Modern image analysis methods in hematology

Image analysis instrumentation presently includes multiparameter microscopy and fast processing. One type of image analysis microscope uses only 1 objective and 2 TV cameras, thereby obtaining 2 magnifications simultaneously: a low magnification for cell selection and a high magnification for further cell analysis. Image analysis is very capable of detecting rare cells among a large population of normal cells. This recognition of very rare events becomes increasingly important in biomedical applications. Investigations such as the detection of mutant cells in the peripheral blood and the detection of rare cancer cells in bone marrow as a sign of early metastases, are described to illustrate the potentialities of image analysis in hematology.