The Metrizer: an innovative device for achieving virtual hepatic biopsies

The last few years have brought rapid growth in the number of Virtual Microscopes (VM) and the promotion of digital histology. In this digital era, it is natural to assist in the transportation of histology imaging into computer technology support. We have also assisted in a quick and precise race towards improved technology capable of acquiring detailed digital images which realistically report the original slide for easy consultation [1,2]. The advanced technology herein proposed aims at being a sophisticated imaging archive. Digitally scanning slides however, does not give additional information to the vision of tissue structures, even with high resolution or improved colour and image precision. We can now say that high enlargement microscopic observation can only give same details to structures visible to the eye directly through the microscope. This means that when VMs are used in a correct manner they are capable of giving significant progress to highlighting, not quantifying, a critical field in applying technology specific to computerised measuring. The potential to improve precision and objectivity of measurements can be achieved with additional technical equipment. The aim of this study is to present a machine invented with a calculation potential to facilitate the work of the observer in a medical practice, not only in terms of easy retrieval of images but also as an instrument for the automatic analysis of digital histology. The “Metrizer” aims at supplying precise and objective descriptions and measurements of the specimen under observation. These descriptions do not substitute the pathologist but they should assist him/her to assert with objectivity and safety the entity of the observed pathology [3-8]. Material and methods The “Metrizer” (Figure 1) is an automatic, compact machine composed of a lens for microscopic observation, digital cameras, a movement device and a computer complete with software to control machine movement and image analysis. With these components the machine facilitates consultation of histological preparations (virtual microscop e-s lide scanner function) and supplies objective numeric data regarding the state of the tissue harbouring diverse diseases without causing fatigue or human error. Using the Slide Scanner function it enables to automatically digitalise the entire histological slide in high definition and makes it easily accessible in the digital archive.