DNASK--a new image analysis module for TV image cytometry

The DNASK is a PC-based image analysis module for quantitative cytological and histological examinations on Feulgen-Schiff preparations. The module consists of a frame grabber, a CCD black and white video camera and the DNASK software package which can be incorporated in an IBM compatible PC-AT joining to a standard pathological research photo microscope. The use of 386 IBM AT systems leads to significant decrease of the measurement's time. Mono- or color VGA graphics card should be used. The resolution of the images is 512 x 512 pixels and 256 gray values. The image caption is made in less than 0.5 second, the measurement of a cell nuclei (18 parameters) takes less, than 5 seconds (IBM AT 286). The camera is a standard CCD one. The microscope should be a good quality, modern microscope with built-in light source, however, the application of voltage stabiliser is strongly recommended. The software is able to measure the parameters mostly used and suggested in the international literature: 15 morpho- and densitometric parameters of the cell nuclei 6 DNA histogram parameters of the measured case, like DNA Index, 2c deviation Index, 5c exceeding rate, G1-S-G2 phase fraction ratio. The system supports the grouping of the measured cases and at the end of a study results of the single measurements can be collected and summarized in an ASCII file, which is readable by major statistical programpackages. The DNASK has a special graphical user interface for the control of the program.