dramatically. It is being used for more convenient diagnosis, easier sharing of images between consultants, large-scale collection for research purposes and in the creation of online virtual archives, critical in teaching and multi-centre research.

Whilst the tools for researchers to utilise digital images have become very advanced, they are often very expensive and are commonly based in individual laboratories. This can easily result in considerable bottlenecks in use and limitations of access often lead to these facilities being simultaneously very costly but under-utilised.