Open AccessExperience with the athena semi‐automated karyotyping system
Author(s) -
Mayall Brian H.,
Tucker James D.,
Christensen Mari L.,
van Vliet Lucas J.,
Young Ian T.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
cytometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1097-0320
pISSN - 0196-4763
DOI - 10.1002/cyto.990110108
Subject(s) - computer science , karyotype , metaphase , chromosome , automation , graphics , chromosome analysis , image processing , personal computer , artificial intelligence , process (computing) , pattern recognition (psychology) , computational biology , computer vision , computer graphics (images) , biology , image (mathematics) , computer hardware , genetics , engineering , mechanical engineering , gene , operating system
The traditional analysis and assembly of metaphase chromosomes into, a karyogram is a slow and tedious process requiring intermediate photographic steps and manual manipulation of the chromosome images. Much of this task is highly repetitive and readily lends itself to partial automation. Semi‐automated karyotyping systems now are being used increasingly in both clinical and research cytogenetic laboratories. Digital image processing techniques are used to capture, manipulate, and make an initial classification of chromosome images. The Athena system uses commercially available components based on a Macintosh II personal computer. Digital image processing procedures automatically isolate chromosome images from the metaphase and arrange them into a karyogram, using information about relative chromosome length, centromeric index, and banding pattern. The operator uses the intuitive graphics interface of the Macintosh computer to monitor each phase of the analysis, to resolve any problems in isolating chromosome images, and to rearrange the individual chromosome images while assembling the final karyogram. Athena is designed as a semi‐automated karyotyping system that is easy to learn and has sufficient power and versatility for routine use in the analysis of human metaphase chromosomes.