Abstract: An automated screening method for detecting abnormalities in a sample. The method includes steps of staining a sample with a histologic or cytologic stain for transmission light microscopy to provide a stained sample; exposing the stained sample to a plurality of differentially-labeled biomarkers, wherein each of the biomarkers is labeled with a distinct transmission stain or fluorescence probe; at a first location, generating at least one multi-spectral image of the stained sample using signals obtained from the plurality of differentially-labeled biomarkers and the histologic or cytologic stain; and automatically determining whether the first location requires further pathologist review or interpretation.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a platform for placement of a sample or an animal to be imaged, and at least one excitation light source for irradiating the sample or animal to stimulate an emission at a plurality of different center wavelengths. An acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) is provided that includes a piezoelectric transducer crystal for emitting an acoustic wave having a ground electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric crystal. A patterned electrode layer is disposed on a side of the piezoelectric crystal opposite the ground electrode. The patterned electrode layer includes a continuous region proximate to its center and a discontinuous region, a pattern in the discontinuous region comprising a plurality of spaced apart features electrically connected to the continuous region, and an AO interaction crystal receiving the acoustic wave attached to the ground electrode or the patterned electrode layer.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a platform for placement of a sample or an animal to be imaged, and at least one excitation light source for irradiating the sample or animal to stimulate an emission at a plurality of different center wavelengths. An acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) is provided that includes a piezoelectric transducer crystal for emitting an acoustic wave having a ground electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric crystal. A patterned electrode layer is disposed on a side of the piezoelectric crystal opposite the ground electrode. The patterned electrode layer includes a continuous region proximate to its center and a discontinuous region, a pattern in the discontinuous region comprising a plurality of spaced apart features electrically connected to the continuous region, and an AO interaction crystal receiving the acoustic wave attached to the ground electrode or the patterned electrode layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for image elastic scattering spectroscopy is disclosed that is comprised of a light source for generating polarized light. Means are provided to convey the polarized light to a target. A collector receives light reflected from the target. A detector is responsive to the collector for generating images at both parallel and perpendicular polarizations for each of a plurality of wavelengths. A range finder detects a distance to the target. Control electronics control the image generation and the range finder. The apparatus may be configured to image areas on the surface of the body or configured so as to be inserted into various body cavities. Typically, the apparatus will be used in conjunction with an analyzer for analyzing the images for evidence of abnormal cells. Methods of gathering data and of screening for abnormal cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of preparing a cervical sample for medical examination in which a papanicolaou stained sample is additionally stained with a label targeted to one or more high risk cancer markers to allow for optical detection of the human papilloma virus. That optical detection can be combined with morphometric detection of abnormal cells, which may be improved by multispectral imaging using an acousto-optic tunable filter. Several variations of screening methods and an apparatus for performing the methods are disclosed.