KF-PRO Digital Pathology Slide Scanner
The KF-PRO series represents KFBIO’s flagship digital pathology scanning platform, incorporating magnetic levitation motor technology to achieve nanometer-level positioning accuracy and fast scanning speeds. Available in configurations from 5 to 400 slides, the KF-PRO line serves applications ranging from frozen section diagnosis to high-volume laboratory workflows.
Product Overview
Designed to replace traditional microscopy with digital whole slide imaging (WSI), the KF-PRO scanner series enables pathologists to view, annotate, and share histological specimens remotely. The platform supports both brightfield and fluorescence imaging modes, making it suitable for routine H&E staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and specialized research applications.
KFBIO developed the KF-PRO series with precision engineering expertise derived from the founding team’s background in Japan’s high-precision instrument manufacturing sector. The scanner addresses key pain points in digital pathology adoption: scanning speed, image quality consistency, and integration with existing laboratory workflows.
Key Features
The KF-PRO is a whole slide imaging scanner by KFBIO, featuring magnetic levitation motor drive for 50nm positioning accuracy and a 15-second scanning speed per slide at 20× magnification.
Magnetic Levitation Motor Drive: Contactless actuation eliminates mechanical wear and vibration, extending service life while maintaining consistent positioning accuracy throughout years of operation
50nm Positioning Accuracy: Precision motion control enables sharp focus across entire tissue sections, critical for detecting subtle cellular abnormalities
15-Second Scanning Speed: Completes a standard 15mm×15mm tissue area at 20× magnification in 15 seconds; 40× magnification requires approximately 25 seconds
99.85% Scan Success Rate: Automated tissue detection and focus algorithms minimize failed scans, reducing technician intervention
Dual Imaging Modes: Single platform supports both brightfield and fluorescence scanning, eliminating need for separate equipment
DICOM Compliance: Native support for digital pathology DICOM format ensures interoperability with hospital information systems and PACS
Technical Specifications
The KF-PRO is a NMPA Class II (2013) and CE-certified whole slide scanner by KFBIO, delivering 50nm positioning accuracy and 0.25 µm/pixel resolution at 20× with a 99.85% scan success rate across 5-, 20-, and 400-slide configurations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Objective Lens Options | 4×, 10×, 20× (NA 0.8), 40× (NA 0.95), 60×, 100× |
| Resolution | 0.25 μm/pixel (20×), 0.125 μm/pixel (40×) |
| Scanning Speed | 15s/slide at 20× (15mm×15mm area) |
| Maximum Magnification | 80× digital |
| Positioning Accuracy | 50nm |
| Light Source | LED |
| Fluorescence Channels | Multiple (model dependent) |
| Image Formats | SVS, TIFF, JPEG, DICOM |
| Slide Capacity | 5, 20, 400 slides (model dependent) |
Model Variants
KF-PRO-005: Entry-level 5-slide scanner for small laboratories, frozen section diagnosis, and education. Compact footprint suitable for placement adjacent to cryostats.
KF-PRO-020: Mid-capacity 20-slide configuration balancing throughput with space constraints. Supports continuous loading for uninterrupted operation.
KF-PRO-400: High-throughput variant loading 400 slides simultaneously with one-click batch scanning. Designed for centralized pathology laboratories and commercial diagnostic services.
Clinical Applications
The KF-PRO series addresses multiple clinical scenarios:
Routine Surgical Pathology: Digitization of H&E and IHC slides enables remote sign-out, reducing turnaround time for cases requiring specialist consultation.
Intraoperative Frozen Section: The 15-second scanning speed makes real-time remote consultation feasible during surgery, extending expert coverage to facilities without on-site pathologists.
Telepathology Networks: Hospitals deploy KF-PRO scanners to connect with regional pathology centers, enabling access to subspecialty expertise for rare tumor types.
Quality Assurance: Digital archives enable retrospective case review, continuing education, and tumor board presentations.
Regulatory Status
| Region | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| China (NMPA) | Class II Registered | 2013 |
| Europe (CE) | CE-IVD / CE-IVDR | 2014 / Upgraded |
| United States (FDA) | Not Applied | - |
The KF-PRO series received initial CFDA Class II registration in 2013, making it among the earliest domestically developed digital pathology scanners approved for clinical use in China. CE certification followed in 2014, with subsequent upgrade to CE-IVDR compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scanning speed of the KF-PRO scanner?
The KF-PRO completes a standard 15mm×15mm tissue section at 20× magnification in approximately 15 seconds. At 40× magnification, scanning time increases to roughly 25 seconds per slide.
Does the KF-PRO support fluorescence imaging?
Yes. KF-PRO models with fluorescence capability support multiple excitation wavelengths for applications including FISH analysis, immunofluorescence, and tumor microenvironment studies.
What image formats does the KF-PRO generate?
The scanner outputs images in multiple formats including proprietary SVS, standard TIFF and JPEG, and DICOM-compliant digital pathology format for integration with hospital information systems.
How does KFBIO’s positioning accuracy compare to competitors?
The KF-PRO’s 50nm positioning accuracy achieved through magnetic levitation drive technology ranks among the highest in the digital pathology scanner market, contributing to consistent image sharpness across entire slides.
Sources
Publicly available references used for the data on this page. See data methodology for verification standards.