SCAN: a program library for high resolution slit-scan analysis of chromosomes in flow cytometry

Computer programs for high resolution slit-scan chromosome analysis in flow cytometry are introduced. A modular program library, SCAN, contains programs for single and dual parameter data acquisition, correction of recorded profiles and computation of histograms of various parameters. Using a minicomputer system, data acquisition is programmed in assembler to realize high input rates and real-time histogram calculation. Software for the processing of recorded profiles has been written in FORTRAN and allows extensions or alterations for different objectives. A sample run recording bicolor fluorescence profiles from metaphase chromosomes demonstrates the main features of the software.