Automated cytology and histology, A historical perspective

The current status of the techniques of image analysis, morphometry and DNA measurements of human cells and tissue samples is reviewed, and the goals of these various techniques, in terms of the detection, diagnosis and prognosis of human cancer, are briefly summarized. Some of the accomplishments and problems of this research are discussed, and targets of future investigations are proposed. It is quite evident that the full value of objective assessment of human cells has not yet been achieved and that many years of additional research may be required to evaluate fully their significance as a scientific tool of objective diagnostic and prognostic value.