Abstract: The invention is a method for identifying markers associated with the presence of a predetermined characteristic comprising accumulating spectral data from a sample known to have a predetermined characteristic, identifying a spectral feature which is indicative of the predetermined characteristic, and identifying a marker associated with the spectral feature.

Abstract: A process for detecting HIV infection, Hepatitis A, B and C, and other similar infections in a plasma sample, wherein the process involves the use of an excitation laser source to irradiate upon the plasma sample an excitation laser beam to obtain a fluorescence emission spectrum of the plasma sample. The invention uses an excitation laser wavelength of about 355 nanometers. Detection of the fluorescence is made in the wavelength range from about 380 to 600 nanometers. The resulting spectrum of the sample is compared with the spectrum of a control which is free from infection. Analysis of the parameters of the emission spectra including, but not limited to, peak intensity wavelength, amplitude at the peak intensity, area ratio of left and right portions of the emission spectra, and shifts of the peak intensity wavelength, allows determination of HIV infection, Hepatitis A, B and C, and other similar infection in the plasma.

Abstract: A quantitative process for monitoring female fertility cycle wherein the process involves directing a laser beam, preferably generated by a diode laser, onto an area of a slide containing an air-dried sample of a female body fluid. The diffraction pattern resulting from the sample is detected by a two-dimensional photo diode array and analyzed by a microprocessor. If a ferning pattern exists, such pattern will generate a characteristic structure in the diffraction pattern which is then detected by the photo diode array. If no ferning occurs, the corresponding diffraction pattern will be structureless. The microprocessor is programmed with an algorithm to produce a quantitative index of ferning indicating quantitatively the ferning level. Preferably, a plurality of spots on the sample are measured to determine the ferning level at each spot, and the microprocessor then makes a final determination as to final ferning level on the basis of the test results of all of the spots.