Quantitative DNA ploidy analysis of breast carcinoma: a study of the effects of joint photographer experts group (JPEG) compression on DNA ploidy images.

Telepathology usage in the past has typically been a qualitative procedure rather than a quantitative measurement. DNA ploidy using image analysis has been favorably compared to DNA ploidy analysis by flow cytometry in numerous publications. A step from DNA ploidy analysis using conventional image analysis to DNA ploidy analysis using stored images allows DNA ploidy analysis by image cytometry to become a powerful tool in telepathology. Remote DNA ploidy analysis using stored images has an impact on the field of pathology, as not every hospital or laboratory can afford to perform this type of specialized testing. However, images have large data files and require lengthy transmission times over communication systems to other computers. Joint Photographer Experts Group (JPEG) compression is a computer algorithm that allows the file size of an image to be reduced in order to decrease transmission times to another computer. A study was initiated to investigate the effects of JPEG compression on images of Feulgen stained breast tumor touch preps and the resulting DNA ploidy histograms.

Quantitative DNA analysis: a comparison of conventional DNA ploidy analysis and teleploidy.

JPEG compression can be used on images for DNA ploidy analysis if careful consideration is given to the level of compression used for file storage. The amount of JPEG compression possible may vary depending on the type of tissue analyzed, however, a compromise may be reached for all types of tissue. JPEG compression should not go over a level of 70 for DNA analysis as this would result in possibly erroneous IOD calculation and erroneous DNA ploidy analysis. Also, the resulting file quality is so poor that even visual analysis is not possible. With careful training of personnel in cell selection, remote DNA ploidy analysis would be an effective tool for standardization and quality control in the pathology laboratory. By using remote DNA ploidy analysis, it is possible for hospitals to consolidate their workload, and make DNA ploidy analysis by image cytometry a cost effective test in the laboratory. Proficiency testing would also become possible as all laboratories performing DNA ploidy analysis would receive the same fields of view for testing. DNA ploidy analysis by image cytometry using stored images could be a versatile tool for the telepathology community.