Optical microscope system for standardized cell measurements and analyses

Abstract

A fully integrated optical microscope and computer workstation for the pathology laboratory is described along with a system module for that workstation, the Cell Measurement Program (CMP). This module allows for the acquisition and storage of digitized microscope images; measurement of a standard set of cell features, or descriptors, calibrated for accurate densitometry; and a comprehensive set of statistical analyses and display procedures. This system is useful in research in cell biology and in cancer research, allowing the investigator to use the microscope as a measuring instrument.