University Second Hospital
• Henan Provincial People’s Hospital
• Sichuan Cancer Hospital
• Fujian Medical University Union Hospital
• Dongguan Pathology Center
• Shanghai Changzheng Hospital

Outcome: A Regional Smart Pathology Hub That Scales

By integrating KFBIO’s digital pathology, AI, and data management solutions, the Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center has built a regional smart pathology hub that connects multiple hospitals, accelerates diagnosis, and enhances quality control. Key results:

• Unified digital workflow across 13 hospitals, eliminating silos and standardizing diagnostics.
• AI‑assisted daily throughput of 400‑500 slides, reducing pathologist workload and improving consistency.
• 2 PB big data backbone enabling future AI model training and regional research.
• CNAS certification reinforcing international‑level quality management.

Conclusion: Digital Unification and AI Collaboration Reshape Regional Healthcare

The Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center demonstrates how a multi‑hospital pathology network can successfully transition to a fully digital, AI‑enhanced operating model. The project proves that regional integration, standardized data management, and AI‑assisted diagnostics can significantly improve efficiency, quality, and scalability. For other regions or hospital groups aiming to build a similar smart pathology ecosystem, KFBIO offers a proven, end‑to‑end solution.

Call to action: Contact KFBIO to learn how our regional digital pathology and AI solutions can help your hospital network achieve integrated, high‑volume diagnostic excellence.