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Copilot for pathology

Microsoft's AI layer that combines GPT and Claude models with your own organisational data and the Microsoft 365 apps.

Recommended for pathology

Copilot is strong in deep Microsoft 365 integration and grounding on your own data via Microsoft Graph; that suits digitising and managing tissue slides in an image management system (scanners, IMS, archive).

GDPR profileOur summary of what the provider itself publishes about your data: EU hosting possible, no training on your data for business use, and self-hosting available. Caution applies to a model with a documented problem, such as an investigation by a regulator. How we measure
GDPR: Caution
QualityQuality from blind duels on LMArena: users choose between two anonymous answers. A difference of about 20 points is noticeable, a few points is noise. How we measure
1485Elo, independent
Editorial scoreOur own assessment on 10 of suitability for professional work, price and privacy. This is a judgement, not a measurement; that is why it always sits alongside the Elo. How we measure
8,3
Entry price
from €10 / month
Full GDPR check

What Copilot does in pathology

Core tasks in pathology
  • Digitising and managing tissue slides in an image management system (scanners, LIMS, archive)
  • Detecting and grading cancer on H&E slides (e.g. Gleason score, mitotic counting, tumour size)
  • Counting and quantifying biomarkers in IHC stains (HER2, ER/PR, Ki-67, PD-L1)
  • Monitoring slide quality, prioritising cases and providing a second read as quality control
Where Copilot is strong
  • Deep Microsoft 365 integration
  • Grounding on your own data via Microsoft Graph
  • Strong enterprise governance and compliance
  • Choice between GPT and Claude models

Copilot has a specific GDPR point to note. The Claude models within Copilot officially fall outside the EU Data Boundary. If you want strictly EU-only processing, exclude the Claude models in the admin panel. Weigh this heavily before deploying it in pathology.

Confidentiality and GDPR

GDPR: Caution

You process special category personal data (health) and sometimes data for genetic research. Software for diagnostic use is an in vitro diagnostic medical device: check whether the algorithm is CE-marked under the IVDR for your exact application and tissue type. Many apps are 'research use only'. Choose providers with ISO 27001 and ISO 13485, a data processing agreement and clear data location (EU hosting or on-premise). Also ask whether your slides are used to train models. Under the EU AI Act, medical AI falling under the IVDR is classed as high-risk. Validate every algorithm locally on your own scanner and stains before using it in routine practice.

Microsoft 365 Copilot (business) falls under the EU Data Boundary and does not train on tenant data. Consumer Copilot does train by default, with an opt-out.

Rule of thumb Use the business variant with a data processing agreement, and keep a human in the loop for decisions that matter.
Caution the Claude models within Copilot officially fall outside the EU Data Boundary. If you want strictly EU-only processing, exclude the Claude models in the admin panel.

Prices

Microsoft 365 Personal/Familyfrom €10 / monthPersonal €10/month, Family €13/month, Premium €22/month (higher Copilot limits); Copilot Pro has been discontinued
M365 Copilot Business$21 / seat / monthAnnual ($25.20 monthly); limited-time offer from $18; requires an M365 licence
M365 Copilot (Enterprise)$30 / seat / monthAdd-on to an M365 licence; $31.50 when billed monthly

Questions about Copilot for pathology

Is Copilot suitable for pathology?
Yes. Copilot is strong in deep Microsoft 365 integration and grounding on your own data via Microsoft Graph, which fits pathology well. Always assess the specific task and keep a professional in the loop.
Can I put confidential data into Copilot?
You process special category personal data (health) and sometimes data for genetic research. Software for diagnostic use is an in vitro diagnostic medical device: check whether the algorithm is CE-marked under the IVDR for exactly your application and tissue type. Many apps are 'research use only'. Choose suppliers with ISO 27001 and ISO 13485, a data processing agreement and clear data location (EU hosting or on-premise). Also ask whether your slides are used to train models. Under the EU AI Act, medical AI that falls under the IVDR is classed as high-risk. Validate every algorithm locally on your own scanner and stains before using it in routine practice. Microsoft 365 Copilot (business) falls under the EU Data Boundary and does not train on tenant data. Consumer Copilot does train by default, with an opt-out.
How much does Copilot cost?
There is Microsoft 365 Personal/Family (from €10 / month), M365 Copilot Business ($21 / seat / month), M365 Copilot (Enterprise) ($30 / seat / month). Check current prices on the official site.

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