The Principles of Clinical Cytogenetics - Extra Materials - Springer

Automation in the Cytogenetics Laboratory 129
Fig. 14. GenePix microarray scanner. This benchtop unit features an eight-position emission filter wheel to
allow the user flexibility in choosing fluorescent dyes. The image on the right shows a schematic of the light
path through the scanner. (Courtesy of Axon Instruments, Inc.)
technology, computers, and automated instrumentation. These have improved laboratory practice
in three basic ways:
• Automation of tasks, which can free up technologist time, thereby improving efficiency and
reducing costs
• An increase in the speed (and sometimes accuracy) at that tasks can be performed
• Performance of tasks which cannot be accomplished manually
Nevertheless, the world of cytogenetics is still essentially one of manual manipulation and diagnosis.
We have, however, seen that there are notable exceptions, assisting with both sample preparation
and chromosome analysis. These fall into several basic categories: robotic harvesters, environmentally
controlled drying chambers, automation of certain aspects of the FISH procedure, and computerized
imaging systems. We have further seen how the latter represents the single most significant
example of automation in the cytogenetics laboratory. The major benefits of a computerized imaging
system are a reduction in the amount of time required to complete each standard analysis and the
ability to perform some FISH analyses (e.g., M-FISH) that require a computer. Whether automatically
locating suitable metaphases, automating the karyotyping process, enabling the use of low-light
fluorescence techniques, or eliminating the need for photomicrography and darkroom processing,
computerized imaging systems can save valuable operator time.
As technology continues to advance, there seems little doubt that most of the manual tasks required
for chromosome analysis today will eventually be automated.
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