title: The impact of the condenser on cytogenetic image quality in digital microscope system.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Optimizing operational parameters of the digital microscope system is an important technique to acquire high quality cytogenetic images and facilitate the process of karyotyping so that the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis can be improved.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the impact of the condenser on cytogenetic image quality and system working performance using a prototype digital microscope image scanning system.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both theoretical analysis and experimental validations through objectively evaluating a resolution test chart and subjectively observing large numbers of specimen were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results show that the optimal image quality and large depth of field (DOF) are simultaneously obtained when the numerical aperture of condenser is set as 60%-70% of the corresponding objective. Under this condition, more analyzable chromosomes and diagnostic information are obtained. As a result, the system shows higher working stability and less restriction for the implementation of algorithms such as autofocusing especially when the system is designed to achieve high throughput continuous image scanning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the above quantitative results were obtained using a specific prototype system under the experimental conditions reported in this paper, the presented evaluation methodologies can provide valuable guidelines for optimizing operational parameters in cytogenetic imaging using the high throughput continuous scanning microscopes in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Center for Bioengineering and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
authors.forename: Liqiang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.forename: Zheng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yuhua
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Shibo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Xiaodong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D002871:Chromosome Banding / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002877:Chromosomes, Human; D004867:Equipment Design; D057166:High-Throughput Screening Assays / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D007621:Karyotyping / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008853:Microscopy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results