Abstract: A method to correct the intensities of an absorption image for light scattered within foreground tissue. Specifically the amount of light scattered between the focal plane of the probe and the tissue surface is estimated from the image. This scattered light contribution is then subtracted from the original image.

Abstract: A disposable protective cap and method for covering a probe in a spectral imaging apparatus are provided. The cap protects the probe from direct contact with a subject's tissues. The cap is hollow and elongated to cover the probe, having an open end and a closed end. At the closed end is an optically transparent face. This permits light to be transmitted from the probe through the closed end of the cap with minimal optical distortion. At the open end of the cap are components which interact with the probe to assure that the cap is not used more than one time. These components can use electrical interaction to assure only a single disposable use of the cap. Mechanically interacting components can also be used, either alone or in combination with electrically interacting components to assure only a single use of the cap.