THE USE OF COMPUTERS FOR QUANTITATIVE CELL ANALYSIS

Computers are extensively employed in the quantitative analysis of cells and tissues using flow cytometry and/or image analysis. The first issue discussed in this paper is the use of computer-controlled multiparameter flow cytometry, with special emphasis on the use of pulse-processing techniques for DNA ploidy analysis. Subsequently, modern image analysis using a solid-state camera is discussed. Examples of automated analysis of Feulgen-DNA stained cells (absorption) or cells stained by in situ hybridization procedures (fluorescence) for defined DNA or RNA sequences are given. Finally, a new user-friendly microscope-computer interface (HOME=highly optimized microscope environment) is presented, in which the monitor of a personal computer is optically overlaid with the microscopic image, enabling the immediate reading of patient record data while viewing through the microscope. When equipped with a simple encoding stage for position tracking, this system enables more accurate screening of cytological specimens and provides rapid interactive image analysis and morphometry. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.