Automated cell analysis for DNA studies of large cell populations using the LEYTAS image cytometry system

Image cytometry by means of LEYTAS features analysis of both fresh and archival cellular material. Although not as accurate in ploidy determination as flow cytometry, LEYTAS cytometry incorporates extensive artefact rejection algorithms, thereby allowing detection of low frequency cells. This feature is very useful for the search of rare cells, as e.g. in cervical screening, or for the quantitation of the number of high DNA content cells in the total cell sample. LEYTAS main components are an automated microscope (Autoplan) and a Modular Image Analysis Computer (MIAC), both from Wild Leitz (W-Germany). This paper discusses LEYTAS instrumentation and cell analysis by means of programs especially written for LEYTAS.