Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including placing a sample into a sample carrier that comprises a plurality of regions having upper and lower surfaces, having respective heights that are different from each other, and being configured such that cells form a monolayer, the monolayer within respective regions of the sample carrier having respective, different densities from each other, due to the respective regions of the sample carrier having respective heights that are different from each other. Microscopic images are acquired of each of the plurality of regions. Measurements are performed upon cell types that have a relatively high density upon microscopic images of a region of the sample chamber having a relatively low height, and measurements are performed upon cell types that have a relatively low density upon microscopic images of a region of the sample chamber having a relatively great height. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Samples, systems for collecting samples, and methods of preserving samples from menstrual fluid are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a microscopy unit that comprises an objective lens and a microscope camera. A cantilever includes an objective lens housing. A motor moves the cantilever along a direction of the optical axis of the objective lens. The cantilever is configured, during the movement of the cantilever, to support the objective lens within the objective lens housing such that an optical axis of the objective lens is aligned with the camera, without the objective lens being directly connected to the camera. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for determining a property of a biological sample. A sample carrier (22) includes one or more sample chambers (40) that define at least a first region (42) and a second region (44), the height of the one or more sample chambers varying between the first and second regions in a predefined manner. A computer processor (28) receives data relating to a first optical measurement that is performed upon a portion of the sample that is disposed within the first region, receives data relating to a second optical measurement that is performed upon a portion of the sample that is disposed within the second region, and determines the property of the sample by using a relationship between the first optical measurement, the second optical measurement, and the predefined variation in height between the regions. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including placing a sample into a sample carrier that comprises a plurality of regions having upper and lower surfaces, having respective heights that are different from each other, and being configured such that cells form a monolayer, the monolayer within respective regions of the sample carrier having respective, different densities from each other, due to the respective regions of the sample carrier having respective heights that are different from each other. Microscopic images are acquired of each of the plurality of regions. Measurements are performed upon cell types that have a relatively high density upon microscopic images of a region of the sample chamber having a relatively low height, and measurements are performed upon cell types that have a relatively low density upon microscopic images of a region of the sample chamber having a relatively great height. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for determining a property of a biological sample. A sample carrier includes a glass substrate configured to define a first surface of a sample chamber that is configured to receive the sample, and a plastic substrate configured to define a second surface of the sample chamber. The height of the sample chamber at each location within the sample chamber is defined by a gap between the first surface and the second surface. An adhesive adheres the glass substrate to the plastic substrate. The plastic substrate is shaped such that the sample chamber defines a first region and a second region, with the sample chamber defining a predefined variation in height between the first region and the second region. Other applications are also described.