Metric Semantics by Workflow

Metrics are only meaningful when they match the way cells were detected.

Cell counting and classification

This workflow uses a shared Cell Detection marker such as DAPI or NeuN.

Valid metrics include:

• Total Cells
• ON Cells
• OFF Cells
• % ON
• Cells/mm2
• ON Cells/mm2

ON means marker-positive cell. OFF means marker-negative cell.

Independent detection

This workflow detects candidates directly on each marker staining.

Valid metrics include:

• marker-positive cells
• analyzed area
• marker-positive cells/mm2

ON means accepted marker-positive cell. OFF means rejected candidate or false positive.

Invalid metrics for independent detection include:

• % ON
• OFF cells as a biological population
• all-cell density

Practical rule

If a project has a shared cell detection source, proportions such as % ON can be meaningful.

If each marker detects its own cells independently, use marker-positive counts and densities instead.