Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for storing and transferring patient information related to biological sample testing using biological sample cards and short range communications. In certain embodiments, the disclosed technology provides for the localized data transfer with biological sample cards equipped with a transmission and storage device that is capable of storing data such as patient information so that errors associated with manually entering handwritten patient information are reduced. The transmission and storage device may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag/chip such as a near field communication (NFC) tag/chip.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for focus detection in an optical measuring apparatus. The invention is applicable to focus detection for measuring biological or chemical samples or for compiling an image. The position of a focus for an objective lens in a microscope can be measured more precisely than before. Another aim is to decrease scatter-inflicted interferences in the focusing of samples with a microscope and to reduce reflected light which disturbs focus detection. The aims are accomplished with an inventive solution, in which light reflecting from a measured object is occluded with a mask, positioned essentially in an image plane, and in which, at a suitable distance downstream of the mask, is a detector detecting the space distribution of light. According to a second aspect of the invention, the aims are achieved by a method and arrangement, wherein disturbing reflected light is eliminated by utilizing the polarization of light.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for focus detection in an optical measuring apparatus. The invention is applicable to focus detection for measuring biological or chemical samples or for compiling an image. The position of a focus for an objective lens in a microscope can be measured more precisely than before. Another aim is to decrease scatter-inflicted interferences in the focusing of samples with a microscope and to reduce reflected light which disturbs focus detection. The aims are accomplished with an inventive solution, in which light reflecting from a measured object is occluded with a mask, positioned essentially in an image plane, and in which, at a suitable distance downstream of the mask, is a detector detecting the space distribution of light. According to a second aspect of the invention, the aims are achieved by a method and arrangement, wherein disturbing reflected light is eliminated by utilizing the polarization of light.