Expectation values for low-resolution slit-scan flow prescreening: influence of nuclear shape and DNA density

We conducted high-resolution fluorescent image analysis with mithramycin-stained cells from clinical gynecologic specimens. Features characteristic of the usual, low-resolution, one-dimensional, slit-scan flow cytometric measurements were extracted from 250 high-resolution nuclear images. In addition to the measurement of the usual parameters, nuclear ellipticity and DNA density (DNA per unit nuclear size) were also determined. Our preliminary results indicate that both of these features offer increased discrimination. When nuclear shape was included as a global feature, at least 77% of the diagnostic cells could be distinguished from normal cells, with no overlap. Both features hold promise for improving the discrimination possible with flow cytometry.