Frozen Sections & Cryostat Techniques Flashcards

What is the primary function of the anti-roll plate in cryostat sectioning?

Answer: To prevent the frozen section from curling as it is cut

The anti-roll plate is a flat, cooled plate positioned close to the knife edge that prevents frozen sections from curling and rolling back as they are cut from the block.

Frozen sections are particularly valuable for demonstrating which type of cellular components that are lost during routine paraffin processing?

Answer: Lipid droplets and labile enzymes

Lipid droplets (dissolved by organic solvents) and labile enzymes (inactivated by heat and chemicals) are best preserved using frozen section techniques that bypass standard paraffin processing.

What is the most common artifact observed in frozen sections that degrades morphological detail?

Answer: Ice crystal artifact

Ice crystal artifact, caused by intracellular and extracellular ice formation during freezing, is the most common artifact in frozen sections and distorts cellular morphology.

Which fixative is specifically recommended for tissue intended to demonstrate lipids in frozen sections?

Answer: Calcium-formalin (Baker's fixative)

Calcium-formalin (Baker's fixative) is recommended for lipid preservation because the calcium ions stabilize phospholipids without the fat-dissolving solvents present in other fixatives.

What does the term 'chuck' refer to in cryostat sectioning?

Answer: The metal specimen holder onto which tissue is mounted

The chuck (specimen disc or holder) is the metal mount onto which the frozen tissue block is attached and secured for sectioning inside the cryostat.

Frozen sections are most commonly preferred over paraffin sections for which specific intraoperative evaluation?

Answer: Determination of surgical margin status

Frozen sections are preferred for intraoperative margin assessment because rapid results allow the surgeon to resect additional tissue immediately if margins contain tumor.

What is the primary disadvantage of frozen sections compared to routine paraffin-embedded sections?

Answer: Frozen sections have inferior morphological detail due to ice crystal artifact

The primary disadvantage of frozen sections is inferior morphological detail compared to paraffin sections, mainly due to ice crystal artifact and the inability to cut as thinly.