Accuracy in cell mitosis analysis

Abstract

Cell samples, stained with a fluorescent dye, taken up by DNA in the individual cells, are scanned with a cytometer, which measures the integrated value of fluorescent light/cell. The integrated values of all of the cells are compiled to create an histogram of cell counts versus integrated fluorescent light, representing a cell population of (a) cells having a complement of DNA, but not in the process of division (G.sub.0 phase), (b) cells having two full compliments of DNA, but which have not actually divided into two cells (G.sub.2 phase) and (c) cells which are in the process of replicating their DNA (S, separation phase). The percentages of cells in each of the phases, represented in the histogram as separated peaks of sizes proportional to the G.sub.0 and G.sub.2 populations, and separation S phase population, aids in the prognosis of a patient's cancer development. More serious malignancy is indicated by increased S and G.sub.2 phase populations. Errors, e.g., resulting from statistical errors, focusing problems, inaccurate measurement of background, etc., in the integrated values and compilation of cells in the histogram, affect the accuracy and prognostic value of the peaks and separation phase, and are corrected by a method, wherein the convolution of error function with the signal function (representing the number of cells, as determined by the florescence measurements, with a DNA content of a specified value), is modeled and the error function removed, by deconvolution, from the G.sub.0 and G.sub.2 peaks and the S phase.

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