BACKGROUND: Various methods are currently in use for preparing histological slides for micrographic surgery. OBJECTIVE: Because many variables contribute to the quality preparation of frozen sections, a review of techniques available is useful to the Mohs surgeon. TECHNICAL METHODS AND RESULTS: Our techniques as well as the published work of others regarding mounting, embedding, freezing, slides, fixation, staining, and clearing are reviewed in detail. By the use of the options selected we were able to produce, in a short turn-around time, frozen sections with excellent quality and minimal artifact. CONCLUSION: Presently all preparation techniques may introduce some degree of artifact. However, we feel the process described herein is adaptable to all Mohs surgery laboratories and will result in high quality specimens with minimal artifact.
BACKGROUND: Various methods are currently in use for preparing histological slides for micrographic surgery. OBJECTIVE: Because many variables contribute to the quality preparation of frozen sections, a review of techniques available is useful to the Mohs surgeon. TECHNICAL METHODS AND RESULTS: Our techniques as well as the published work of others regarding mounting, embedding, freezing, slides, fixation, staining, and clearing are reviewed in detail. By the use of the options selected we were able to produce, in a short turn-around time, frozen sections with excellent quality and minimal artifact. CONCLUSION: Presently all preparation techniques may introduce some degree of artifact. However, we feel the process described herein is adaptable to all Mohs surgery laboratories and will result in high quality specimens with minimal artifact.