SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR RAPID AND AUTOMATED SCREENING OF CELLS

摘要

A system for performing automated cell screening in drug discovery includes an automated microscope (100), a fast autofocus device, and a digital imaging system (500). Processes are implemented in software through which relevant cellular material is segmented and quantified with minimal user interaction. Improvements in the following areas: known methods for image processing are implemented in such a way that automated segmentation is achieved; sets of known measurements (pixel counting, etc.) are implemented as methods which demonstrate aspects of biology in a reliable fashion; components for automat ed positioning, focusing, imaging and processing of a multiplicity of samples a re integrated as systems within which the segmentation and measurement methods may be mounted; and components and methods are adapted into systems which yield more highly automated and more rapid cell screening.