Why Board-Certified Pathologist Review Matters in Preclinical Research
- KAMFEI WONG
- Jul 22
- 3 min read

In preclinical studies, the accuracy of pathology interpretation can make or break a program. Whether you're evaluating a compound's safety, validating a biomarker, or preparing for regulatory submission, expert tissue evaluation is non-negotiable. That’s where board-certified pathologists—MDs (ABP) and DVMs (ACVP)—play a pivotal role.
At iHisto, we offer professional pathology review and reporting services specifically designed for research and preclinical applications—not for human diagnostics, but for accelerating discovery with confidence.
What Is a Board-Certified Pathologist?

Board-certified pathologists have completed rigorous training and certification through institutions like the American Board of Pathology (ABP) or the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). They are equipped to:
Interpret complex tissue morphology
Identify subtle treatment-related changes
Provide consistent, reproducible grading
Guide the pathology component of regulatory studies
When it comes to translational and toxicologic research, this expertise is critical.
Why Use Board-Certified Review in Preclinical Studies?
✅ Improved Data Quality
With certified pathology input, your data becomes more defensible. Lesions are accurately graded, and terminology aligns with accepted standards (INHAND, SEND, etc.).
✅ Reduced Regulatory Risk
Pathologists familiar with IND-enabling expectations can flag findings that require follow-up, ensuring you're ready for submission to the FDA or other agencies.
✅ Enhanced Study Value
Expert evaluation elevates the impact of your work—making publications stronger, decisions faster, and interpretation clearer.
How iHisto Supports You
At iHisto, our board-certified human and veterinary pathologists provide:
Primary slide evaluations
Secondary reviews or study audits
Study-aligned, research-use-only pathology reporting
Integration with digital pathology and image analysis tools
All reports are delivered securely via our cloud-based platform, with turnaround in 2 weeks or less (1-week express available).
See a Sample Report
Want to preview the quality of our reporting? Click here to explore an example excerpt and learn how our reporting structure supports confident decision-making in preclinical programs.
Conclusion
Board-certified pathologist review isn't just a formality—it's a cornerstone of responsible, high-quality research. Whether you’re running toxicology studies or validating targets in early discovery, iHisto is here to help.
💬 Let’s Talk
Need a pathologist for your next study? Contact us today to request a quote or consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a board-certified pathologist?
A: A board-certified pathologist is a medical or veterinary doctor who has received formal certification from an organization such as the American Board of Pathology (ABP) or the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). These professionals are qualified to evaluate tissue samples and provide expert pathology interpretations.
Q: Can board-certified pathologists support preclinical research?
A: Yes. Board-certified MD and DVM pathologists are essential in preclinical research for evaluating toxicity, efficacy, and biomarker responses. Their interpretations ensure accurate, reproducible, and regulatory-aligned results.
Q: Are iHisto’s pathology services CLIA-certified for clinical use?
A: No. iHisto's pathology services are intended for research use only and are not CLIA-certified for clinical diagnostic purposes. Our reports are designed to support preclinical and investigational research studies.
Q: Can I request a sample pathology report from iHisto?
A: Yes. You can request a redacted sample pathology report to better understand the level of detail and structure we provide in our preclinical pathology services. Contact us at info@ihisto.io to learn more.
Q: What is the turnaround time for a pathologist report at iHisto?
A: Standard turnaround time is 2 weeks, with an express 1-week option available depending on project scope and pathologist availability.