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US 6,271,036 B1Granted
Method for evaluating cytopathology specimens
AssigneeUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
InventorsCharles W. Hewitt, Rajen Ramsamooj, Edward John Doolin
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Abstract
Cytopathology specimens such as cervical Pap smears, are evaluated using oblique illumination of the specimens (preferably by multiple beams) rather than the axial illumination of standard compound microscopes. The result is improved visualization of the specimens, increased light penetration through the specimens, increased depth of field and enhanced contrast and resolution.
Claims9
A method of evaluating a specimen comprising the steps of:
- providing a thick cytopathology specimen;
- staining said specimen;
- disposing said stained thick specimen in an optical system;
- obliquely illuminating said thick specimen by one or more light beams to obtain three-dimensional images in order to resolve overlapping structures;
- and
- analyzing the three-dimensional images to assess cellular detail within said thick specimen and identify abnormal cells.
3 more elements
A method of evaluating a cytopathology specimen from a Pap smear comprising the steps of:
- providing said cytopathology specimen from a Pap smear consisting of at least one cluster of cells;
- staining said specimen;
- disposing said stained specimen in an optical system;
- obliquely illuminating said specimen by one or more light beams to obtain three-dimensional images in order to resolve overlapping structures;
- and
- analyzing the three-dimensional images to assess cellular detail within said specimen and identify abnormal cells.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.