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histolab

Digital pathology image processing toolkit for whole slide images (WSI). Use this skill when working with histopathology slides, processing H&E or IHC stained tissue images, extracting tiles from gigapixel pathology images, detecting tissue regions, segmenting tissue masks, or preparing datasets for computational pathology deep learning pipelines. Applies to WSI formats (SVS, TIFF, NDPI), tile-based analysis, and histological image preprocessing workflows.

17,798stars1,609forksUpdated 1/21/2026

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About histolab

Histolab is a specialized Python library designed to streamline the processing of whole slide images (WSI) in the field of digital pathology. It addresses the challenges faced by researchers and pathologists in managing and analyzing high-resolution tissue images, particularly those stained with H&E or IHC. The toolkit automates critical tasks such as tissue detection, tile extraction from gigapixel images, and dataset preparation for deep learning applications, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of histopathology workflows.

The library is equipped with a variety of powerful features, including support for multiple WSI formats (SVS, TIFF, NDPI), sophisticated tissue segmentation, and flexible tile extraction strategies. Users can load and inspect slide metadata, generate thumbnails, and create binary tissue masks to filter out background noise and artifacts. Through its intuitive interface and comprehensive class structure, Histolab empowers users to conduct detailed analysis and visualization of tissue regions, making it an invaluable asset in computational pathology.

Histolab is particularly beneficial for researchers, clinicians, and data scientists working in pathology who require a robust solution for managing large-scale image data. Its capabilities are well-suited for educational institutions, research facilities, and healthcare organizations that aim to leverage deep learning in tissue analysis. By providing tools for efficient image processing and data preparation, Histolab supports the advancement of computational pathology initiatives and enhances diagnostic accuracy in clinical settings.

FAQ

How do I install Histolab?

You can install Histolab using the command: `pip install histolab`.

What image formats does Histolab support?

Histolab supports various WSI formats including SVS, TIFF, and NDPI.

Can I create custom tissue masks?

Yes, Histolab allows for the creation of custom tissue masks using the `TissueMask` and `BinaryMask` classes.

Is there a way to visualize tissue masks on slides?

Yes, you can visualize tissue masks on slides using the `locate_mask()` method.

What are the main use cases for Histolab?

Histolab is used for tissue detection, tile extraction, and preparing datasets for computational pathology deep learning pipelines.

Install histolab

Download and extract the skill files to your .claude/skills/ directory.

Quick Setup:

  1. Copy the skill folder to .claude/skills/
  2. Claude will automatically detect and use the skill