Step | Points to consider |
---|---|
1. Planning your stereological study | Pilot study Target compartment Stereological parameters Sampling and analysis design |
2. Preparation of lung tissue | Route of fixation Composition of fixative Post-fixation and processing Dehydration and embedding |
3. Definition and measurement of the reference space | Fixed lung volume: - Archimedes principle - Cavalieri estimator |
4. Sampling | Randomization of location: - Systematic uniform random sampling - Cascade sampling - Stratified sampling - Fractionator sampling Randomization of spatial orientation - Isotropic uniform random sections - Vertical sections |
5. Doing the measurements | Dimension of stereological parameter of interest Dimension of geometric probe (test system) Disector for number estimation |
6. How many counts are enough? | Accuracy Precision Coefficient of error |
7. Reporting your methods and results | Total values Ratios and inverse of ratios Scatter plots Standard deviation |