Microarray image analysis and gene expression ratio statistics

4. Conclusions: Various image analysis issues have been addressed: target segmentation, background detection, target detection, and intensity measurement. Since microarray technology is still under development and image quality varies considerably, a robust and precise image analysis algorithm that reduces background interference and extracts precise signal intensity and expression ratios for each gene is critical to the success of further statistical analysis. The overall methodology discussed in this chapter has been developed and enhanced through five years of experience working with cDNA microarray images. It continues to be expanded and revised as new issues arise.