Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a sample containing potential cells of interest and of using a laser of a laser based system for novel excitation and emission collection, and data usage including use of obtained data for direct and ratio based measurements. The prepared sample is configured to emit signals having spectral characteristics sufficient to permit filtering to differentiate and eliminate most false positives from true positives among acquired imaging events, in an imaging system employing a laser spot having a range of diameters from 1 to 20 ?m or greater and which excites the fluorescence in a conventional or novel manner. These filtered events may be subsequently imaged and confirmed with another higher resolution device such as a fluorescent microscope in a short amount of time.