HIDACSYS: computer programs for interactive scanning cytophotometry.

A description is given of a combination of three programs developed for computer-assisted stage scanning cytophotometry and cytofluorometry of isolated, close-lying, or touching objects in different types of microscopical preparations. The advantages and limitations of the individual programs are discussed, as well as the local specimen conditions determining the optimal application range of each of the programs. The applicability of these programs was investigated by determination of the integrated absorbance values of Feulgen or gallocyanin-chrome alum stained chicken erythrocytes, human leucocytes, and skin biopsy cells in imprint preparations, as well as of guinea pig peritoneal granulocytes which had been submitted to a simultaneous coupling azo dye incubation for alkaline phosphatase activity.