Automated cytogenetic analysis: accomplishments, present status and practical future possibilities.

During the past 25 years, much research has been put into the development of systems for automated cytogenetic analysis. Currently more than 10 chromosome analysis systems are commercially available at prices from USD 50,000-200,000. The Magiscan chromosome system (Joyce-Loebl Ltd.) was the first system to be integrated into a clinical cytogenetic laboratory at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. From 1983-1987, 6752 cases were analysed with two systems which can do both metaphase finding and karyotyping, and 7036 karyotypes were produced with one "karyotyping-only" system. The development of automated cytogenetics systems is continuing in order to improve their performance further.