HT Frozen Sections & Cryostat Techniques 3

Question 1

What is the standard method for transferring a frozen section from the cryostat stage to a glass slide?

Accepted Answer

Placing a room-temperature slide directly onto the section so it thaws and adheres

Answer

The standard method is to place a room-temperature or slightly warmed slide onto the frozen section; the temperature differential causes the section to thaw and adhere firmly to the glass.

Question 2

What does the abbreviation 'OCT' stand for in the context of cryostat embedding media?

Accepted Answer

Optimal Cutting Temperature

Answer

OCT stands for Optimal Cutting Temperature, and the compound of the same name is a water-soluble glycol and polyvinyl alcohol mixture that supports frozen tissue at its optimal sectioning temperature.

Question 3

For intraoperative consultation, what is the accepted turnaround time from specimen receipt to frozen section diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

15–20 minutes

Answer

The accepted standard for intraoperative frozen section turnaround is 15–20 minutes from specimen receipt to pathologist diagnosis, which is clinically practical without significantly extending operative time.

Question 4

Which fixative would cause LOSS of lipids from tissue intended for frozen section lipid staining and should therefore be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Absolute ethanol

Answer

Absolute ethanol is a lipid solvent and will extract lipids from tissue, making it completely unsuitable for preserving tissue intended for lipid demonstration in frozen sections.

Question 5

What is a common cause of thick, uneven, or 'chattering' frozen sections in the cryostat?

Accepted Answer

A dull or nicked cryostat knife

Answer

A dull or nicked knife is a primary cause of chatter (thick, uneven, ridged sections) in cryostat sectioning because the blade cannot cleanly slice through the frozen tissue block.

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

HT Frozen Sections & Cryostat Techniques 3