Automatic Microscope System Identifies Abnormal Blood Counts

A microscope system has been combined with digital image processing to produce an automatic system for blood cell analysis.

The system that automates the assessment of blood counts and at the same time improves the quality of the findings. The integrated slide handling system permits the automatic evaluation and analysis of up to 200 slides.

The HemaCAM system was developed by scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS (Erlangen, Germany). The background to the diagnostic system is a database in which every cell has been entered manually. Computer algorithms use this database to analyze and presort the recorded cells. Every abnormal cell can be individually documented and enlarged up to 100 times. The medical laboratory scientist in the laboratory only checks the result, verifies and then approves it. The findings are then fed into the laboratory information system, and the laboratory director can send out the findings.

The advantages of the system offer blood counts that are quick and reliable, and microscopic live view of the cells. The system annotates and marks cells with the intelligent database customizing to the respective laboratory. Existing methods such as flow cytometry are based on physical measuring methods, while the HemaCAM imitates humans. Like a human eye, a camera looks through the microscope. Image processing software automatically analyzes up to eight abnormal blood smears and provides classification suggestions.

Horn Imaging GmbH, (Aalen, Germany), have been marketing and installing the system in specialist laboratories throughout Europe.

Christian Weigand, Dipl.Inf., director of the department of image processing and medical engineering, said., " In addition to the system, a further software component is an analysis support system for the morphology of the red blood count. This can be used to diagnose types of anemia, for example; at the same time the red blood count provides indications of liver or kidney damage, metabolic diseases and deficiency symptoms."

Related Links:
Fraunhofer Institute
Horn Imaging GmbH