Sperm Detection
Utilize Deep Learning to Expedite Forensic Sperm Detection
- Use of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) to identify sperm cells in forensic samples.
- Streamlined digital process that aids the operators to save time.
- Swift review functionality reduces case processing times and backlogs.
- Storage of all object coordinates of detected sperm cells and quick relocation on the slide.
- Efficient transfer of object coordinates to compatible laser microdissection systems.
- Comprehensive record-keeping and protection of parameters and data.
MetaSystems offers the Customization Package Sperm Detection to establish a workflow for forensic sperm finding that has been successfully implemented for customer labs using standard Metafer platform functionality.
The Metafer-based workflow employs artificial intelligence, specifically Deep Neural Networks (DNN), for forensic sperm cell detection, even in cases of degradation, concealment, or tail absence. A thorough search on a standard specimen typically takes less than 15 minutes. Metafer supports unattended searches on up to 800 slides, prioritizes samples, and reads barcodes. The DNNs in the Customization Package Sperm Detection are trained with thousands of preparations and accommodate commonly used staining methods in forensic laboratories.
Configured with Neon technology, Metafer ensures careful data handling, providing full traceability, multi-level user accounts, and protection against unauthorized changes. It generates gallery images with quality scores and exact coordinates, facilitating efficient review and retrieval under the microscope, with seamless transfer to external microdissection systems.
Many institutes worldwide utilize Metafer with the sperm detection customization package to analyze routine forensic samples stained with commonly used methods, such as Christmas Tree stain, Baecchi stain, and H&E. If your laboratory employs one of these staining techniques, the workflow can likely be implemented with minimal adjustments. If your samples are prepared using a different method, we offer services to adapt our Deep Neural Networks (DNN) to accommodate these conditions.
The answer to this question depends on your workflow and the extent of time and effort you have already dedicated to manual microscopy. With Metafer, sperm searches can be automated and run unattended, even overnight or on weekends. However, a forensic expert still needs to review, verify, and assess the results afterward. Informal feedback from users indicates that implementing automatic sperm detection has significantly helped to reduce the backlog of unresolved cases.
Systems operated with our Metafer software can be configured to meet the requirements of laboratories of different sizes. Various add-ons are available for small, medium, and large laboratories. If capacity requires 24/7 microscopy operation with the ability to prioritize urgent slides, an automated slide feeder can be added to the scanning system. This allows for unattended slide scanning overnight or on weekends. With a scalable capacity from 8 up to 800 slides being automatically scanned, we support our customers in high-throughput applications.
Negative cases can be challenging to confirm, as there is always a chance that one or more sperm cells were missed. This concern applies to both manual microscopy and automated sperm detection. Many of our customers consider this factor when validating their workflow. Metafer helps by automatically sorting the object gallery after scanning, prioritizing potential matches based on the probability delivered by the DNN. For the final mandatory review of results by a forensic expert, it may be helpful to specify in the SOP the number of gallery pages that must be examined before classifying a case as negative. Each laboratory should determine this number individually based on its specific circumstances.
- Metafer (582.3kB)
Metafer, MetaSystems' scanning and imaging software, controls microscope and accessory hardware to acquire digital images, and to assist the operator in the detection, classification, and counting of cells of human or other origin and other objects in microscopic specimen.
- Case and Image Data Management (1.3MB)
Neon is a technology for the flexible and consistent management of image and case data. It is designed to collect data from a variety of sources and integrate them into an efficient and well-structured workflow. The technology integrated in all MetaSystems installations ensures that all relevant information is available wherever it is needed.
- Brochure: Metafer Customization Package Sperm Detection (606.6kB)
Sperm cell identification serves as a widely utilized forensic analytical technique in the examination of sexual offenses. MetaSystems has put together a workflow incorporating Deep Neural Networks (DNN) technology within the Metafer scanning software. This customization has the potential to speed up and simplify sperm detection in forensic examinations.
- White Paper: Metafer Customization Package Sperm Detection (237.5kB)
Sperm cells are a crucial piece of evidence for solving sexual crimes and are usually detected by microscopy. Using deep learning algorithms implemented in the Metafer slide scanning software, MetaSystems has put together a workflow that brings the benefits of artificial intelligence to the field of forensic microscopy.
MetaSystems software provides, among other functions, features to assist users with image processing. These include, but are not limited to, the use of machine and deep learning algorithms for pattern recognition. The output generated in this process should be regarded as preliminary suggestions and, in any case, mandatorily requires review and assessment by trained experts.
MetaSystems offers Customization Packages for application workflows that have been successfully implemented for customer labs using standard Metafer platform functionality. It is expected that they can be implemented for other customer labs using similar workflows and slide preparation procedures. If a Customization Package is purchased, MetaSystems product specialists will – based on their experience from other similar application cases - support the customer lab in adapting the Metafer software configuration to their needs. The performance of the solution will depend on the quality of the customer slides and the expertise of the users, MetaSystems cannot specify or guarantee any performance parameters. The validation of the solution for clinical use is the sole responsibility of the customer lab.