Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Frozen section
Frozen sections too thick
What it looks like
Sections appear thicker than normal, often resulting in poor detail and obscured cellular structures.
Where it usually appears: Typically observed during intraoperative consultations or when rapid diagnosis is required.
Likely causes
- Incorrect microtome settings
- Improper specimen freezing technique
- Inadequate trimming of the block
- Excessive embedding medium on the block
Immediate checks
- Verify microtome settings for thickness adjustment
- Inspect the specimen for proper freezing
- Check for excessive embedding medium
Corrective action
- Re-trim the section to the appropriate thickness
- Adjust microtome settings and re-section
- Ensure proper freezing of the specimen before cutting
Preventive action
- Regularly calibrate microtome equipment
- Train staff on proper freezing and trimming techniques
- Implement routine quality checks for frozen sections
This atlas is for educational purposes for laboratory professionals. It does not replace your institutional SOPs, manufacturer instructions, validated protocols or pathologist judgment. Adapt any action to your laboratory and equipment.
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