Question

A surgeon has just completed an incisional biopsy and would like to have an immediate diagnosis. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Send the specimen to pathology in a dry specimen container so that a frozen section can be completed.
B. Send the specimen to pathology in a specimen container containing normal saline so that a frozen section can be completed.
C. Send the specimen to pathology in a dry specimen container so that a permanent section can be completed.
D. Send the specimen to pathology in a specimen container containing normal saline so that a permanent section can be completed.

Answer 1

The correct next step for a surgeon who needs an immediate diagnosis after an incisional biopsy is to send the specimen to pathology in a dry container for a frozen section, which is option A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate next step after a surgeon has completed an incisional biopsy and requires an immediate diagnosis is to send the specimen to pathology in a dry specimen container so that a frozen section can be completed. Thus, the correct answer is A. The frozen section procedure involves quick freezing of the tissue biopsy, then thin sections are made with a microtome, and finally, they are stained for rapid microscopic examination. This technique provides a quick diagnostic opinion during surgical procedures. In contrast, permanent sections involve processing the tissue with chemicals like formalin, embedding it in wax, sectioning it thinly, and then staining, which takes a longer time and is usually not for immediate results.