Conceptual comparison of two computer models of corpuscle sectioning and of two algorithms for correction of ploidy measurements in tissue sections.
OBJECTIVE
To compare two computer models of corpuscle sectioning and two algorithms for correction of ploidy measurements in tissue sections.


METHODS
Two models of corpuscle sectioning (the computed corpuscle sectioning program [CCSP] [Analyt Quant Cytol Histol 1997;19:376-386] and the ellipsoid sectioning program [ESP]) were run on a personal computer to generate synthetic corpuscle section data that model the sectioned nuclei in a tissue section. These synthetic data were analyzed by two algorithms for correction of ploidy measurements in tissue sections: the reference curve method (RCM) (Analyt Quant Cytol Histol 1997;19:376-386) and the method of McCready and Papadimitriou (MMP) (Analyt Quant Cytol 1983;5:117-123) for a variety of choices of section thickness and of nuclear section profile selection criteria.


RESULTS
Previous recommendations (Analyt Quant Cytol Histol 1999;21:103-112) for optimization of ploidy analysis in tissue sections (selection of only center-containing sections of nuclei in ultrathin sections with a selection bias in favor of elliptical nuclear section profiles) are valid regardless of which corpuscle sectioning model and correction algorithm are employed. Perimeter correction may be desirable or necessary in some cases. The RCM has very significant advantages over the MMP, and the CCSP is more applicable to actual ploidy analysis than is the ESP.


CONCLUSIONS
The RCM always should be used to correct ploidy measurements in tissue sections. The MMP should not be used as the sole method but, when used, should be used with and interpreted in the context of the RCM.
Freed
J A
JA
Department of Pathology, Good Samaritan Hospital, Puyallup, Washington 98371-0192, USA.
D000465:Algorithms; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000235:genetics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004247:DNA / Q000097:blood*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D019044:Image Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007620:Karyometry; D008867:Microtomy; D011003:Ploidies
D004247:DNA