title: An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Semi-automatic Metaphase Locating and On-screen Karyotyping System.
abstract: Karyotyping is currently the "gold standard" test for the detection of human chromosome abnormalities. Over the past 40 years, changes in techniques have improved the band definition of chromosomes; however, very little has changed with respect to improvements through automation. In this study, we compare chromosome analysis by traditional microscopy with semi-automatic karyotyping using robotic equipment from MetaSystems (Altlussheim, Germany). Analysis using MetaSystems was significantly quicker than using the microscope with an average reduction in analysis time of 26.5 minutes; for the average analyst, this equates to a reduction of 27 percent. Analysis checking times using MetaSystems showed even greater improvement with an average reduction in checking time of 11.4 minutes; for the average checker, this equates to a reduction of 48 percent. The MetaSystems semi-automatic karyotyping equipment offers increased throughput of cases for karyotype analysis while maintaining accuracy.
authors.affiliation: Cytogenetics Department, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London.
authors.forename: Philippa C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: May
authors.forename: Caroline Mackie
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Ogilvie
authors.forename: Shehla
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mohammed
authors.forename: Zoe
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Docherty
authors.forename: Richard Peter
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Hall