The karyotyping system Ikaros handles also chromosomes from plants and animals, and has an integrated karyogram form editor.
The rodent erythrocyte micronucleus assay can be completely automated with Metafer MetaCyte. Imaging automation of this test is OECD compliant.
The Comet assay can be either automatically analyzed with CometScan, or interactively with CometImager.
With VSlide virtual slides of highest quality are prepared - automatically, flexible, and easy.
MetaCyte automatically detects sperm cells in forensic samples. Position data, an image, and reliablity values are stored for further inspection.
Applications: Hematology
Of the approximately 25,000 genes that are currently estimated to make up the human genome, a small subset of about 350 genes seems to be involved in the initiation, development or progression of cancer. These so-called cancer genes are either malfunctioning or non-functioning in many different kinds of cancer. The majority of the cancer genes, about 90% of them, are mutated or altered by chromosomal aberrations in somatic cells, while about 10% are altered in germ line cells. Many alterations are gene copy number variations (by amplification or deletion, total chromosome loss or duplication), or changes in chromosome structure (by chromosomal translocation, inversion, or other rearrangements leading to chimeric transcripts or deregulated gene expression), and point mutations (including base substitution, deletions, or insertions in coding regions and splice sites).
Chromosome Banding Analysis with Ikaros - the Gold Standard
Chromosome banding analysis is essential for the classification and prognostication in hematological malignancies. For example, to diagnose chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and to monitor the treatment response, the detection of t(9;22)(q34;q11) or the BCR/ABL rearrangement is necessary. Here, the chromosome banding analysis is still the gold standard. The major advantage of chromosome analysis compared to FISH or RT-PCR is the possibility of detecting chromosome aberrations in addition to the so called Philadelphia translocation that may have a prognostic impact.
| In hematological laboratories, where routine work prompts for rapid analysis, MetaSystems' karyotyping system Ikaros is the first choice. It offers powerful tools for analysis of even the most complex karyotypes. Ikaros is recognized as the fastest system of its kind and is very easy to learn. Editable macro commands can replace frequently used command sequences and speed up the image processing. Chromosome assignment and automatic counting in metaphases enable amazingly fast classification of chromosomes. Ikaros has many possibilities for image enhancement automation and offers a working step protocol. G-, R-, F-, C-, and Q-banded chromosomes as well as polyploid cells can be handled in bright field, phase contrast, and epifluorescence. Various karyogram templates allow for user-specific presentation of chromosomes. For review, chromosomes can be compared either class-by-class or karyogram by karyogram. The benefit of using Ikaros in the process of characterizing genetic abnormalities in malignancies lies in creating an overview of all microscopically visible aberrations without previous knowledge of the affected regions. |
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization with Isis - Fast and Reliable
With fluorescence in situ hybridization complex translocations as well as cryptic rearrangements can be directly visualized in interphase nuclei as well as on metaphases. The benefits of FISH are obvious: fewer cells are needed and the result does not depend on cell division in vitro. Interphase FISH becomes essential when rapid confirmation of a diagnosis is needed, as in acute promyelocytic leukemia where the t(15;17)/PML-RARA rearrangement is indicating that therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) should immediately be started.
| MetaSystems' fluorescence imaging system Isis provides a deep insight into the structure of chromosomes. The optimized viewing with a multitude of display options helps to evaluate the results and the powerful and flexible report generator enables a fast and comprehensive representation of the analysis. |
Multicolor Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (mFISH) and Multicolor Banding (mBAND) - a Deep Insight
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The mFISH and mBAND techniques represent an alternative cytogenetic tool in the comprehensive analysis of chromosome aberrations in hematologic malignancies. They allow for rapid screening and precise delineation of structural rearrangements in chromosomes. Complex chromosomal aberrations (CCA), which can be detected in a substantial proportion of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), can be comprehensively analysed with mFISH by analysing simultaneously all of the 24 human chromosomes. It is therefore a very useful method in clarifying CCAs, identifying cryptic interchromosomal rearrangements and characterizing marker chromosomes.
| MetaSystems' mFISH software provides extensive functionality to display the individual color channels side by side which is indispensable to interpret complex translocations and to distinguish artefacts e. g. due to flaring from real translocations. |
mBAND allows high-resolution analysis of the fine structure of a chromosome at the 550-band level. It results in a multicolor banding pattern of a defined chromosome. Therefore, the mBAND technique allows the detection of complex chromosomal aberrations, such as intrachromosomal changes. mBAND answers the questions, that mFISH leaves unanswered.
| MetaSystems' proprietary mBAND technique allows high-resolution analysis of the fine structure of an entire chromosome at a 550-band level. It results in a multicolor banding pattern of a defined chromosome in only one hybridization.
The mBAND technique allows the detection of complex chromosomal aberrations, such as intrachromosomal changes and is able to detect deletions also when present in only a minority of cells. |
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High Throughput Automation – Metafer Makes it Possible
The identification of small cell clones is a crucial issue for quality assessment and quality control in hematologic laboratories. This is primarily important for hematologic malignancies which are defined through a mosaic karyotype, and it has a profound impact on treatment decisions.
| MetaSystems' MSearch finds metaphases in brightfield and fluorescence. Detected metaphases are stored in a gallery and can be relocated with a mouse click. Coordinates can be easily transferred to a manual microscope. With direct interface to Ikaros and Isis, MSearch becomes a powerful tool for precise chromosome analysis. MSearch is capable of finding metaphases of any appearance or cell type. The mitotic index, which is an important measure for the proliferation status, is calculated automatically. MSearch works with minimal manual interaction. After performing a search at low resolution, the system automatically captures images in high magnification after applying immersion oil, automatically of course. |
The specificity of interphase FISH analysis is limited by the inevitable false positives due to random signal colocalization, the rate of which depends on the criteria of positivity, preparation conditions, and the experience of the investigator. To accurately detect low concentrations of positive cells, a large number of cells must be analyzed, which is time consuming and laborious. The correct detection of FISH signals is the greatest challenge of automated analysis, since signals demonstrate large variations regarding shape, size and intensity. In close cooperation with our customers, who helped to constantly improve the scanning platform Metafer, the cell signal analysis software MetaCyte is designed to overcome these obstacles.
| MetaSystems' automated cell signal analysis software MetaCyte allows an objective analysis of cell signals in a very short time, leading to an increased statistical accuracy, even if a small number of cells are analyzed. The images are stored, and documentation of the analysis is provided. |
| Cell features like signal patterns based on spot and fusion counts are automatically extracted and displayed. Cells can be selected based on any feature combination. The results are conveniently displayed as histograms and/or scatter plots which provide a quick overview. |
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FISH Probes for Hematology – XL Locus-Specific Probes Made by MetaSystems
Locus-specific probes provide precise and rapid prognostic data by detecting an amplification or deletion and translocation of genes. Based on a long time established experience, MetaSystems offers an expanding range of high-quality XL locus-specific probes for hematology, that are, in combination with its fluorescence imaging system, an all-encompassing package for carrying out a professional routine diagnostic in a hematology laboratory.
| With its XL probes, MetaSystems offers a wide range of high quality locus-specific probes for hematology, which come in a ready-to-use formulation. Probes are directly labelled, dissolved in hybridization buffer and supplied in 100 µl volume. The protocol is rapid and simple and has been developed to allow co-denaturation of FISH probe and target DNA simultaneously. Current probe mixes are designed for fluorescence in situ hybridization of interphase cells and metaphase chromosomes from peripheral blood cells, bone marrow samples, and tissue sections. |