Automated Image Analysis of Megakaryocyte Progenitors

The objective of this feasibility study is development of a sensitive instrument, based on image ancount megakaryocyte colonies (CFU-meg), the number of megakaryocytes per colony, megakaryocyte maturploidy. This automatic counter can be used to 1) measure the toxicity of anti-cancer drugs on megakadetermine the CFU-meg capacity of bone marrow harvested for transplant, 3) identify the presence orof Thrombopoietin (TPO) for research and clinical purposes. TPO represents a future for treatment ofthus, tools to measure the bone marrow potential to produce megakaryocytes need to be prepared. Boneunits routinely screen harvested marrow for its ability to produce CFU thus, the automated CFU-meg whospitals and blood centers involved in the quality control of harvested marrow for transplant. Imagand fast tool enabling rapid measurement in number and quality of particles existent within a field.image analysis of megakaryocyte colonies is the best approach to measure all parameters of these colfocused on the measurement of CFU-meg as a routine tool, will represent an advance for clinical laboautomation would reduce staff time and provide excellent standardization. The ultimate goal of thiscomplete system (equipment and software) to convert the CFU- meg assay into a simple test comparable