A method for examining and processing a microscopic sample arranged on a slide includes producing reference markings on the slide by a laser beam of a laser microdissection system. A digital image of the sample and the reference markings on the slide is produced by a digital optical imaging device. An image region is defined and first position information data which indicate a position of the image region is generated. The reference markings are identified in the image and second position information data which indicate a position of the reference markings in the image is generated. The reference markings are identified, and third position information data which indicate the position of the reference markings in the laser microdissection system is generated. The first, second and third position information data are correlated and a sample region which corresponds to the image region is processed.