METScan: METScan

METScan

Automatic Metaphase Finder

MetScan is one of the applications running on Applied Spectral Imaging’s automatic scanning platform, ScanView. ScanView is created on an open and modular platform on which common hardware allows the use of different software modules for a variety of applications in genetics, hematology, pathology and much more.

Based on the multipurpose scanning platform, ScanView, MetScan frees the cytogeneticist from time-consuming manual scanning by automatically locating viable metaphase spreads. Due to its unique classification algorithms, it is adaptable to any preparation and to all sample types, including the most problematic bone marrow and solid tumor samples. MetScan allows high-throughput sample analysis in both clinical and research laboratories.

Once the stage is loaded with slides, the system runs unattended until all slides have been scanned. MetScan automatically locates metaphases in brightfield or fluorescent samples, displays the metaphases in a gallery, and accurately stores their positions. The large field of view of the camera and the superior algorithms provide ultra-fast scanning speed (typically a few minutes per slide, depending on scanned region) and high precision. One mouse click relocates any metaphase under the microscope for review or high-resolution capture. Objects unsuitable for subsequent analysis can be easily rejected or deleted from the gallery

Features

Auto Setup - one click
Fully Automated walk away operation
Motorized 8 slide scanning stage
High throughput scanning of brightfield or fluorescent metaphases
PreScan - (Optional)
Multitasking- continue to karyotype and analysis while scanning
Supports Multi-Region slides
Variety of methods of Scanning
Choice of Stop Criteria
Online focusing update with 3D image
Class definition with < or > and Class as union of classes
Dynamic definition of probes - adaptable to different magnifications, preparations, staining and metaphase types
Classifiers to focus on cell type
Sharpening filters in selectable size
“Quality” parameters in Gallery Review with option to customize
Automatic Relocation and capture
Live view display during capture
Cell gallery for review

Addition of the RELOScan module

With the addition of the RELOScan module, the system will automatically relocate to the metaphases ranked with the highest quality or user defined and acquires them with a high magnification for karyotyping.

Use in the Modern Environment

MetScan was designed to work in the most modern environment. The user can view, in any stage of the scanning process, the live view of slide scan, metaphases updated in real time in the gallery, the scanned region, data summary, statistics of the scan, and more.

Alternatively, the user can decide to use the station for analysis of previously scanned data. This, and other operations, may occur without interfering with the scanning process, which is being performed simultaneously.

Networking

ASI has developed its scanning systems to have intuitive and full connectivity with all its network stations. Metaphases found in the scanning station may be also examined on any Gallery Review station. The selected cells can be automatically located and acquired on any Acquisition station on the network. By the same concept, karyotypes and reports may be extracted on any station and approved on any management station. Alternatively, all these tasks may be accomplished on the same single station.

Numerous features will allow MetScan to be useful even in small labs by locating ideal metaphases in samples with low mitotic index, identifying the most highly spread metaphases, and more.

FAQ's