Versatility /Quality/ Transparency

Metafer conveniently automates a wide area of microscopic image analysis
applications for life sciences. Due to Metafer’s modularity and its flexible
architecture, it is applicable to a vast array of applications, including cytogenetic
diagnostics, hematology, pathology, toxicology, forensic sciences, and many
more.
Of course, automated imaging saves time. But even more important is the
reproducibility achieved by applying clearly defined standards to any analysis -
slide by slide, experiment by experiment, and patient by patient. This way Metafer
adds an unbiased degree of quality to your results.
Complex analysis systems tend to be cumbersome and difficult to understand.
Metafer is different: unlimited access to all data, convenient display of results, and
full control of all evaluation parameters guarantee, that results are generated
exactly the way you want.

Modularity
SlideFeeder Bar Code Reader Immersion Oil Dispenser

Ease of Use Integrate

Slide scanning is easy with Metafer. Various dedicated software modules offer
streamlined tools for automated analysis and on-screen review. The microscope
remains fully functional and accessible, thus allowing for the ability to check each
single object, which has been relocated by a click into the comprehensive results
image gallery.

Flexibility

Each microscopic sample is different; automation of analysis therefore demands
flexibility, but is exempt from subjectivity. Metafer’s unique concept provides a
subtle solution: a comprehensive protocol file (‘classifier’) precisely defines the
analysis standards; with the selection of the classifier the system is easily switched
to the next assay.

Modularity

Metafer grows with demand. Software and hardware are modular, and with higher
workloads the level of automation can be increased. Optional features such as the
SlideFeeder , the automated , Bar Code Reader and the automated
Immersion Oil Dispenser are easily added upon demand.

Clinical Cytogenetics
Automation of Clinical Image Analysis

With the responsibility for patients on one hand, growing demand and increasing
costs on the other, many cytogenetic labs find themselves pulled between these
two extremes.
But with automation of the tedious, yet critical image analysis, Metafer takes the
pressure off and helps to maintain, or even increase, the quality standards with a
much shorter case turnaround time.

Metafer MSearch
Metaphase Finder

Metafer reliably detects metaphases of any origin based on user-trainable
classifiers. Slide specific search parameters such as search window size, or
detection sensitivity, are read in from bar code labels.
Clones may be automatically detected and classified, and metaphases are
selected for analysis based on the clone identifier, the metaphase quality, or their
location on the slide.
Results are summarized in a convenient metaphase gallery, and each single
metaphase can be relocated with a simple click of the mouse.

AutoCapt
Automated Image Acquisition

Metafer independently adds immersion oil to the slides, and captures high quality
images of all selected metaphases. Images are immediately available for analysis
on any karyotyping system in the network – even while the next slides are still being
scanned.
Fluorescently stained metaphases are captured as easily as Brightfield images: Qbanded
or R-banded specimen, and also FISH or mFISH samples can be used.
Metaphase data (coordinates, slide designation, case name, etc.) are stored
within the image file and transferred to the analysis system. A wide variety of image
enhancement parameters guarantee that each single metaphase is perfect for
professional analysis.

Hematology, Pathology, and Cancer Genetics

Enhancing Results with Professional Imaging Tools
Metafer excels with an unrivaled image quality and fully automated image
enhancement. Additionally, it provides a tool kit of more than 250 analysis
algorithms, thus being the perfect device for unattended routine image analysis.

Metafer MetaCyte
Interphase FISH Signal Analysis

The analysis of spot signal patterns is the basis for many assays in hematology and
cancer genetics. With Metafer MetaCyte, these patterns are analyzed
automatically, precisely, and reproducibly. Results are stored together with
nucleus images and can be displayed in the image gallery or in convenient
histograms and scatter plots. Data can be summarized in customizable reports for
printing or exporting. With a few mouse clicks, a selective display of cell subpopulations
based on their spot patterns (gating) is possible.
And in combination with the high-quality XL DNA probe kits for locus specific
hybridizations, Metafer becomes an all-encompassing unit for professional routine
diagnostics.

Tile Sampling
Tissue Diagnostics

The analysis of tissue sections requires extremely accurate images, and clearly
defined strategies to identify regions of interest. Metafer, with the high-quality
CoolCube CCD camera, professional image analysis algorithms, and the flexible
classifier concept, matches these requirements precisely. The revolutionary Tile Sampling algorithm automatically detects regions with defined staining patterns.
Various options to pre-scan a sample deliver precise information about its layout.
And a convenient tool to edit tissue micro array (TMA) patterns facilitates highthroughput analyses. Metafer has been successfully applied to diagnosis of breast or bladder cancer, cancer genetics, TMA, and many other applications.

VSlide (Virtual Slide Software)
High Precision Image Stitching

Even if microscopic images are of the best quality, they only show just a portion of
the whole section. Metafer, however, creates accurately stitched Brightfield or
fluorescence overview images while it is still scanning the slide. True color images
from Brightfield illuminated specimen are generated either with the CoolCube 1c color camera, or with the help of a fast and accurate color LED illumination.

Toxicology, Mutation Research, Bio-Dosimetry

Evaluating DNA Damage
An essential feature of population monitoring studies, pre-clinical toxicology tests,
and mutagenesis research are large sample sizes, combined with the necessity to
accurately quantify relatively subtle effects. Rigorous standardization and
common analysis strategies cope with these requirements which is why many labs
worldwide trust in Metafer to automate their analysis.

Metafer MSearch and DCScore
Chromosomal Aberration Test

With Metafer on-screen aberration scoring is fast and easy. Metafer scans a typical
Giemsa stained slide in less than 3 minutes, and provides a customizable form to
record aberration data. Dicentric chromosomes can even be automatically
analyzed with the DCScore analysis software.
The system is fully GLP compliant, and blind studies can be conveniently designed
with the integrated module to manage aberration studies. Reports may contain
any kind of observed aberration data, mitotic indices (study-wide and slide by
slide), turnover time, and the username.

Metafer MNScore and MetaCyte
Micronucleus Assays

Metafer fully automatically scans for micronuclei, and handles samples created by
the cytokinesis-block assay, as well as those created by the rodent erythrocyte
assay.
Automated detection of mono- or bi-nucleated cells, reliable detection of
micronuclei, and the calculation of proliferation indices make Metafer an
indispensable tool for any micronucleus study.

Metafer CometScan
Automated Comet Assay

Fully automated and unattended analysis of single-cell gel electrophoresis
samples is a matter of routine for Metafer. Cells are detected and selected by the
system based on well defined parameters, and all relevant features are measured
automatically (tail moment, tail moment ‘Olive’, %DNA in tail and many more).
Results are displayed conveniently in the gallery and in data histograms, and can
easily be exported for further analysis.