5. Measure mounted thickness

Overview

The estimates for Spaceballs use the measured post-processing thickness of the tissue. The results will vary depending on the measuring method you use.

We recommend that you measure the tissue thickness at every sampling site for the most accurate estimates.

Procedure

Preferred method

Select Measure the mounted thickness while counting.
Set the Evaluation Interval to 1.

For some studies, researchers may choose to measure the section thickness at every 3rd sampling site (i.e., Evaluation Interval=3) to save time. It is acceptable if the thickness of the sections is uniform.

Refocus to top of section at each grid site: Recommended when the tissue is wavy.

Choose your method(s) for measuring

Method(s)	How to use
	To take measurements in this step (i.e., before counting): Click Start Taking Measurements. Using the joystick, focus on the top of a section and focus; click Set Top of Section. Focus on the bottom of the section and click Set Bottom of Section. Click Add Measurement to List. Repeat 2-4 (5 to 10 measures should give you a representative measurement). Use Revisit Measurement to check and measure again, or Delete Measurement if you've made a mistake. Click Stop Taking Measurements when finished. The Evaluation Interval is set to "1" by default. If thickness is uniform across sections, increasing the evaluation interval will save some time, but we still recommend measuring the thickness at every site to increase the accuracy of the estimates. Used to calculate Estimated population using mean section thickness, Estimated population using mean section thickness(only using sites with counts), Estimated population using number weighted section thickness (see Spaceballs step 10: View the results).
	The Evaluation Interval is set to 1 by default. If thickness is uniform across sections, you can increase the Evaluation Interval to be more efficient, but we still recommend measuring the thickness at every site to increase the accuracy of the estimates. Used to calculate Estimated population using mean section thickness, Estimated population using mean section thickness(only using sites with counts), Estimated population using number weighted section thickness (see Spaceballs step 10: View the results).
	When you already know the average mounted thickness and when the thickness is uniform. This method saves time while counting, but can result in inaccurate estimates, especially if your tissue is somewhat wavy. Used to calculate Estimated population using user-defined section thickness (see Spaceballs step 10: View the results).