Abstract: The present invention provides an adjunct apparatus to conventional ultrasound systems and method for combining ultrasound images that reflect pulse echo ultrasound properties together with optoacoustic properties of tissues and body fluids as a function of spatial location. The present invention in another aspect consists of the addition of a new operating mode to ultrasound imaging systems.

Abstract: A calculi locator is provided having at least one ultrasound transducers in combination with a shock wave generator. The ultrasound transducer is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of a reflector of the shock wave generator. The shock wave generator includes a target focal point. The transducer is used to assure positional coincidence of the true location of the calculi and of the target focal point. Alternatively, either a mathematical correction unit is used or iterative measurements are used to correct for refraction errors in the location of the imaged calculi.

Abstract: A calculi locator is provided using an ultrasound transducer in combination with shock wave generator. Various means are provided for assuring coincidence of ultrasound obtained images of the calculi, the actual location of the calculi and of the target focal point of the shock wave generator means.

Abstract: Cells in a population labelled with a lipid soluble fluorescent dye and excited with a beam of polarized light can be classified according to the distribution of the state of polarization of fluorescence emitted by a cell. The intensities of fluorescence, polarized in directions parallel and perpendicular to the direction of polarization of the excitation beam, are measured simultaneously to obtain the state of polarization.The state of polarization, so determined, bears a functional relationship to the fluidity of the plasma membrane of the cell and is thus a measure of the cell's function. Consequently, classification of cells in a population by the distribution of the state of polarization of the fluorescence emitted in response to their excitation enables different types of cells to be distinguished according to biological function. For example, white blood cells can be differentially analyzed using the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Perinatal lung maturity is evaluated by determining the fluorescence polarization of a sample of pulmonary effluent containing pulmonary surfactant labeled with a fluorescent dye. The sample is excited with polarized radiation for causing the dye to fluoresce. I.sub.81 and I.sub.195, the intensities of fluorescence polarized in directions parallel to, and perpendicular to, the direction of polarization of the excitation radiation, are measured. From these measurements, the fluorescence polarization P, where P = (I.sub..parallel. - I.sub..perp.)/(I.sub..parallel. + I.sub.195), is determined. The value of P, which is functionally related to the microviscosity of the constituents of the surfactant, has been found to decrease with perinatal lung maturity. When the sample is amniotic fluid containing fetal pulmonary effluent, the evaluation of lung maturity can be carried out antepartum. Postpartum evaluation can be carried out by sampling neonatal tracheal or pharyngeal aspirates.