Date: Mar 11, 2008 Source: (
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Collaboration to leverage DMetrix's high-throughput array microscope slide scanner in cytogenetic biodosimetry
TUCSON, Ariz., March 11 /PRNewswire/ — DMetrix, Inc., a leading supplier of state-of-the-art digital pathology systems, the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences' Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) announced today that they have entered into a cooperative research and development agreement to improve the speed and accuracy of detecting dicentric chromosome aberrations for radiation dose assessment.
The agreement will integrate DMetrix's EX-40® high-throughput array microscope imaging system into AFRRI's automated cytogenetic biodosimetry laboratory. The goal is to develop a cytogenetic laboratory automated-scoring platform (CLASP). CLASP is an integrated and highly reliable system to be used to acquire digital images of whole microscope slides and to identify and quantify radiation-specific chromosomal damage to predict acute radiation syndrome and help determine patient treatment options.
"After a thorough review of the commercially available digital slide scanning systems, we found DMetrix's array microscope system to be the product most capable of meeting the throughput and reliability goals of the CLASP program," explains Pataje Prasanna, Ph.D. a research biologist at AFRRI and an assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Biology, Uniformed Services University (USU). "This cooperative effort between AFRRI, HJF, and DMetrix will allow us to accelerate our development of CLASP."
"High-throughput whole-slide imaging and system reliability are critical elements that differentiate our array microscope system from other offerings in the market," commented Michael Descour, Ph.D., president of DMetrix. "We are excited about the collaboration because it brings together the unique biomedical skills of the AFRRI scientists, the innovative spirit of the DMetrix team and array microscope technology to advance the field of cytology."
About AFRRI
AFRRI in Bethesda, MD, is a component of USU and is charged with executing medical radiological defense research for the Department of Defense. For more information, please visit http://www.afrri.usuhs.mil.
About DMetrix
DMetrix is making digital pathology practical with the world's fastest instruments and powerful software. DMetrix is the exclusive developer of array-microscope technology. At 5 to 60 times faster than any other system, the DMetrix slide scanning systems deliver true ultrarapid slide throughput, simple one-click scanning® operation, and sophisticated walk-away slipstream® automation to customers in North America and Europe. DMetrix works with software partners to offer valuable image management and image analysis solutions. DMetrix's technology has been recognized as a breakthrough innovation by The Wall Street Journal. DMetrix's products received the 2005 and 2007 R&D Magazine's prestigious R&D 100 Award given to the 100 technologically most significant innovations of the year. For more information, please visit http://www.dmetrix.com.
