Automated digital image analysis (DIA) is a powerful approach to quantitate tissue biomarkers in whole slide images (WSIs). Our team develops and optimizes custom algorithms in collaboration with pathologists to provide automated quantitation of biomarker expression in whole tissue section area, selected regions of interest or tissue compartments stained by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence in WSIs. With Alimentiv’s standardized workflow, we can achieve high-throughput analysis with consistent, high-quality results to answer meaningful research questions.

Digital image analysis using WSI analysis algorithms are commonly used in histopathology research to achieve robust results, evaluate research questions, make new discoveries, and inform decision making.

Features and Benefits of Automated Digital Image Analysis

Precision

  • Quantitative analysis conducted in the whole tissue section area or specific region of interest and/or tissue compartments
  • Expression of results as different variables (e.g., proportion of positive cells, positive cell density, staining intensity)

Reproducibility

  • Locked-down algorithms enabling consistency across analysis
  • Automated quantitative analysis with consistency from first to last slide during batch analysis

Standardized, Efficient Workflows

  • Method development input, review and approval by expert GI pathologists
  • End-to-end quality-control of images and results
  • High-throughput analysis (i.e., no limitations on number of images that can be analyzed)

Standardized, Efficient Workflows

DIA algorithms can be developed for image analysis of:

  • Immunohistochemistry assay (brightfield)
  • Immunofluorescence assay
  • Multiplex staining
  • Tissue Microarrays

End-to-End DIA Process at Alimentiv

Alimentiv works in partnership with AcelaBio, a state-of-the-art histopathology and precision medicine laboratory to provide a seamless end-to-end solution that includes immunostaining and image transfer right through to quantitative digital image analysis and results. To best serve our customers, our DIA process is flexible and can accommodate analysis of images stained at other specialty labs. We will work with you to determine the optimal process that suits your needs.

Optimized DIA APPs:

Computational algorithms have been optimized to quantitate the following markers. Our team is always working to expand this and specializes in custom method development for your marker of interest.

IHC markersCell Subset / Function
CD163Monocytes and Macrophages
CD68*Monocyte and Macrophages
CD3Lymphocyte T Cells
CD4CD4+ T Regulatory and Helper T Cells
CD8Memory and Cytotoxic T Cells
FOXP3CD4+ T Regulatory Cells
CD103*Intra-epithelial T Cells
ZO-1Epithelial cell barrier integrity and repair
JAMAEpithelial cell barrier integrity and repair
PANCK*Epithelial cells
LAG3*Immune Check Point Inhibitor
PD-1*Immune Check Point Inhibitor
PD-L1*Immune Check Point Inhibitor

*Optimized for multiplex immunofluorescence stain

Examples of DIA images

Digital image analysis of immunofluorescence multiplex panels of 4 tissue biomarkers in tissue array slides of colonic biopsy tissue section from patients with Ulcerative Colitis:

Digital Image Analysis of CD3 positive lymphocytes in colonic biopsy sections from patients with Crohn’s disease.

Publication: Lefevre, P. et al. (2022) Development and Validation of a Digital Analysis Method to Quantify CD3-Immunostained T Lymphocytes in Whole Slide Images of Crohn’s Disease Biopsies. Applied Immunohistochemistry & Molecular Morphology. In Press.