A method for optically examining a birefringent specimen,
the method comprising the steps of collecting a specimen
using a substantially non-birefringent polymer film having an
adhesive surface, such that the specimen is attached to the
adhesive surface; and examining, between crossed polars, the
specimen attached to the said film. Also provided is a sub
stantially non-birefringent laminate film comprising: a first
birefringent polymer layer and a second birefringent polymer
layer, the first and second layers being mutually oriented such
that the birefringent properties of the two layers cancel each
other out; and an adhesive surface; wherein the adhesive
surface is an outer surface of the film, and/or is an exposable
surface between the first and second layers. A method of
manufacturing such a film is also provided
