A tissue microarray imaging system autonomously images, analyzes, and
stores data for samples in a tissue microarray. The system may include a
tissue microarray, a robotic microscope, and an imaging workstation that
executes software to automatically control operation of the microscope to
capture images from the microarray and analyze image results. A low
magnification may be used to register samples within the microarray and
obtain coordinates for each tissue specimen. Progressively higher
magnifications may be used to analyze images of each registered specimen.
Where multiple dyes are used to stain specimens, color separation
techniques may be applied to independently measure and analyze each
staining intensity. Images and quantitative data from the images may then
be stored in a relational database for subsequent review. The system may
be local, or may be Web-based for distributed control and sharing of
results.