New global partnership addresses digital pathology workflow

Sakura Finetek, a manufacturer of automated tissue and slide preparation solutions for anatomic pathology, and Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., a developer of imaging technologies, have announced a collaboration aimed at standardising slide preparation and digitisation to support diagnostic accuracy in pathology.

The partnership seeks to reduce variability and rework by coordinating slide preparation with downstream digitisation. Both companies share the view that a consistent, integrated workflow — from biopsy processing to whole slide imaging — can help pathology teams work more efficiently and support reliable diagnoses.

Across Europe, laboratories are under increasing pressure to do more with less, while maintaining uncompromising quality
Jaap Stuut

"Across Europe, laboratories are under increasing pressure to do more with less, while maintaining uncompromising quality," said Jaap Stuut, President, Sakura Finetek Europe. "By combining Sakura's proven expertise in producing consistently high-quality slides with Hamamatsu's imaging excellence, we are creating a workflow that empowers pathologists to focus on what truly matters: confident, timely diagnoses for every patient. This partnership is about delivering impact, better outcomes, more efficiency, and a shared vision for the future of digital pathology."

"Digital pathology can only be as strong as the slide that enters the scanner," said Tadashi Maruno, President, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. "NanoZoomer systems are built to deliver high-quality whole slide images. This partnership with Sakura Finetek reinforces a 'one complete workflow' mindset, supporting consistent slide preparation and clear imaging so pathologists can focus on what matters most: arriving at the right diagnosis for each patient."

Through this partnership, Sakura Finetek and Hamamatsu will support laboratories with:

Workflow coordination between slide preparation and digital scanning, with the goal of reducing rework, rescans, and delays
Joint customer engagement to help laboratories assess and design end-to-end workflows from histology through digital review
Shared educational resources on best practices for scan-ready slide preparation and whole slide imaging

The partnership launches today and will be introduced in phases. The European rollout is planned for late June, starting in Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands, with further markets to follow.

Source: Sakura Finetek

23.03.2026