CYTOSCAN

This is a personal computer based system capable of acquiring and analyzing the image of a cell with a view to detect and classify cell abnormalities.  The system found very useful for mass screening of people fir cancer.  It uses pattern recognition technology originally developed by DRDO for life support systems and also image processing technology.  The hardware consists of a PC/AT, microscope, CCD camera and frame grabber.   The multimodule software consists of an acquisition module, display module, mouse based delineation module to mark the cell to be analysed, module to mark the cell to be analysed, module to measure geometrical and textural parameters and an expert system to detect and classify cell abnormalities.  Presently the software that has been developed is specifically meant to detect uterine cervical cancer.  Statistical programmes to analyze large volumes of cell data have also been developed.  This is the first equipment of its kind in this country.  Some similar equipment are available abroad, but at very high cost.  The technology has been completely validated at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore and Nizam’s Institute of Medical Science, Hyderabad.  The technology has been transferred to industry for mass production and sale in India and abroad.  The system was used under project TULASI, in the rural districts for screening rural and tribal women for cervical cancer a total of 33,000 women have been scanned.  Developmental work is being undertaken for Mk II version of the system that can be used as a comprehensive pathological tool. 

Source: Society for Biomedical Technology, Affordable Health Care Technology
Date: 17^th May 1998