Microcomputer application: an image database system for electron microscopy

An electron microscopist in a small electron microscopy laboratory that processes 200 cases per year can generate at least 2000 electron micrographs within this time period. These electron micrographs are stored in filing cabinets, which slowly encroach on existing laboratory space. Related image data are often located in separate filing systems. This type of storage system is inefficient for rapid retrieval of sets of electron micrographs for research, teaching, or retrospective review of patient material. An electron microscopy image base, which is implemented on a microcomputer, can provide flexible and simultaneous access to both digitized electron micrographs and their relevant textual data. In addition to the advantage of more efficient retrieval, electronic storage of textual data and digitized electron micrographs also offers the advantage of decreased storage space for this type of data. Implementation of the initial version of the electron microscopy image base demonstrated that future versions must provide improved resolution of the digitized electron micrograph and sufficient electronic mass storage to support such a large image base. Ongoing developments in database technology and mass storage make it worthwhile to pursue additional refinements of the electron microscopy image base.