The Effect of Slide and Frequency Observation Numbers on the Precision of Microhistological Analysis

Abstract

The number of slides and frequency observations per slide required for microhistological analysis was determined. Slides should be prepared so that at least 20 frequency observations are recorded per slide. When five slides were prepared per sample, reasonable estimations were obtained for species comprising 20% or more of the diet. Minor and trace species in the diet were poorly estimated indicating a large number of slides are needed for adequate precision.