PROCESS AND APPARATUS COMPRISING EPISCOPOC DIFFERENTIAL CONTRAST (EDIC) MICROSCOPY PLUS EPIFLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY (EF) FOR THE DETECTION OR IDENTIFICATION OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS ON SURFACES

摘要

The present invention relates to a microscopy system for rapid and sensitive detection and Identification of biological material on surfaces by implementing episcopic differential contrast (EDIC) microscopy plus epifluorescence (EF) microscopy wherein the microscope incorporates a DIC prism in the nosepiece and long distance objectives so that the materials can be visualised without requirement for a coverslip or oil or water immersion. The system is particularly useful for the detection and identification of infectious diseases.