Image analysis system and its use in cytogenetic analysis

Cytogenetic analysis is an important tool in the diagnosis of genetic disorders. It involves cell culture, metaphase arrest, hypotonic treatment, cell fixation, slide preparation and use of banding methods. Following the banding, analysis is done by taking photomicrographs of the metaphase spreads and developing and printing the film in the dark room. Individual chromosomes are then manually cut, paired, pasted and a karyotype is made. This whole procedure is time consuming, labour intensive and expensive. With the increasing workload of the cytogenetic laboratories and availability of improved computer capabilities for image processing, the Image Analysing System, with appropriate software, are being used for cytogenetic analysis. The system includes a high resolution research microscope with or without an automatic metaphase scanning stage, charged couple device (CCD) camera and computer with special software for image capturing, chromosome counting, automatic karyotyping etc. The system is connected to an ordinary inkjet/laser printer. The present paper deals with our experience of one year on use of image analysis system in routine cytogenetic analysis which has cut down the cost and time of karyotyping and analysis by non use of photographic film, developing, printing and dark room facilities. Hence provides reports to the patients with karyotypes using ordinary paper in one hour only. The most important is that this system has made storing and retrieval of data very easy.