SpeedsPath Glossary of Terms

Frozen Sections

Frozen Sections refer to a rapid diagnostic technique in pathology where tissue specimens are quickly frozen, thinly sliced, stained, and examined under a microscope—typically during surgery—to help surgeons make immediate clinical decisions. In pathology lab management software (LIMS), this process requires specialized workflow support for urgent turnaround, traceability, and real-time reporting.

What Is Frozen Sections?

Frozen Sections are a rapid diagnostic technique in pathology where tissue specimens are quickly frozen, thinly sliced, stained, and examined under a microscope—typically during surgery—to help surgeons make immediate clinical decisions. In pathology lab management software (LIMS), this process requires specialized workflow support for urgent turnaround, traceability, and real-time reporting.

Why Frozen Sections Matters in Pathology Labs?

Frozen Sections are critical for intraoperative decision-making, providing immediate pathology results during surgery.

Key reasons include:

• Real-time Intraoperative Diagnosis: Enables surgeons to receive immediate pathology results during surgical procedures.
• Cryostat-Based Workflow: Software supports tracking specimens processed in cryostats for rapid freezing and sectioning.
• Priority Handling: LIMS flags frozen sections as STAT or urgent to ensure immediate processing.
• Time Tracking: Captures exact timestamps from specimen receipt → freezing → sectioning → reporting.
• Chain of Custody: Ensures complete traceability of fast-moving samples.
• Slide & Block Management: Tracks frozen blocks and associated slides separately from routine histology specimens.
• Real-Time Communication: Integrates with OR (Operation Theatre) systems to send instant results or notifications.
• Template-Based Reporting: Provides structured formats to deliver quick preliminary frozen section reports.
• Quality Control Monitoring: Logs turnaround times to evaluate efficiency and compliance.
• Data Integration: Links frozen section data to final paraffin block diagnosis for permanent records.

How Frozen Sections Works in a Laboratory Information System (LIS)?

In a modern LIS like SpeedsPath, frozen sections become seamless and efficient. The system instantly generates unique identifiers, captures patient details, links physician orders, assigns barcodes, and establishes a digital chain of custody. Thanks to this automation, manual errors are minimized, and each specimen record remains accurate from collection through to the final report.

Key Steps or Components of Frozen Sections

• Specimen receipt and verification
• Rapid freezing and sectioning using cryostat
• Staining and microscopic examination
• Immediate reporting to surgeon
• Integration with final histopathology diagnosis

Benefits of Using LIS for Frozen Sections

• Faster and error-free data entry
• Automated tracking and barcode generation
• Accurate specimen tracking across all departments
• Improved compliance with CAP, NABL, and CLIA standards
• Reduced workload and improved productivity

Common Challenges Without LIS Automation

• Manual entry errors and mismatched specimens
• Difficulty tracking urgent samples
• Poor documentation leading to compliance issues
• Delays in intraoperative reporting
• Lack of integration with OR systems

Examples of Frozen Sections in Pathology

• Examining tissue margins during cancer surgery
• Confirming diagnosis for lymph node biopsies
• Assessing tissue viability in transplant procedures

SpeedsPath Makes Frozen Sections Accurate & Effortless

Frozen Sections are central to managing urgent samples in pathology labs. Accurate identification, documentation, and a secure chain of custody make intraoperative decisions reliable. Automating this step with an LIS adds speed, precision, and accountability.

See how SpeedsPath automates frozen sections, tracks barcodes, and streamlines workflows.

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Related Terms

• Cryostat
• Intraoperative Diagnosis
• STAT Processing
• Turnaround Time (TAT)
• Chain of Custody

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of frozen section workflow in a LIMS?
   To ensure specimens are processed urgently with accurate time-stamping, traceability, and fast reporting for intraoperative decision-making.
2. How does the software prioritize frozen section cases?
   The system tags them as STAT/urgent, triggers alerts, and routes them to the fastest workflow path.
3. Can the software track turnaround time (TAT) for frozen sections?
   Yes, it automatically logs TAT from specimen receipt to report release for audit and quality monitoring.
4. Does the system integrate with cryostat instruments?
   Many modern LIMS support device interfacing or manual entry workflows specific to cryostat processing.
5. Can pathologists upload quick preliminary frozen section reports?
   Yes, software provides rapid-entry templates designed for urgent intraoperative reporting.
6. Does LIMS allow communication between the pathology lab and the operating room?
   Yes, through notifications, instant messaging modules, or integrated hospital systems (HIS/OR consoles).
7. Can frozen section slides and blocks be tracked separately from routine samples?
   Absolutely. LIMS differentiates frozen blocks, frozen slides, and permanent blocks for continuity.
8. What quality metrics are captured for frozen section performance?
   Turnaround time, accuracy, discrepancies with final diagnosis, and pathologist response time.
9. Can frozen section data be merged with final histopathology reports?
   Yes, the software links preliminary frozen results with the final paraffin-embedded tissue diagnosis.
10. How does the system maintain documentation for compliance and accreditation?
    By storing detailed logs, timestamps, user actions, and audit trails aligned with CAP, NABL, or CLIA standards.

Want to learn more? Explore our LIS Glossary or check out our expert blogs on Anatomic Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics, Cytology, and Lab Information Systems.