An image analysis system for cervical cytology automation using nuclear DNA content

Abstract

An experimental computer/image analysis system has been used to investigate cytology automation techniques based on nuclear DNA measurement and morphological artefact rejector tests. The system automatically measures and normalizes the integrated optical density of cell nuclei in specially prepared cervical cytology specimens, and selects any objects with abnormally high values for further analysis. These are then analyzed by morphological and densitometric tests designed to eliminate false positive signals caused by non-nuclear artefacts. The coordinates of the remaining abnormal nuclei are recorded so that they can subsequently be relocated and examined by a cytotechnician. Preliminary results are given showing the measurement accuracy of the system and the performance of the artefact rejection tests.