HT Frozen Sections & Cryostat Techniques

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a cryostat in histology?

Accepted Answer

To section frozen tissue at controlled low temperatures

Answer

A cryostat is a refrigerated microtome that sections frozen tissue at controlled low temperatures, preserving labile enzymes and lipids that would be destroyed by standard processing.

Question 2

What temperature range is typically maintained inside a cryostat cabinet for routine soft tissue sectioning?

Accepted Answer

-15°C to -25°C

Answer

Cryostat cabinets are typically maintained between -15°C and -25°C, which is optimal for sectioning most soft tissues without causing them to shatter.

Question 3

Which embedding medium is most commonly used to support tissue for frozen sections in a cryostat?

Accepted Answer

Optimal Cutting Temperature (OCT) compound

Answer

OCT (Optimal Cutting Temperature) compound is the standard embedding medium for cryostat sectioning because it supports the tissue block without interfering with most staining procedures.

Question 4

What is the primary advantage of frozen sections over routine paraffin-embedded sections?

Accepted Answer

Rapid preparation time enabling intraoperative diagnosis

Answer

The primary advantage of frozen sections is rapid turnaround (15–20 minutes), allowing surgeons to receive an intraoperative diagnosis without significantly prolonging the procedure.

Question 5

Which type of tissue component is BEST demonstrated using frozen sections rather than paraffin-embedded sections?

Accepted Answer

Lipids and neutral fats

Answer

Lipids are dissolved by the organic solvents used during paraffin processing, so frozen sections must be used to demonstrate lipid droplets and neutral fats in tissue.

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

HT Frozen Sections & Cryostat Techniques