Competence on demand in DNA image cytometry

Quantitation methods in clinical pathology have to be normalized and standa rdized both from the instrumental and the methodological point of view to g uarantee a defined level of precision and accuracy independent of the site where they are applied. The comparability of results obtained in different laboratories is the basis for the application of standardized diagnostic cl assification systems and therapeutic schemes. Remote quantitation based on standardized evaluation tools could be a way to reach the goals mentioned a bove. Diagnostic DNA image cytometry, increasingly used as a routine method in clinical pathology, will serve as an example for demonstrating the feas ibility and usefulness of a concept of remote quantitation. We report a sys tem for a remote DNA ploidy analysis, based on client server technology, an d accessible via Internet or ISDN connections (Quantitation Server EUROQUAN T). This system (i) allows the cytometric measurement of the DNA content of cells for diagnostic purposes, (ii) provides the user with comprehensive q uality control of such measurements, (iii) helps in trouble-shooting, and ( iv) gives assistance in diagnostic interpretation. The system uses the prin ciples of telepathology and Internet technology. To date, more than 40 labo ratories from Europe, USA, and Asia have successfully performed analyses on about 3,000 ploidy data sets.