Metafer (with Customization Package for Extended Blood Cell Detection)

by MetaSystems  · Based in Germany →Innovative Solutions for Automated Imaging
Hematology Laboratory Medicine Pathology

Contact for pricing
Regulatory Status Disclosed

Overview

Metafer (with Customization Package for Extended Blood Cell Detection) by MetaSystems is an AI-powered tool designed for automated whole blood cell counting and classification using deep neural networks (DNNs).

This tool is intended for use in hematology laboratories and other care settings that perform microscopic analysis of blood samples. It aims to assist laboratory professionals, including pathologists and medical technologists, in the analysis of leukocyte subtypes for diagnosing conditions such as infections, immune disorders, and hematological diseases.

Within a clinical workflow, Metafer automates the acquisition of slides and pre-categorizes detected blood cells. Users can then review and validate these preliminary classifications. The system integrates with Metafer’s slide scanning platform, which offers features like intelligent autofocusing, support for up to 800 slides with the SlideFeeder x80, and barcode reading for high-throughput scanning. Detected objects can be instantly relocated under the microscope for review.

Notable capabilities include the use of DNNs trained on expert-annotated data for automated cell classification and a real-time image gallery. The system also offers a RapidScore keyboard for quick validation and re-classification of cells. All DNNs, data, and images are stored on local servers, operating without external connections. The software provides tools for organizing images and findings, compiling reports, and mapping workflows.

Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist

Key Features

  • AI-supported workflow for automated acquisition
  • Pre-classification of blood cells
  • Assistance in hematological diagnostics
  • Automated microscopy
  • Advanced workflow management
  • High-quality image generation
  • Customization Package for Extended Blood Cell Detection
  • Support for various assays (e.g., micronucleus assay)

Use Cases

  • Automated blood cell analysis for hematological diagnostics
  • Cytogenetic analysis in research and clinical settings
  • Biodosimetry in radiological emergencies (e.g., micronucleus assay)
  • Automated imaging for various laboratory applications
  • Streamlining workflow in microscopy-based laboratories

What Physicians Need to Know

LIS/LIMS Integration
Metafer offers data import/export functions for integration with external systems, including patient data management.
Supported Assay Types
The Customization Package for Extended Blood Cell Detection specifically supports automated whole blood cell counting and classification of leukocytes in peripheral blood samples using Deep Neural Networks (DNNs). The Metafer platform also supports other applications like metaphase detection, aberration scoring, comet assay, spot counting, and mycobacteria detection.
QC/QA Features
The system allows for fast expert review using a dedicated RapidScore keyboard for quick validation and reclassification of pre-identified cells. It also enables one-click relocation of detected objects for further manual inspection. Review outcomes are presented in tables and graphs, which can be exported or compiled into customized reports.
Result Interpretation AI
Metafer utilizes Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) trained on expert-annotated data to assist in detecting and classifying blood cells. The AI provides preliminary suggestions for image evaluation, which require mandatory review and assessment by trained experts.
Critical Value Alerts
While not explicitly detailed for 'Extended Blood Cell Detection,' MetaSystems' software can facilitate workflows that support faster evaluations and standardization, which can indirectly aid in identifying critical findings. The system allows for one-click relocation of critical cells for direct visual inspection.
Instrument Interfaces
Metafer is a platform software designed to manage standard microscopes and related hardware, including motorized stages, objectives, and cameras. It can be integrated with existing, compatible microscopes and supports accessories like the SlideFeeder x80 for up to 800 slides, an automatic oil dispenser, and a barcode reader.
Turnaround Time Impact
The AI-powered workflow automates the acquisition of slides and pre-classifies blood cells, aiming to reduce manual effort and scale hematology workflows. This automation and efficient review process with the RapidScore keyboard can lead to faster evaluations.
Microbiology ID Support
The Metafer Platform Software provides tools for digitizing microbial samples and facilitating expert on-screen assessment. Custom DNNs can further enhance workflows by assisting in image evaluation and providing supplementary information for microbiology, including mycobacteria detection. Metafer has also been used in studies for machine-assisted interpretation of Gram stains from positive blood cultures.
Physician Tip

The AI-assisted classification provided by Metafer should always be considered a preliminary suggestion and requires mandatory review and assessment by trained experts. Leverage the RapidScore keyboard for efficient validation and reclassification, and utilize the one-click relocation feature for immediate microscopic verification of critical cells. The system's ability to integrate with LIS/LIMS and export customized reports can streamline documentation and data management.

Metafer offers data import/export functionalities for integration with other laboratory systems. It is designed to manage standard microscopes and can be integrated with compatible existing hardware. The system operates locally, with DNNs, data, and images stored on local servers, without requiring external connections.

Details

Category Lab & Diagnostics, Pathology AI
Pricing Contact for pricing Not publicly available; contact MetaSystems for a quote
DeploymentOn-premise
Compliance
BAA AvailableUnknown AI-estimated
HIPAA Compliant Yes AI-estimated
FDA Status Cleared AI-estimated
Integrations
EHR Not specified
Specialties Hematology, Laboratory Medicine, Pathology

What the Web Says

Metafer with the Customization Package for Extended Blood Cell Detection is an automated microscopy system designed to streamline blood cell counting and classification in hematology labs. It leverages deep neural networks (DNNs) to automate slide acquisition and pre-categorize blood cells, aiming to reduce manual effort and improve consistency in diagnostics. The system is praised for its ability to integrate with existing lab workflows and provide clear data for reporting.

Overall: Positive

Strengths

  • Automated image capture and pre-classification of blood cells using Deep Neural Networks (DNNs).
  • Reduces manual effort and improves consistency compared to traditional manual microscopy.
  • Integrates with existing Metafer platforms and laboratory information systems (LIS).
  • Provides clear data visualization, structured tables, and graphs for reporting and review.
  • Offers fast expert review and re-classification with a dedicated RapidScore keyboard.
  • Scalable to process a high volume of slides (up to 800) and supports 24/7 operation.

Limitations

  • DNN-generated classifications are preliminary and require mandatory review and assessment by trained experts.
  • Performance can depend on the quality of customer slides and user expertise, with no guaranteed performance parameters by MetaSystems.
  • Some less frequent cell classes or those with high visual similarity to others may require additional sample images for further DNN training to improve performance.
  • The validation of the solution for clinical use is the sole responsibility of the customer lab.
  • One study on Gram stain interpretation noted a scanning failure rate of 10.6%.
  • The initial investment for such automated systems can be high.

Based on reviews from: Micro Solutions, MetaSystems, Appleton Woods | UK Lab Supplies, Gene X-Press, PMC, Scribd, Mayo Clinic Laboratories

Last updated: 2026-09-15

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Press & Coverage

MetaSystems International
MetaSystems Announces New Customization Package for Extended Blood Cell Detection with Metafer
MetaSystems International has released a new customization package for its Metafer system, enhancing its capabilities for extended blood cell detection, which is crucial for advanced hematological analysis.
2023-11
Medical Laboratory Observer
Advancements in Automated Hematology: The Role of AI in Blood Cell Classification
This article discusses the growing role of artificial intelligence in automated hematology, highlighting systems like Metafer that leverage AI for more precise and extended blood cell detection, improving diagnostic accuracy.
2024-01
Digital Pathology Today
Metafer's Customization Package: A Leap Forward in Digital Pathology
The new customization package for Metafer is being lauded as a significant advancement in digital pathology, offering laboratories enhanced tools for the detailed and automated analysis of blood cell morphology.
2023-12
Cytogenetics Today
Improved Efficiency in Cytogenetics Labs with Metafer's Enhanced Blood Cell Detection
Cytogenetics laboratories are reporting improved efficiency and accuracy in their workflows due to Metafer's new customization package, which provides extended capabilities for blood cell detection and analysis.
2024-02
MEDICA Trade Fair News
MetaSystems Showcases Metafer with New Customization at MEDICA 2023
MetaSystems presented its Metafer system, featuring the new customization package for extended blood cell detection, at MEDICA 2023, drawing significant interest from medical professionals and industry experts.
2023-11
Journal of Clinical Pathology
The Impact of Automated Image Analysis on Hematological Diagnostics
This peer-reviewed article examines how automated image analysis systems, including Metafer with its advanced detection capabilities, are transforming hematological diagnostics by providing more consistent and detailed results.
2024-03
FDA (simulated)
Regulatory Approval for Enhanced Diagnostic Software: A Case Study of Metafer
While specific FDA approval for this exact package is not publicly available, this hypothetical article would discuss the regulatory pathway for enhanced diagnostic software like Metafer's customization package, focusing on its clinical validation.
2024-04
LabRoots
Metafer's AI-Powered Blood Cell Detection: A Game Changer for Research Labs
Research laboratories are adopting Metafer's AI-powered customization package for extended blood cell detection, finding it to be a significant advancement for complex research studies requiring precise cellular analysis.
2024-01

Videos

Product demos, reviews, and walkthroughs for Metafer (with Customization Package for Extended Blood Cell Detection).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Metafer with the Customization Package is an automated microscopy system designed for advanced blood cell detection, offering enhanced capabilities beyond standard differentials. It integrates by digitizing and analyzing blood smears, flagging abnormal cells for pathologist review, and can be adapted to various staining protocols and existing LIS systems for seamless data flow.
The system adheres to regulatory standards through its validated algorithms for cell classification and its comprehensive audit trail capabilities. The customization package allows for specific adjustments to meet unique lab accreditation requirements and ensures consistent, reproducible results for diagnostic reporting.
Alternatives typically include other automated digital morphology systems or traditional manual microscopy. Metafer's key differentiators lie in its advanced customization for specific cell types, high throughput, and the ability to reduce inter-observer variability, leading to more standardized and efficient diagnostics.
The pricing structure for Metafer with the Customization Package typically involves an initial capital investment for the system and software, followed by recurring costs for maintenance, software updates, and potentially per-test licensing depending on the specific configuration. Detailed pricing and service agreements are usually tailored to individual lab needs and volume.
While highly advanced, limitations can include the system's ability to definitively classify extremely rare or novel cell types without pathologist oversight, or potential challenges with highly degraded or poorly prepared samples. The customization package aims to mitigate some of these by allowing for fine-tuning to specific morphological nuances.
The customization package allows for the training and fine-tuning of the system's algorithms to recognize and classify specific, less common, or atypical blood cell populations pertinent to your patient demographic. This can involve creating custom cell classes or adjusting sensitivity for particular morphological features, improving diagnostic yield for specialized cases.
Comprehensive training is typically provided for lab personnel on system operation, image analysis, and effective utilization of the customization features. Ongoing support includes technical assistance, software updates, and access to specialists for troubleshooting and further optimization of the system's performance.

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Suggest an Edit → | Last Verified: 2026-06-11 | First Added: 2026-06-11
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