Bringing Digital Pathology to Life

Digitization is revolutionizing medicine. In pathology, after glass slides are digitized, the resulting digital images can be analyzed automatically using complex computer algorithms. Automatic image analysis can help increase productivity through process automation and improve healthcare* through standardization and development of new computer-based methods.

Image analysis will help you:

• Perform repetitive tasks
• Search for a needle in a haystack, such as rare event detection
• Quantify the extent of different stains
• Classify and count numerous cells, such as in IHC (ImmunoHistoChemistry) quantification
• Answer questions that are beyond the capabilities of manual microscopy, such as “What is the significance of multiple stains at the cell level and colocalization of stains?”

At Aperio, we provide the most comprehensive image analysis platform for digital pathology. Our growing suite of image analysis algorithms provides solutions for multi-stain separation and quantification, IHC (ImmunoHistoChemistry) quantification, and rare event detection. Our image analysis experts are available to tailor our algorithms to meet your specific needs. We also hold the distinction of being the only open image analysis platform, which makes it easy for you to develop your own algorithms (or use those of a third party) and automatically integrate them into your digital pathology workflow.

The benefits of image analysis in digital pathology have also been recognized by the creation of a reimbursement code for IHC (ImmunoHistoChemistry) image analysis from the AMA. IHC image analysis provides standardization for IHC quantification through objective and reproducible measurements, with the potential to reduce variability between pathologists.

Workflow Integration

Our Spectrum^TM digital pathology information management software suite integrates image analysis seamlessly into your digital pathology workflow, requiring no additional work by the lab or pathologist. With the touch of a button, the algorithm is executed while you review the digital slide.

Spectrum software delivers an integrated digital slide creation, viewing, management, and image analysis solution with a central database that manages all digital slides, case/specimen/slide information and image analysis results. Special features for image analysis include easy batch processing of algorithms over hundreds of slides, a powerful search engine that retrieves slides of interest from all existing cases or studies, and easy export of algorithm results into programs such as Microsoft Excel.

Our image analysis algorithms can also be run from TMALab, our tissue micro array slide management module (an option within Spectrum software) and from within our ImageScope image viewer.

Superior Image Quality

Image quality and calibration are essential for high-performance and robust image analysis. Our ScanScope® slide scanners employ our patented line-scanning technology, which provides superior, high-quality, and high-resolution digital slides.

With ScanScope digital slides, you will get:

• Virtually no artifacts that might affect image analysis. You will see no seam artifacts, and will have accurate focus throughout your entire slide
• A high degree of color and intensity reproducibility—scan after scan and from one scanner to another
• Optimal calibration of the slides by performing a “white balance” as part of each scan
• High-quality scan of the entire slide, not just a single area of interest

Sophisticated Processing Architecture

The processing of digital slides is very challenging for most image analysis platforms. We have developed a simple, yet sophisticated architecture for automated image analysis on which all our algorithms are run—the Aperio Algorithm Framework (AAF).

Our Aperio Algorithm Framework (AAF):

• Enables the processing of large digital images (a 20mm x 20mm specimen scanned at 40x yields an image with 80,000 x 80,000 pixels or 19.2 GB of data)
• Uses server-side processing that frees up your computer for the viewing of digital slides. Algorithms are run on a high-performance server where the digital slides are stored
• Allows for distributed computing, which can be used to meet even the highest processing needs

Open System

We make it easy for you to develop your own image analysis algorithms and integrate them into the Aperio Algorithm Framework (AAF). We offer an Algorithm Software Development Kit (SDK) and interfaces to other commonly used image analysis packages.

With our development tools you can:

• Write your own algorithms in C using our Software Development Kit (SDK)
• Run your MATLAB® (The MathWorks) programs integrated into your digital pathology workflow
• Run your ImagePro® (Media Cybernetics) programs integrated into your digital pathology workflow

Algorithm Catalog

We provide a growing suite of flexible and affordable algorithms that can be tailored to meet your needs in a wide variety of applications.

Experience the power of image analysis in digital pathology today! Try our freely-licensed ImageScope viewing software and multi-purpose Positive Pixel Count algorithm (download here).

	Positive Pixel Count (FREELY LICENSED) A multi-purpose algorithm that measures area and intensities for two stains.
	Color Deconvolution A sophisticated and easy to use multi-purpose algorithm that accurately separates the image to show the actual contribution of each stain and quantifies the area and intensities of the stains (the professional version of our Positive Pixel Count algorithm).
	IHC Nuclear The IHC (ImmunoHistoChemistry) Nuclear image analysis algorithm is optimized for ER (Estrogen Receptor), PR (Progesterone Receptor), Ki-67, and P53 stained breast tissue slides, but can also be used for other tissue types and nuclear stains. The algorithm detects the nuclear staining for the individual nuclei and quantifies their intensity. Nuclei are classified as 0, 1+, 2+, and 3+ based on their intensity. The percentage of positive stained nuclei, the average staining intensity of the positive nuclei as a score of 0, 1+, 2+, or 3+ and the percentages of 0, 1+, 2+, and 3+ nuclei are determined.
	IHC Membrane The IHC (ImmunoHistoChemistry) Membrane image analysis algorithm is optimized for HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2) stained breast tissue slides but can also be used for other tissue types and membrane stains. The algorithm detects the membrane staining for the individual cells and quantifies their intensity and completeness. Cells are classified as 0, 1+, 2+, and 3+ based on their intensity and completeness. Based on the percentages of 0, 1+, 2+, and 3+ cells, a score of 0, 1+, 2+, or 3+ is determined according to the HER2 scoring scheme.
	Micromet A rare event detection algorithm, Micromet is specifically designed to detect micrometastasis of tumor cells found in circulating blood.
Professional Services Our dedicated team of image analysis experts are available to find the right solution to meet your needs. We offer: General consulting Training Tailoring our flexible and affordable algorithms to your specific application Custom algorithm development For more information, please email us at ia@aperio.com.