Question

A specimen obtained for frozen section is generally removed from the sterile field intraoperatively because it

A) Requires special handling by the pathologist
B) Is sent to a different laboratory
C) Needs to be preserved for future analysis
D) Could thaw and degrade if left in the field

Answer 1

A frozen section requires special handling by the pathologist to prevent thawing and degradation, ensuring the tissue's cellular architecture is preserved for accurate diagnosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

A specimen obtained for a frozen section is generally removed from the sterile field intraoperatively because it Requires special handling by the pathologist. This special handling is necessary due to the delicate nature of the specimen, which must be preserved appropriately to prevent degradation. Once removed from the patient, the tissue is rapidly frozen to preserve cellular architecture and prevent enzymatic degradation. The frozen specimen is then sent to a pathologist who will conduct an immediate examination to provide a rapid diagnosis, often while the patient is still under anesthesia.

If left in the surgical field, the specimen could thaw and degrade, compromising the diagnostic integrity of the tissue. The freezing process is a critical step in frozen section analysis, and it is carried out in a way to avoid formation of ice crystals that can disrupt the tissue structure. Proper handling and rapid processing are key to obtaining accurate results from a frozen section procedure.