METAFER2: improved applicability and extended sensitivity of biological dosimetry by means of quantitative image analysis
Ingeborg Grell-Büchtmann,
Department of Medical Physics, FB 1, University of Bremen, 2800 Bremen 33, Fed. Rep. of Germany
Wolfgang Hoffmann,
Department of Medical Physics, FB 1, University of Bremen, 2800 Bremen 33, Fed. Rep. of Germany
Tina Dannheim,
Department of Medical Physics, FB 1, University of Bremen, 2800 Bremen 33, Fed. Rep. of Germany
Anna Heimers,
Department of Medical Physics, FB 1, University of Bremen, 2800 Bremen 33, Fed. Rep. of Germany
Astrid Nahrmann,
Department of Medical Physics, FB 1, University of Bremen, 2800 Bremen 33, Fed. Rep. of Germany
Heike Schröder,
Department of Medical Physics, FB 1, University of Bremen, 2800 Bremen 33, Fed. Rep. of Germany
Inge Schmitz-Feuerhake,
Department of Medical Physics, FB 1, University of Bremen, 2800 Bremen 33, Fed. Rep. of Germany
Paul Tomalik,
Department of Medical Physics, FB 1, University of Bremen, 2800 Bremen 33, Fed. Rep. of Germany
Abstract
The sensitivity of dose estimation after exposure to ionizing radiation by means of analysis of specific chromosomal aberrations (biological dosimetry) depends statistically on the number of metaphase plates analysed. For low-dose ranges about 1000-2000 cells are necessary. Thus this high extent of time needed is the main limiting factor. By use of an automated computer supported metaphase screening and a documentation of the coordinates the time of analysis can be reduced.
METAFER2 (Fa. Metasystems, Ladenburg, FRG) consists of a light microscope with a video camera and a AT-computer including a VGA-card.
The video images are analysed using a special software. The coordinates of all registrated metaphases can then be relocated and the metaphases be analysed interactively. Further documentation and statistical analysis of the data is supported.
As METAFER 2 reduces the time needed by 50 %, the number of cases may be doubled or in terms of sensitivity, the detection limit can be lowered.
Advantages and limitations of the system are discussed using results of biological dosimetry of four individuals. Two of them were radiated occupationally, the other two live in a region with high natural radioactivity.
Keywords : biological dosimetry, chromosome aberrations, digital image analysis, ionizing radiation, METAFER2
Pour citer cet article
Ingeborg Grell-Büchtmann, Wolfgang Hoffmann, Tina Dannheim, Anna Heimers, Astrid Nahrmann, Heike Schröder, Inge Schmitz-Feuerhake & Paul Tomalik, «METAFER2: improved applicability and extended sensitivity of biological dosimetry by means of quantitative image analysis», Acta Stereologica [En ligne], Volume 9 (1990), Number 2 - Proceedings of the seventh workshop on quantitative image analysis - Freiburg 90 - Dec. 1990, 157-162 URL : https://popups.uliege.be/0351-580x/index.php?id=2831.
