in vitro MN Test
Automating the
Cytokinesis-Block
Micronucleus Assay
The following customizations were most favored by our clients:
- Fully automated digitization of Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus Assay (CBMN) preparations for easy review.
- Object detection identifies binuclear and mononuclear cells.
- Micronucleus count proposals are automatically generated by detecting secondary objects in the image.
- Results are comprehensively displayed in a gallery format, showcasing all identified objects and the respective analysis proposals.
- An optional workflow is available for calculating a preliminary suggestion for the Cytokinesis-Block Proliferation Index (CBPI).
- Reproducible scoring conditions allow standardization of analysis to facilitate inter-laboratory comparisons.
The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay is widely employed by institutes specializing in genetic toxicology and biological dosimetry as a fast and well-established method for detecting DNA damage. This assay involves examining artificially generated binucleated cells for the presence of micronuclei, which arise from chromosome fragments during nuclear division. The frequency of micronuclei serves as an indicator of DNA damage caused by specific events, such as chemical treatments or exposure to ionizing radiation.
While the CBMN assay is conceptually straightforward, its analysis can be labor-intensive and repetitive, requiring the evaluation of numerous cells to achieve statistically meaningful results. To address this, many of our users rely on the Metafer Platform Software, which offers a range of tools to streamline and automate the evaluation process, with the potential to reduce the workload significantly.
Metafer's distinctive capability to scan slides and to present each detected object as a gallery image, link it to its precise position on the slide, and display measurement results in the image corners facilitates the creation of an efficient and user-friendly workflow for the semi-automatic evaluation of the CBMN assay. Furthermore, all results can be summarized in a histogram, enabling the convenient selection of specific sub-populations, such as potentially micronucleus-positive cells, for further review. With the support of our application specialists, users have developed workflows that incorporate automated scanning, binucleated cell detection, micronucleus counting, and an efficient review process to validate the results. Numerous independent studies published in peer-reviewed journals confirm that micronucleus scoring using a tailored Metafer workflow is an effective tool for radiation dose estimation and genetic toxicology testing.
It is strongly recommended. While Giemsa is traditionally used in the CBMN test for manual microscopy, it presents several challenges. Achieving consistent staining quality with Giemsa is difficult, as it depends on various factors such as preparation type, stain quality, and staining duration. In contrast, DAPI reliably binds exclusively to genetic material, avoiding nonspecific background staining. Although DAPI does not stain the cytoplasm, Metafer can utilize algorithms to accurately assign detected micronuclei to their corresponding cells. If cytoplasmic staining is necessary for manual inspection or calculating the proliferation index (CBPI), other fluorescent markers can be easily used to achieve this.
Yes, we have several installations where users enhance their samples with a second dye, such as propidium iodide (PI), to aid in detecting cell boundaries using a customized Metafer workflow. Once the cytoplasmic edges are identified, Metafer's imaging tools can be used to establish a routine differentiating between mononucleated, binucleated, and multinucleated cells. This imaging process can seamlessly integrate with the CBMN workflow, enabling a single procedure to propose both the micronucleus rate and the CBPI.
Most likely. The routines our customers have established and validated in their labs also include procedures where micronuclei are detected in mononucleated cells. A final answer to the question, of whether Metafer could be useful with your preparations, requires our applications specialists to see your samples and to understand what you would like to achieve. If feasible, they will be happy to help you implement a customized routine covering your needs.
- Metafer (5.0MB)
Metafer, MetaSystems' scanning and imaging software, controls microscope and accessory hardware to acquire digital images, and to assist the operator in the detection, classification, and counting of cells of human or other origin and other objects in microscopic specimen.
- Case and Image Data Management (1.3MB)
Neon is a technology for the flexible and consistent management of image and case data. It is designed to collect data from a variety of sources and integrate them into an efficient and well-structured workflow. The technology integrated in all MetaSystems installations ensures that all relevant information is available wherever it is needed.
- Brochure: Metafer Customizations for Toxicology (533.0kB)
Many laboratories worldwide benefit from Metafer imaging automation in genetic toxicology. Standardization is key to genetic toxicology testing. The often very subtle effects can only be reliably detected if all aspects of the test, including the scoring, are performed based on standardized parameters.
- Brochure: MetaSystems Customizations for Biodosimetry (1.2MB)
The standardization of microscopy offers significant advantages by fostering uniformity and reliability across diverse research settings. It promotes resource sharing, collaborative research, and the development of universally accepted guidelines and regulations, ultimately advancing the field of radiation safety and public health on a global scale.
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.