We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

AI-Based Method Could Replace Chemical Staining of Histopathological Tissue Samples

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 17 Apr 2023
Print article
Image: An example of virtual staining of tissue (Photo courtesy of University of Turku)
Image: An example of virtual staining of tissue (Photo courtesy of University of Turku)

For over a century, chemical staining has been a foundational technique in the study of histopathology, particularly in areas like cancer diagnostics. One major drawback of chemical staining, however, is its irreversible nature, which often restricts the sample's use in other tests or experiments. To address this limitation, researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach to virtually stain histopathological tissue samples, potentially replacing the need for chemical staining.

A study led by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland (Kuopio, Finland) has resulted in the development of an AI method that generates computational images closely resembling those obtained through actual chemical staining. These virtually stained images can then be examined for tissue morphology. The virtual staining technique not only reduces the chemical load and manual labor required for sample processing but also allows the tissue to be used for other purposes beyond staining. A key advantage of the proposed method is that it only requires a standard light microscope and an appropriate computer, with no need for specialized hardware or infrastructure.

The rapid advancement of deep neural networks, which learn from vast amounts of data, has revolutionized biomedical image analysis. These methods are not only suitable for traditional image analysis tasks, such as interpretation, but also excel in image-to-image transformations. Virtual staining exemplifies this type of task and was effectively demonstrated by the research team.

“The results are very widely applicable. There are plenty of topics for follow-up research, and the computational methods can still be improved. However, we can already envision several application areas where virtual staining can have a major impact in histopathology,” says Associate Professor Pekka Ruusuvuori from the University of Turku, who led the computational part of the study.

“Deep neural networks are capable of performing at a level we were not able to imagine a while ago. Artificial intelligence-based virtual staining can have a major impact towards more efficient sample processing in histopathology,” said Doctoral Researcher Umair Khan from the University of Turku who was the lead developer.

Related Links:
University of Eastern Finland 

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
Gold Member
Xylazine Immunoassay Test
Xylazine ELISA

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The cobas Malaria test is the first FDA-approved molecular test to screen U.S. blood donors for malaria (Photo courtesy of Roche)

First FDA-Approved Molecular Test to Screen Blood Donors for Malaria Could Improve Patient Safety

Malaria, a serious illness that often leads to death, is spread by a specific mosquito species that infect humans with a parasite. Other transmission modes include blood transfusions, organ transplants,... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.