An apparatus for analyzing a sample of biologic fluid quiescently residing within
a chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a light source, a positioner, a mechanism
for determining the volume of a sample field, and an image dissector. The light
source is operable to illuminate a sample field of known, or ascertainable, area.
The positioner is operable to selectively change the position of one of the chamber
or the light source relative to the other, thereby permitting selective illumination
of all regions of the sample. The mechanism for determining the volume of a sample,
field can determine the volume of a sample field illuminated by the light source.
The image dissector is operable to convert an image of light passing through or
emanating from the sample field into an electronic data format.