Ikaros

Discover scalable and innovative solutions for karyotyping and fluorescence in situ
hybridization (FISH).

The innovative imaging software Ikaros combines state-of-the-art tools for image acquisition and processing with a workflow based on artificial intelligence (AI) for karyotyping. Together with the congenial case and image management, Ikaros is thus an essential building block for scalable and efficient solutions for cytogenetic imaging.

Images

Highlights

Karyotyping

  • Fast and reliable generation of karyogram suggestions for the expert's review using artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Continuous logging of processing steps and unlimited access to the original images to facilitate full control of the entire workflow.
  • Various configurations to integrate Ikaros to a stand-alone image acquisition unit, a karyotyping workstation, or a ‘doctor’s review' workplace with access to patient data and statistics.
  • Support of all common banding techniques for human and non-human chromosomes.
  • Built-in karyogram form editor with idiograms (ISCN 2016) in different resolutions.
  • Editor for combined karyograms with the possibility to edit and annotate individual chromosomes.
  • One-click switching between different capture settings — from brightfield to fluorescence and back.
  • Manual image acquisition with one-click capture, automatic contrast enhancement, and best focus plane selection.
  • Automated image acquisition with the optional Metafer software for metaphase finding.

FISH Imaging

  • One-click image acquisition of up to 12 color channels with automatic exposure time adjustment.
  • Support of most common motorized microscopes.
  • Versatile options for automated and manual image enhancement.
  • Continuous logging of processing steps and unlimited access to the original images.
  • Selective editing of individual color channels and even of individual areas in the image.
  • Display of single color separations and various pseudo color visualizations.
  • Access to the same karyotyping functions as for transmitted light images.
  • Support of Multicolor FISH (mFISH) and proprietary Multicolor Chromosome Banding (mBAND).
  • Various tools for identification of chromosomes, chromosome fragments, and marker chromosomes in the mFISH/mBAND mode.
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Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Rapid and Reliable Karyotyping

Karyotyping is often referred to as the “gold standard” in cytogenetics. Innovative trends in artificial intelligence (AI) have opened up new possibilities for image analysis. So-called Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are the basis of this advancement.

The DNN based algorithms in the Ikaros DNN module provide significant improvement for chromosome classification compared to previous software algorithms. AI-driven Ikaros is able to generate karyogram proposals directly from the original metaphase image with an unprecedented high probability of accuracy.

The algorithms handle both the automatic separation of chromosomes and chromosome clusters and the correct assignment into the karyogram form. The results are ready-made proposals for a karyogram, which then only need to be reviewed and assessed by the cytogenetics expert. For any corrections that may be necessary, the user is supported by unlimited access to all processing steps and the original images of the acquisition.

Interested in the new AI driven karyotyping with Ikaros? Contact us via info@metasystems-international.com.

Comfortable Onscreen Karyotyping

Ikaros provides AI-driven chromosome separation and classification in metaphases of all common chromosome banding methods (e.g., G-Banding, R-Banding, and Q-Banding). Also, different tissue types, e.g., lymphocytes, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, and chorionic villi are supported.

The Ikaros software combines an intuitive graphic user interface with a variety of powerful tools to provide the flexibility required in analyzing even the most complex metaphases. Designed to minimize the number of interactions, Ikaros ensures amazingly fast results.

Every Ikaros managed workstation comes with a sophisticated case and workflow management called Neon. Neon provides the highest data security standards, and allows for easy content access, full workflow control, and multi-level user management.

Sophisticated Fluorescence and FISH Imaging

The fluorescence imaging modules Ikaros BASE C and Ikaros Karyo C offer innovative tools for processing images of various biological origins. Options for color karyotyping, Multicolor FISH (mFISH), and Multicolor Chromosome Banding (mBAND) are available.

Thanks to the support of most common motorized microscopes, fluorescence images can be acquired in Ikaros BASE C with just one mouse click. Alternatively, an imaging system managed by the Metafer software can automate slide scanning and the acquisition of high-resolution images. Intelligent acquisition parameters enable consistent signal quality even with changing hybridization conditions.

With a few keyboard shortcuts, images can be improved in seconds, for example by removing unspecific background. However, should manual editing of the image ever be necessary, this can be done with precise tools specifically for individual color channels or even for individual areas within the image.

A selection of different, individually adjustable pseudo color displays help to bring out the essence of an image. In the case of mFISH and mBAND, this is complemented by an intelligent evaluation of the color composition from each pixel, which makes it possible to determine the origin of the chromosomal material beyond doubt in most cases.

Of course, all karyotyping functions are fully accessible in fluorescence mode as well, and here too users benefit from the complete log of all processing steps. In this way, errors can be detected during editing and, if necessary, undone all the way back to the original image.

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Neon

As part of Ikaros and Metafer, Neon is the convenient interface for organizing case and image data. Users configure overview dashboards to summarize cases, processing statuses, and case statistics. Interfaces for data exchange with external databases can be adapted. The fields on case data sheets and reports are customizable to meet specific needs.

Read more about Neon.

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Order Information

Although Ikaros can be integrated to a stand-alone installation, the software shows its true strength in an environment where many workstations work together to form a comprehensive imaging solution. Thus, Ikaros can be integrated into karyotyping stations (Ikaros Karyo M), fluorescence imaging stations (Ikaros BASE C and Ikaros Karyo C), data management stations, or review stations (Ikaros Review). With the solutions by MetaSystems, it is possible to extend the scalable multiuser network at any time and grow with the prospective demand.

In combination with the efficient Metafer software for metaphase searching, image acquisition and FISH pre-evaluation, workplaces can be created that combine maximum efficiency with the highest user comfort and data security.

Functions that were previously offered as Isis have been merged into the new overall package of the Ikaros software. When updating an existing system, we will of course adapt your licenses so that the range of functions does not change to your disadvantage.

Ikaros BASE M

P-0040-001-MS

Ikaros BASE M software license for manual acquisition of microscopy images in brightfield (BF) illumination.

Ikaros BASE C

P-0040-002-MS

Ikaros BASE C software license for manual acquisition of microscopy images in fluorescence (FL) illumination and color image analysis.

Ikaros Karyo M

P-0040-003-MS

Ikaros Karyo M contains features for Digital Karyotyping including image enhancement and processing, the separation and assignment of chromosomes, and image annotation for review. Brightfield and cells can be analyzed.

Ikaros Karyo C

P-0040-005-MS

Ikaros Karyo C contains features for intensity measurement, pseudo color display, and image annotation for review. It is used in fluorescence-in-situ hybridization (FISH) techniques including multicolor FISH (mFISH).

Ikaros DNN

P-0040-010-MS

Ikaros DNN is a technical module that enables Ikaros to run image analysis algorithms using artificial intelligence (Deep Neural Networks; DNN). Requires an Ikaros basis module.

Ikaros DNN Server

P-0040-011-MS

Installed on a suitable workstation in the network, the technical module Ikaros DNN Server takes analysis tasks from other Ikaros instances and performs the image analysis.

HL7 Interface for Ikaros / Metafer

P-0040-012-MS

This technical module for Ikaros and Metafer enables the exchange of images and data based on the Health Level 7 (HL7) standard.

DICOM Interface for Ikaros / Metafer

P-0040-013-MS

This technical module for Ikaros and Metafer enables the exchange of images and data based on the standard for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM).

GLP Upgrade for Ikaros / Metafer

P-0040-0014-MS

The GLP Technical Module adds features to Ikaros or Metafer installations that make the software compatible with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations.

Ikaros Review

P-0040-007-MS

Ikaros Review contains image display for review, image annotation, and data field editing.

The list above is not exhaustive, and technical data may change. Please contact your MetaSystems representative for further explanations and details.

Disclaimer

The current CE labeled software version is Ikaros 6.3. The information about Ikaros in our online presence refers to this version number.

Legal Note

MetaSystems software and system products are classified as in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD) in the European Union in accordance with In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (EU) 2017/746 or In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Directive 98/79/EC, respectively, and carry the CE label unless otherwise indicated. Use all MetaSystems IVD products only within the scope of their intended purpose.

MetaSystems products are used in many countries worldwide. Depending on the regulations of the respective country or region, some products may not be used for clinical diagnostics.

Some hardware components supplied by other manufacturers are not included in MetaSystems IVD products and are therefore not IVD medical devices.

Please contact us for further information.

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