Abstract: Methods and apparatus initiate a procedure performed by a probe on tissue. A signal is obtained from the probe, the signal varying with changes in a proximity of the probe to the tissue. The obtained signal is analyzed by a controller to determine whether the probe is within a predetermined distance of the tissue. The controller initiates the procedure when it is determined that the probe is within the predetermined distance of the tissue. The obtaining and analyzing may be repeated until the probe is determined to be within the predetermined distance of the tissue. The analyzing may include comparing the obtained signal to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to screening test for tumors or lesions using what is referred to as “Early Increase in microvascular Blood Supply” (EIBS) that exists in tissues that are close to, but are not themselves, the abnormal tissue and in tissues that precede the development of such lesions or tumors. While the abnormal tissue can be a lesion or tumor, the abnormal tissue can also be tissue that precedes formation of a lesion or tumor, such as a precancerous adenoma, aberrant crypt foci, tissues that precede the development of dysplastic lesions that themselves do not yet exhibit dysplastic phenotype, and tissues in the vicinity of these lesions or pre-dysplastic tissues.