Optimization and application of median filter corrections to relieve diverse spatial patterns in microtiter plate data.

The standard (STD) 5 × 5 hybrid median filter (HMF) was previously described as a nonparametric local backestimator of spatially arrayed microtiter plate (MTP) data. As such, the HMF is a useful tool for mitigating global and sporadic systematic error in MTP data arrays. Presented here is the first known HMF correction of a primary screen suffering from systematic error best described as gradient vectors. Application of the STD 5 × 5 HMF to the primary screen raw data reduced background signal deviation, thereby improving the assay dynamic range and hit confirmation rate. While this HMF can correct gradient vectors, it does not properly correct periodic patterns that may present in other screening campaigns. To address this issue, 1 × 7 median and a row/column 5 × 5 hybrid median filter kernels (1 × 7 MF and RC 5 × 5 HMF) were designed ad hoc, to better fit periodic error patterns. The correction data show periodic error in simulated MTP data arrays is reduced by these alternative filter designs and that multiple corrective filters can be combined in serial operations for progressive reduction of complex error patterns in a MTP data array.