Abstract: A method for increasing the accuracy and the types of data measurements of laser scanned dye stained cells, in a single sample, by means of multiple assays, utilizing cell positions as a factor in merging data measurements. Change in lasers, use of different cell dye stains and different treating reagents provide additional data regarding cells of the sample and fixing of cell positions in the first assay permits merging of the data obtained in subsequent assays.

Abstract: A network system for review and analysis of computer encoded microscope slides and specimens which were originally computer encoded from a microscope (attached via an encoder device to a local computer site), during an initial examination. The encoding includes parameters of viewing locations and events of interest on the slide, with such information being stored on a networked file server. The encoding also includes information regarding the manner in which the initial examination was conducted, for quality control purposes. The computer encoded information is retrievable at all remote locations of the network (either local or connected via modem) for supervisor review or for pathologist analysis. The network is further constituted by microscope sites having similar computer encoding devices attached thereto, which function, in this aspect, as computer terminals of the network. For enhanced analysis, the computer terminals have direct access to patient background information, e.g.

Abstract: A computerized slide encoder for use with microscope analysis and pathological studies is provided. The slide encoder is attached to the movable microscope stage, whereby x-y direction plane movement and location, is correlated to examination of an identified slide, with information marking and location being directly correspondingly written, at pre-defined times, on computer storage media, during the examination. Subsequent use of the computer-stored information, coupled with the slide encoder, in a slide re-examination, permits independent retrieval of such information and location on the slide. The computer storage media includes digitized vocal transcription of history of the slide made during the original examination. An embodiment of the slide encoder includes a computer mouse pen affixed to the stage of the microscope and a rolling surface, for the mouse pen, being affixed to the movable slide holder.

Abstract: A computerized specimen encoder for use with microscope analysis and pathological studies. The slide encoder is attached to the movable microscope stage, whereby X-Y plane movement and location, is correlated to examination of a specimen on an identified slide, with information marking and location being directly correspondingly written on computer storage media, during the examination. The information marking is in the form of computer generated indicia which are placed at a computer image location of the slide at predetermined time intervals. Subsequent use of the computer-stored information, coupled with the slide encoder, in a slide re-examination, permits independent retrieval of such information and location on the slide. The encoder device is provided with a grayscale marker which marks in varying shades of gray, ranging from white to black, the time spent by a slide screener on a particular portion of the specimen and the number of times spent viewing a particular portion of the specimen.

Abstract: A computerized slide encoder for use with microscope analysis and pathological studies. The slide encoder is attached to the movable microscope stage, whereby x-y direction plane movement and location, is correlated to examination of an identified slide, with information marking and location being directly correspondingly written, at pre-defined times, on computer storage media, during the examination. Subsequent use of the computer-stored information, coupled with the slide encoder, in a slide re-examination, permits independent retrieval of such information and location on the slide. The computer storage media includes digitized vocal transcription of history of the slide made during the original examination. An embodiment of the slide encoder includes a computer mouse pen affixed to the stage of the microscope and a rolling surface, for the mouse pen, being affixed to the movable slide holder.

Abstract: A method for the accurate counting of DNA probe spots in cell nuclei wherein anomalies caused by a two dimensional measurement of a three dimensional cell sample are eliminated from evaluation. DNA probe spots in cell nuclei which are counted by means of Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) include cells wherein probe spots of different contoured cells are overlaid or are detected as being adjacent one another with resultant erroneous diagnostic results such as with cancer detection or prognosis. A gating fluorescent value is determined by clusters of fluorescence in regions of non-anomalous values of fluorescence determined by plotting peak fluorescent value against area. The loci of the non-anomalous peak values cluster in specifically definable regions whereby fluorescent values for cells which deviate from the gating fluorescent value, are discounted in the preparation of histograms or other diagnostic measurements.

Abstract: A method of characterizing the chromosomes in a sample of cells by fixing the cell sample on a substrate, contacting the cell sample with a nucleic acid probe having a detectable label under conditions that allow the probe to hybridize preferentially to a chromosome in the cells to form a hybridized complex, optically detecting each labeled complex in the sample, defining a predetermined number of neighboring labeled complexes as a group, generating a distance parameter based on the distance between the position of a group and the position of the next neighboring labeled complex, and comparing the distance parameter for each group to a standard distance value to characterize the chromosomes in the cells of the sample.

Abstract: A method of identifying a sectioned cell in a tissue section including: supplying a tissue section; labeling cells of the tissue section with a detectable label; and selectively detecting the label from cells at the surface of the tissue section.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and methods for generating multiparameter optical data that characterize a population of cells. The invention includes the steps of scanning the cell population with a beam to produce sets of digital data samples, each sample set of digital data representing multiparameter optical interactions from a specific location within the cell population; storing the digital data, e.g., in a computer memory; locating a cell within the population, e.g., by comparing the digital data to a preselected threshold value; defining a neighborhood around the digital data representing the located cell; estimating a background level for the neighborhood based upon digital data corresponding to locations outside the neighborhood; and correcting each of the samples corresponding to the neighborhood with the estimated neighborhood background level to generate the optical data.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and methods for generating multiparameter optical data that characterize a population of cells. The invention includes the steps of scanning the cell population with a beam to produce sets of digital data samples, each sample set of digital data representing multiparameter optical interactions from a specific location within the cell population; storing the digital data, e.g., in a computer memory; locating a cell within the population, e.g., by comparing the digital data to a preselected threshold value; defining a neighborhood around the digital data representing the located cell; estimating a background level for the neighborhood based upon digital data corresponding to locations outside the neighborhood; and correcting each of the samples corresponding to the neighborhood with the estimated neighborhood background level to generate the optical data.

Abstract: A generalized cytometry instrument for measuring the kinetic properties of live cells. Cells are immobilized on a surface and their positions determined and stored in memory by a central control computer. The cells are subsequently illuminated and an optical interaction detected. By taking many measurements of many cells, each of whose position and respective data is stored permitting subsequent reexamination and determination of activity as a function of time, respectively; the kinetic properties of large populations of cells may be studied in the presence of a variety of stimulating environments. Such stimulations may arise from contact with various reagents, including antigens, mitogens and peptides as well as electrical and mechanical perturbations.

Abstract: Methods for determining the presence of antigens or antibodies in an aqueous sample or presence of antigens on the surface of cells. A preferred embodiment employs fluorescent antigens which compete with the sample antigens for antibody binding sites. The antibodies are deposited on a support surface means in alternating patterns. The surface means and fluorescence detector are translocated with respect to each other and a signal generated by the detection of the repeating pattern of fluorescence. The signal is analyzed by means of a gated integrator responsive to a gate track control means also located on the surface means. Immunoassay methods having increased sensitivity are thereby obtained.

Abstract: Small particles to be sorted are entrained in a stream of fluid and particle differences are detected to control a sorter located downstream. The sorter is effective to switch the particle carrying fluid to one of two different paths determined by the particle differences to thereby accomplish the sort. A particle detector is positioned to detect the passage of particles through one of said paths in order to verify that the sorting operation has occurred.