Abstract: A detection system suitable for detecting pathogens present in a sample is presented. The detection system includes: a microfluidic channel configured to receive a sample solution containing a target biochemical component and configured to support a flow of the sample solution; an imaging lens; an excitation light source configured to emit an excitation light into a focal volume of the imaging lens; and a detector. The microfluidic channel comprises an observation section where the flow is aligned with respect to a central axis of the imaging lens such that the focal volume is within the observation section and the target biochemical component moves through a focal plane of the imaging lens during a movement along the observation section. The detector is configured to detect a light signal emitted by the target biochemical component on excitation with the excitation light.