Metafer is very strong in the analysis of FISH patterns in single cell nuclei, but it can do a lot more than this. Fluorescence signals in tissue sections, for instance, can be easily analyzed with the dedicated software interface of Metafer.
First of all, multiple options for pre-scans can be used to provide sample overviews. Pre-scans could even be done on a separate sample with a subsequent, H&E stained tissue section. Regions of interest can be marked in the tissue viewing software, and a convenient tool to edit tissue micro array (TMA) patterns facilitates high-throughput analyses.
Once images of selected regions in the tissue or the TMA are acquired automatically, they can be loaded into the dedicated user interface. Cells of interest are quickly selected with pen or mouse. On selection all FISH signals in the selected cell/nucleus are automatically analyzed. Analysis can encompass counting of signals, but also the detection of fused signals, a quantification of intensities, the identification of split signals and much more. Results for each nucleus are shown together with a gallery image, thus offering the possibility to immediately check and correct the data. The configurable data histogram is updated with each nucleus that is added to the gallery. After finishing analysis, data can be summarized and printed.
Though nucleus selection is done very conveniently in the software interface, special algorithms are available for automated nucleus segmentation. Pre-segmented nuclei can quickly be included in the analysis using a pen tip or a mouse click. A toolkit of dedicated image processing operations offers image enhancement prior to analysis. It is possible to quickly switch between the original and the processed image. Due to this functionality, Metafer has been successfully applied to the diagnosis of solid tumors, no matter whether based on conventional tissue sections or on TMA preparation.