A PC-based system for the objective analysis of histologic specimens through quantitative contextual karyometry

A personal computer-based microphotometry system is described which provides objective measurements of important diagnostic properties of histologic specimens. Characteristic features of individual nuclei such as total integrated nuclear optical density (DNA content), nuclear area, shape, and texture may be measured. When operated at reduced magnification, measurements of mitotic density, nuclear crowding, and relative nuclear orientation provide additional diagnostic information. These features may be examined in the context provided by other nuclei and, in tissues such as stratified epithelia, relative to nuclear position within the histologic structure as a whole.