INFLUENCE OF DEBRIS AND AGGREGATES ON IMAGE CYTOMETRY DNA MEASUREMENTOF ARCHIVAL TUMORS

OBJECTIVE: To investigate, for seven samples, the influence of unwante d elements (e.g., remains of erythrocyte cell membranes, sliced nuclei , damaged nuclei and aggregates) on image cytometry DNA ploidy measure ments. STUDY DESIGN: Two normal reference tissues (brain and breast), one breast cancer and four brain tumors were studied. For each sample, the influence of the different classes of debris on DNA ploidy histog rams and indices was evaluated.RESULTS: The influence differs regardin g each class of debris and the index to be evaluated. CONCLUSION: Stri ct and precise elimination of debris and aggregates is required. Moreo ver, strategies and efforts that must be applied to automated eliminat ion of these unwanted elements must be a direct function of the bias t hey introduce into DNA ploidy measurements.