National Research Center for Hematology
Laboratory of Hemocytology

BLOOD PLATELETS - COMPUTERIZED MORPHOMETRY APPLIED ON OPTICAL IMAGES

F.V. Korobova, T.V. Ivanova, A.A. Gusev, D.A. Shmarov, G.I. Kozinetc.

European Biomedical Optics Week - EbiOS 2000, Amsterdam, 4-8 July 2000, p. 90

Key words: computerized image analysis, morphometry, blood platelets

Summary. The new technology for computer image analysis of platelets on blood smears was developed. In a basis of the device is incorporated analysis of cytophotometric and morphometric parameters of platelets. Geometrical and optical parameters of platelets on 35 donors, platelet concentrates and 8 patient with haemorrhagic thrombocytemia were investigated, average meanings for the area, diameter and optical density of platelets in norm were received. Obtained data allow to enter the quantitative standards into inspection of platelets of the healthy people and at various alteration of thrombocytopoesis.

Background. The important hematological parameter in clinical research of blood is number of platelets and their morphology. The study of platelets in humans has shown their significant heterogeneity on the sizes, density, age and functional characteristics. However for whole blood platelets until are developed the appropriate criteria and program algorithms for its morphological estimation using computer analysis of the image which would allow to define concept "of morphological norm" cells. Computer morphometric analysis gets large volume of the quantitative information about structure of platelets and allows essentially to expand opportunities of clinical research.

Materials and methods. We investigated blood platelets of 35 healthy donors and 8 patients with haemorrhagic thrombocytemia (HT) and platelet concentrates (PC) on various terms of storage. The morphometric data obtained on blood smears standardized in procedure and dye. Area, diameter and its logarithms, form factor, share of red and blue colors and the optical density of platelets there measured. Distribution of each parameters were estimated with parametric and nonparamertic statistic criteria (chi-square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov).

Results and Discussions. Platelet area and diameter are lognormally distributed, but its logarithms are normally distributed in all cases of donors and PC. Optical density (normal distribution) and share of red color (gamma distribution) reflect the degree of saturation of platelet's granules and depend of concentration of components. Form factor illustrate reactive capacity of platelets to contact with which other and a glass. In patients with HT platelets appeared deeply modified: increased heterogeneity of means platelet areas and diameters, reduced mean share of red color and optical density. After course of treatment of these patients measuring parameters came nearer to normal meanings. The main morphometric parameters of PC has not shown significant differences from platelets on blood smears on first terms of storage (0, 1 day). Received data allow to enter a quantitative standards into inspection of whole blood platelets of healthy men and to estimate conditions of storage of platelet concentrates. It can also be applied to revealing of various platelet disorders and estimation the effectiveness of therapy.