diff --git a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/smart_scan.py b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/smart_scan.py
index e643f18c..f7099c2b 100644
--- a/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/smart_scan.py
+++ b/src/openflexure_microscope_server/things/smart_scan.py
@@ -330,6 +330,7 @@ class SmartScanThing(Thing):
         csm: CSMDep,
         background_detect: BackgroundDep,
         recentre: RecentreStage,
+        sample_check
     ):
         """Move the stage to cover an area, taking images that can be tiled together.
 
@@ -345,16 +346,23 @@ class SmartScanThing(Thing):
 
         # Before anything else, check that we've got a background set
         # It's annoying to have to wait to find out!
+        max_dist = self.max_range
 
-        d = background_detect.background_distributions
-        if not d:
-            raise RuntimeError("Background is not set: you need to calibrate background detection.")
-
+        if sample_check:
+            d = background_detect.background_distributions
+            if not d:
+                raise RuntimeError("Background is not set: you need to calibrate background detection.")
+        else:
+            logger.warning(
+                "This scan will run in a spiral from the starting point "
+                f"until you cancel it, or until it has moved by {max_dist} steps "
+                "in every direction. Make sure you watch it run to stop it leaving "
+                "the area of interest, or (worse) leading the microscope's range "
+                "of motion."
+                )
         names = []
         positions = []
 
-        max_dist = self.max_range
-
         # Record the starting position so we can move back there afterwards
         starting_position = stage.position
 
@@ -422,11 +430,13 @@ class SmartScanThing(Thing):
                     )
 
                 # Check if the image is background
-                image_is_sample = background_detect.image_is_sample()
+                if sample_check:
+                    image_is_sample = background_detect.image_is_sample()
+                else:
+                    image_is_sample = True
 
                 # if more than 92% of the image is background, treat it as background and continue
                 if not image_is_sample:
-                    category = "background"
                     logger.info(f"Skipping {stage.position} as it is {round(background_detect.background_fraction(),0)}% background.")
                 else:
                     # if not, it's sample. run an autofocus and use the updated height
@@ -443,8 +453,6 @@ class SmartScanThing(Thing):
                         ):
                             path.append(pos)
 
-                    category = "sample"
-
                     attempts = 0
                     while True:
                         recentre.looping_autofocus(dz=self.autofocus_dz)
diff --git a/webapp/src/components/tabContentComponents/slideScanComponents/paneSlideScan.vue b/webapp/src/components/tabContentComponents/slideScanComponents/paneSlideScan.vue
index ccc9a274..14c1eedb 100644
--- a/webapp/src/components/tabContentComponents/slideScanComponents/paneSlideScan.vue
+++ b/webapp/src/components/tabContentComponents/slideScanComponents/paneSlideScan.vue
@@ -35,15 +35,16 @@
         <div class="uk-margin">
           <taskSubmitter
           :submit-url="smartScanUri"
+          :submit-data="{ sample_check: true }"
           submit-label="Start smart scan"
           :can-terminate="true"
           :modal-progress="true"
           />
         </div>
-
         <div class="uk-margin">
           <taskSubmitter
-          :submit-url="standardScanUri"
+          :submit-url="smartScanUri"
+          :submit-data="{ sample_check: false }"
           submit-label="Start manual scan"
           :can-terminate="true"
           :modal-progress="true"
@@ -69,9 +70,6 @@ export default {
     },
     smartScanUri() {
       return this.thingActionUrl("smart_scan", "sample_scan");
-    },
-    standardScanUri() {
-      return this.thingActionUrl("smart_scan", "standard_scan");
     }
   },