Instruments for rapid cytophotometric analysis of morphologically identified clinical cell material.

Two instruments for cytophotometric analysis are described. The first is a generally applicable object stage scanning microspectrophotometer for the wavelength region 240-700 nm. The microscopic image is shown on a monitor screen and delineation of the analyzed objects is made with the aid of a light pen. The second instrument is a high speed microscope photometer specially adapted for the measurement of DNA, nuclear protein, and projected nuclear area following combined Feulgen and Naphthol Yellow S staining. A two-dimensional CCD sensor measures the light intensity in the microscopic image with a resolution of 0.3 micron. The objects are selected by the operator pointing the light pen at the image screen. The integrated absorbance at two different wavelengths, together with the projected area, is automatically measured for each object and presented in histogram form. Cells in clusters or sections can be measured under operator control with the help of the light pen. The time required for measuring 100 cells is 5-10 min in an ordinary preparation. The application of these instruments to the grading of cellular atypia and in the prognostic evaluation of malignant tumors is demonstrated on material from developing squamous bronchial carcinoma and in invasive mammary and prostatic adenocarcinoma.