Quantitative DNA analysis: a comparison of conventional DNA ploidy analysis and teleploidy

JPEG compression can be used on images for DNA ploidy analysis if careful consideration is given to the level of compression used for file storage. The amount of JPEG compression possible may vary depending on the type of tissue analyzed, however, a compromise may be reached for all types of tissue. JPEG compression should not go over a level of 70 for DNA analysis as this would result in possibly erroneous IOD calculation and erroneous DNA ploidy analysis. Also, the resulting file quality is so poor that even visual analysis is not possible. With careful training of personnel in cell selection, remote DNA ploidy analysis would be an effective tool for standardization and quality control in the pathology laboratory. By using remote DNA ploidy analysis, it is possible for hospitals to consolidate their workload, and make DNA ploidy analysis by image cytometry a cost effective test in the laboratory. Proficiency testing would also become possible as all laboratories performing DNA ploidy analysis would receive the same fields of view for testing. DNA ploidy analysis by image cytometry using stored images could be a versatile tool for the telepathology community.