Automated chromosome analysis using the Magiscan Image Analyser.

An automated chromosome analysis system is being developed based on a commercially available image analyzer. At its present stage of development, the system will perform a complete analysis of well-spread, homogeneously stained metaphases. The system incorporates a metaphase finder to detect cells of potentially good quality. Chromosomes in a selected cell are segmented by their grey level using a locally determined threshold. An axis and a centromere are automatically assigned to each chromosome, and a "flexible" lookup table is used to classify the chromosomes into nine groups based on measurements of length and centromeric index. A grey-level karyogram can be displayed. Operator intervention is possible, thus permitting resolution of overlaps, correction of erroneous centromere assignments and modification of the karyogram. Analysis time is about two minutes per cell.