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.

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.

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.