Imaging system and associated method for detection of protein contamination

An imaging system for detection of protein contamination on a specimen that has been treated with a fluorescing stain, wherein fluorophors in the stain are capable of emitting light of an emitted type when both excited by light of an excitation type and in contact with a protein, the system comprising:

• a chamber for receiving the specimen;
• a first light source adapted to illuminate the specimen with light of the excitation type when, in use, the specimen is received in the chamber;
• a first image capture device adapted to capture a first image, of patterns of fluorescence emitted by the fluorophors in the stain on the specimen, corresponding to protein contamination, when illuminated by the first light source;
• a second light source adapted to illuminate the specimen with visible light when, in use, the specimen is received in the chamber;
• a second image capture device adapted to capture a second image, of the specimen, when illuminated by the second light source,
• masking means for rejecting all signals emanating from an area of the first image outside of the specimen, as captured in the second image;
• and
• means for indicating, dependent on said first and second image captures and on said masking means, whether the specimen is contaminated with protein.