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Research and new methods

Automated microscopy

Scanners turn a blood smear or bone marrow slide into a digital image, and programs find the cells and pre-sort them by type.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Close-up of the objective lenses of a laboratory microscope
Figure 1.Microscope objective lenses

01Short answer

The advantages are speed, counting by the same criteria every time, and storing images to share with another centre for a second opinion. The program flags unusual cells, but a haematologist or pathologist gives the final assessment, especially for blasts and rare cells. Newer approaches are studying how image features combine with genetic results; this is still research.

02Simple explanation

A digital image.

Automatic counting.

A specialist confirms.

Second opinions are easier.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: a microscope is an instrument that magnifies very small objects so they can be seen.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

What changes

Speed and consistency increase.

An image grid
Figure 2.An image grid — Automated microscopy

What does not change

A specialist makes the diagnosis.

The scanner
Figure 3.The scanner — Automated microscopy

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
What changesSpeed and consistency increase.
What does not changeA specialist makes the diagnosis.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Blood smear
A thin layer of blood on a glass slide.
Digital pathology
Analysing slides from digital images.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Can the images be sent to another doctor?

At many centres, yes; ask.

Is automatic counting accurate?

It works well for ordinary cells; a person checks unusual ones.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can the images be sent to another doctor?

  2. Is automatic counting accurate?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: microscope
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: bioinformatics
  3. National Cancer Institute. Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  7. NMDP (Be The Match). About transplant
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytokine release syndrome
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: mutation
  10. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Evaluating Health Information
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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