The present invention provides a method for using infrared light either alone or in conjunction with visible light to create an improved system for cytologic examination. As stated above, infrared light is sensitive to molecular and biochemical changes and can thus be used to identify specific chemical species or substances. This characteristic can be used to identify areas on a slide most likely to contain an abnormality, and can further provide information to overlay on an image of the slide to enhance the visual contrast for the human screener. This process of image enhancement via the use of multivariate spectroscopy can be used to dramatically enhance the information content provided to the medical professional.