Metafer does a lot more than simply counting signals: for example it is also able to identify and count fusions of signals from different color channels. In this way the software has the capability to analyze all signal patterns found in samples hybridized with MetaSystems Probes locus-specific probes. If it comes to automation of signal analysis, it often appears that human scorers pre-select cells they can easily interpret, while tending to ignore the difficult-to-interpret cells. The automated scanning system provides unbiased interpretation, scoring many cells that are often ignored via manual spot counting. Therefore, many labs are used to working with very low abnormal cut off values for positivity during manual observation. As a result of these discrepancies between automated and manual scoring strategies, people spend significant time to correct automated results, or to reject cells they do not like.

With Metafer this can be different: MetaSystems created RapidScore (RS), a new method of analyzing FISH signals which combines manual scoring strategies with the advantages of automated scoring. RS uses Metafer to automatically score cell signal patterns. All analyzed cells are displayed in a gallery. Signal patterns are summarized in a convenient graph and a table. Immediately after the scan technicians can begin categorizing cells with doubtful results. Categories are assigned to each cell using an external keypad, and new categories (groups of cells) can be added any time. An empty scoring sheet displayed left of the automated results dynamically displays the manual results while the categorization is proceeding. An enlarged image of the unprocessed cell in question facilitates evaluation of signal patterns.

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.