The CellOptics Platform:
Ikonisys CellOptics technology platform emerged from the fusion of cell and molecular biology, microscopy, artificial intelligence and informatics. The system's approach facilitates the accurate detection of cells and subcellular characteristics leading to the development of needed diagnostic products.
The CellOptics platform components
Cell enrichment and deposition
Cells from blood and other body fluids are processed by centrifugation with the Ikonispin reagents and consumables and deposited on Ikonislide microscope slides.
Cell staining and genetic characterization
Cells specific signals are developed using proprietary antibodies and immunocytochemistry (ICC) protocols, for membrane and cytoplasmic markers. Nucleic acid sequences, e.g. for chromosome enumeration, are detected using proprietary reagents such as the Ikoniprobe fluoresence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes.
Ikoniscope/IkoniLAN automated microscopy
The Ikonisys Ikoniscope epifluorescence microscope is a proprietary design. It is optimized for automated, high throughput operation within the IkoniLAN microscopy local area network.
The Ikonisys robotic microscope incorporates automated slide loading and handling, low and high magnification scanning, and digital image acquisition and analysis. Microscope slides are placed into a proprietary design slide cassette and loaded into the microscope. Up to 175 slides can be loaded for analysis. The system unloads, scans and reloads each slide into the cassette automatically. During scanning cells exhibiting the predetermined characteristics for Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) signals are digitally imaged and stored. After the slides are scanned the test specific intelligent application generates an initial diagnosis, and provides the operator with an image gallery that displays all of the analyzed cells. The operator can review the gallery from the work station and sign-off on the diagnosis.
The system has been optimized to meet the demands of the busy clinical laboratory environment. Operator handling errors are minimized through the use of bar-coded slides and bar-code readers within the system. A touch-screen operated, user-friendly interface reduces operator training time. High-throughput design, robust applications and 175 slide loading capacity offer 24/7 walk-away operation. A robust self-diagnostic function minimizes down-time in a proactive manner, and the system is fully modular to facilitate timely servicing and field repairs when necessary.
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