A method of imaging a histological sample is provided which comprises stimulating
autofluorescence in a sample using electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 750
nm. Detection of the autofluorescence is undertaken by a CCD camera, typically
with an excitation filter of 510 nm disposed between the camera and the sample.
The weak signal from autofluorescence is reinforced by manipulation of data acquired
by the camera. Autofluorescence is detected from an upper face of the sample, an
upper layer of the sample removed and a next face of the sample imaged. These steps
are repeated to obtain information on autofluorescence throughout the sample. The
method enables detection of features for virtually any thickness of slice, and
in particular slices can range from 50 m to 1 m, with the method
generally being used to analyse slices of thickness 5-1 m. There is also
provided a method of preparing a histological sample for use in the above method,
and apparatus (10) for imaging autofluorescence in histological samples.