An apparatus (1) for identifying slides (2) and/or cassettes (3) for specimens of biologic material, in which the slides and/or cassettes are inserted in and supported by a supporting container (10), is described together with at least one reading device (60) to read identification codes (40) of the slides (2) or cassettes (3), the reading device having an operational reading field (F). The identifying device (1) further comprises at least one shifting device (70) to shift at least one slide into the operational reading field (60) and at least one deflecting element (50) to deflect the operational field of the reading device. The identifying apparatus (1) is configured either to perform a first mode for reading slides through the shifting device (70) to shift at least one slide or to perform a second mode for reading the cassettes through the deflecting element (50) to deflect the operational field of said reading device (60). A method for identifying slides and/or cassettes is further described.
