Abstract: Platelets or blood cells are detected in a fluid sample by adjusting a focal depth of a microscope through a range of values, the microscope having a mounted sample and an objective lens adapted with one or both of (a) a spherical aberration correction unmatched to a utilized cover plate for the sample, or (2) a numerical aperture unmatched to a utilized illumination source for the sample. Images are recorded at different specific focal depths and in multiple z planes of a fluid bearing the platelets, where the position of platelets may overlap on different of the multiple z planes that are recorded, the images recorded through the cover plate, thus causing the generation of a specific light-dark pattern indicative of platelets at particular positions and at multiple depths in the fluid media. The images are analyzed for the specific light-dark pattern.

Abstract: A laser diagnostic system includes multiple lasers providing incident light on a sample, the light modulated and cooperatively phased to stimulate red emissions from the sample; and a detector coupled to a spectrum analyzer, to detect both the incident light and the red emissions from the sample, and to provide a signal indicating detection of a pathology in the sample.

Abstract: A method to measure glucose within the blood of a tissue test area includes illuminating the tissue test area using a single mode light source at a point of incidence, with at least some of the light penetrating tissue at the point of incidence; calibrating the light source by adjusting a distance between the point of incidence and an axicon lens; collecting returning radiation from the tissue test area at a point offset from the point of incidence; removing tissue fluorescence using edge filters; removing additional tissue fluorescence by shifting the excitation wavelength of the single mode light source; heating the test area; and analyzing a returned Raman signal to determine the glucose within the blood.

Abstract: A force sensor and corresponding force monitoring mattress is provided. The force sensor (100) comprises: a first surface (102) and a second surface (104) located opposite the first surface (102), the first surface (102) is translatable against a resilient force in a direction towards and/or from the second surface (104); a distance sensor (110), arranged to measure the distance between the first surface (102) and the second surface (104). The force sensor comprises a flexible coupling (108) extending along the direction, flexibly coupling the first surface (102) to the second surface (104). The flexible coupling (108) is provided with a resilient means (106) to provide the resilient force.