Abstract: A computer-based system and method is disclosed which constructs medical histories by direct interactions between the patient and system that acquires pertinent and relevant medical information covering the complete life of a given patient. The system and method insure that a complete life long medical history is acquired from every patient interacting with the health care system. Once acquired, the facts of the patient's life long and family medical history are analyzed automatically by databases to generate a set of the most reasonable diagnostic possibilities (the differential diagnosis) for each medical problem identified and for each risk factor for disease that is uncovered in the historical database.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method is disclosed which constructs medical histories by direct interactions between the patient and system that acquires pertinent and relevant medical information covering the complete life of a given patient. The system and method insure that a complete life long medical history is acquired from every patient interacting with the health care system. Once acquired, the facts of the patient's life long and family medical history are analyzed automatically by databases to generate a set of the most reasonable diagnostic possibilities (the differential diagnosis) for each medical problem identified and for each risk factor for disease that is uncovered in the historical database.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method is disclosed which constructs medical histories by direct interactions between the patient and system that acquires pertinent and relevant medical information covering the complete life of a given patient. The system and method insure that a complete life long medical history is acquired from every patient interacting with the health care system. Once acquired, the facts of the patient's life long and family medical history are analyzed automatically by databases to generate a set of the most reasonable diagnostic possibilities (the differential diagnosis) for each medical problem identified and for each risk factor for disease that is uncovered in the historical database.

Abstract: A system and method is described for permitting the simultaneous automated collection of data with regard to the presence of diseased cells, in particular neo-plastic, dysplastic or cancerous cells, or normal cells at a given site in a section of tissue. This is accomplished according to the following steps. First, IR spectral data are collected simultaneously for each cell or pixel of the tissue. Next, these data are analyzed by identifying the cell types encountered in the sample by comparing them with reference data sets for healthy and diseased cells. Finally, a false color mapping of the distribution of different types of cells in the tissue section is presented that permits assessment of the prevalence of diseased cells.

Abstract: A biological cell sample holder for use in vibrational spectroscopy. The sample holder includes a rectangular body that has a central relief area and an opening through the relief area. A porous membrane is disposed in the opening and a metal coated disk is disposed on top of the porous membrane. The disk has pores of a predetermined size to allow fluid to pass through the disk but retain cells of interest on the disk.

Abstract: A biological cell sample holder for use in infrared and/or Raman spectroscopy. The sample holder includes a rectangular body that has a stepped opening through the center. The body is transparent to infrared and Raman energy. A window is disposed in the stepped opening. The window has pores of a predetermined size to allow fluid to pass through the window but retain cells of interest on the window. There also is an assembly that is used to cause the collection and concentration of cells on the window. The assembly includes a flask with a first outlet that connects to a vacuum source and a second outlet that connects to a drain system. The flask has a open top end. A frit sealingly engages the top end of the flask. The frit is hollow and has a nipple extending from the top surface of the frit. The fruit has a top surface that is adapted to fit the sample holder.

Abstract: A machine-based method for collecting and interpreting quantitative data on cells and tissues so that a diagnosis will obtain as to the existence or non-existence of disease in an human. Vibrational spectroscopy is used and the spectra generated by such spectroscopy are compared with stored spectra to provide whether cells or tissues are diseased, and if diseased to what degree. It, therefore, is possible to provide a basis for immediate diagnostic decisions for patients and physicians, leading in turn to immediate implementation of next-step procedures and treatment all in one visit to the doctor's office. This means that patients and the examining clinician can know almost instantly whether or not the cells or tissue examined are normal or diseased, and the level of disease present if found.