Determination of micronucleus abundance using computer image processing

To assess hazardous physical and chemical environmental effects in humans, especially those from ionizing radiation (dose rates), micronucleus tests have been developed. A computer technique is described for the automatic evaluation of micronucleus abundance in human lymphocytes. The hardware consist of a video camera combined with a microscope, an IBM compatible personal computer with image digitizer, and a computer controlled substrate motion device. Computer image analysis is based on the determination of the contours of CB cells, cell nuclei and micronuclei. For this purpose a program called BNCTEST was developed. (R.P.) 15 refs.; 7 figs