Sherman - Histopathology

Frozen sections

A procedure where a biopsy is taken, frozen and diagnosed by a pathologist within a short period of time

Frozen section is done on the account that the patient is currently undergoing an operation, and had a biopsy which requires immediate attention.
The entire procedures goes to such an extent that time is of an essence, a simple reason being that whiles all these are being done, the patient is still sedated.
A guideline for such procedures to be done is within 10mins per sample


The entire procedure in the laboratory goes as follows;

1. Retrieval of sample
The medical technologist will proceed to the operating theatre and collect the biopsy. The name, time of collection and sample type must be confirmed upon collection.
This entire procedure should take the most 10mins only. Be aware to have a hand free of gloves due to operation of the elevators

2. Transport of sample back to laboratory and processing
Clock in the time received and inform the pathologist which is involved with the case given. Ensure that the workbench is ready for the pathologist to trim the specimen

3. Scribing of information
As the pathologist trims, it is essential that all information that the pathologist disclose upon gross examination of the sample is recorded.

4. Preparation of the chuck for frozen section
Prepare the chuck with O.C.T compound (a compound which gives the freezing effect). The tissue is mounted into the compound and brought to the Tissue Tek (a microtome used for frozen section).

5. Sectioning of the tissue
The tissue is sectioned within the enclosed space of the Tissue Tek. The microtome operates similarly to a conventional microtome, only is done within the cold environment, otherwise the tissue will be damaged. All equipment (brushes etc) are to be kept in the cold environment too. A difference in temperature in the equipment can cause the tissue samples to stick onto it due to the thermal gradient, thus destroying the tissue. The tissue is mounted onto a slide and subjected to rapid stain




6. Rapid stain
- Formalin (after that rinse for 1min in running water)
- Hematoxylin for 1min (rinse the hematoxylin away in running water)
- Lithium carbonate
- Absolute alcohol
- Absolute alcohol
- Xylene
- Xylene

7. Mount in DPX
8. Present slide to pathologist for observation under microscope.
Clock in the time too when the pathologist has finished with the necessary diagnosis.