Metafer
The Metafer software conveniently automates a wide area of image analysis applications in microscopy for life sciences.
Due to Metafer's modularity and its flexible architecture, it is applicable to a large variety of applications. Around 1,500 Metafer managed scanning platforms are worldwide in use for metaphase finding, processing of FISH signals and toxicological assays, digitization of samples, and much more.
- Metafer is a software for automating microscopy and processing microscopy images.
- Algorithms are based on Machine Learning and Deep Learning, the latest innovation in artificial intelligence (AI).
- Microscope images can be automatically captured in combination with a motorized microscope, motorized microscope stage, and a high-resolution CCD camera.
- High-throughput microscope imaging of up to 800 microscope slides.
- Metafer is compatible with the karyotyping software Ikaros.
- A network of Metafer/Ikaros installations is scalable to growing demands.
- Used in Clinical Cytogenetics, Cancer Genetics, Cell Biology, Pathology, Tissue Imaging, Toxicology, Radiation Biology, Microbiology, Forensics, Petrography, and much more.
Metafer managed imaging systems scan specimen of various sizes, use many different contrasting methods and magnifications, and find many different target objects. Due to Metafer's modularity and its flexible architecture, it is applicable to numerous applications, including cytogenetic diagnostics, hematology, pathology, toxicology, forensic sciences, and many more.
Of course, automated imaging saves time. But even more important is reproducibility, achieved by applying clearly defined standards to any analysis - slide by slide, experiment by experiment, and patient by patient. This way, smart scanning managed by the Metafer software adds an unbiased degree of quality to your results. Complex analysis systems tend to be cumbersome and difficult to understand. Smart scanning managed by the Metafer software is much different: unlimited access to all data, convenient display of results, and full control of all evaluation parameters guarantee that results are generated exactly the way you want. Slide scanning becomes extremely easy with Metafer.
Each microscopic sample is different: automation of analysis therefore demands flexibility. Metafer’s unique concept provides a powerful solution: user-trainable classifiers precisely define the analysis standards, and with the selection of the appropriate classifier the integrated scanning system is quickly switched to the next assay.
Solutions by MetaSystems grow with demand. Software and integrated hardware are modular, and with higher workloads the level of automation can be increased; optional features such as the SlideFeeder x80, the automated Bar Code Reader, and the automated Immersion Oil Dispenser are easily added upon demand.
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.
Smart scanning based on the Metafer software is highly flexible with many options, and every application has certain hardware and software requirements. A number of different software modules and hardware options are available. Please contact MetaSystems to receive a detailed recommended system configuration for your applications.
In general, integrated systems managed by the Metafer software come with 1 of 4 different camera models and with a motorized stage. A full system integration requires a motorized microscope. MetaSystems is able to also integrate the microscope with the system, but the Metafer software can also integrate with existing, compatible microscopes.
The current CE labeled software version is Metafer 4.3. The information about Metafer 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.
MetaSystems software provides, among other functions, features to assist users with image processing. These include, but are not limited to, the use of machine and deep learning algorithms for pattern recognition. The output generated in this process should be regarded as preliminary suggestions and, in any case, mandatorily requires review and assessment by trained experts.
MetaSystems offers Customization Packages for application workflows that have been successfully implemented for customer labs using standard Metafer platform functionality. It is expected that they can be implemented for other customer labs using similar workflows and slide preparation procedures. If a Customization Package is purchased, MetaSystems product specialists will - based on their experience from other similar application cases - support the customer lab in adapting the Metafer software configuration to their needs. The performance of the solution will depend on the quality of the customer slides and the expertise of the users, MetaSystems cannot specify or guarantee any performance parameters. The validation of the solution for clinical use is the sole responsibility of the customer lab.
Please contact us for further information.
For special applications, a variety of software upgrades are available. Software upgrades require a functional Metafer system and a defined main module, which provides the basic tools required for the scan.
