What is Real Time Processing in Histology?
Real time processing in histology refers to the rapid preparation and analysis of tissue samples while a surgical procedure is ongoing. This process is pivotal for making immediate clinical decisions, such as determining the margins of a tumor or identifying the type of tissue present.
Why is Real Time Processing Important?
The primary importance lies in its ability to provide
immediate diagnostics. Surgeons can receive quick feedback on the tissue they are working on, which is crucial for procedures like cancer surgeries. This rapid turnaround can significantly affect patient outcomes by allowing for immediate adjustments during surgery.
How is Real Time Processing Achieved?
Real time processing typically involves the use of
frozen section technique. In this method, the tissue sample is rapidly frozen using liquid nitrogen or a cryostat, then thinly sliced and stained for examination under a microscope. The entire process can take as little as 15-20 minutes.
Tissue Collection: A sample is taken during the surgical procedure.
Freezing: The sample is quickly frozen to preserve its structure.
Sectioning: Thin slices of the frozen tissue are cut using a microtome.
Staining: The slices are stained to highlight various cellular components.
Microscopic Examination: A pathologist examines the stained sections under a microscope and provides immediate feedback.
What are the Limitations?
Despite its advantages, real time processing does have limitations. The quality of frozen sections is generally inferior to that of
paraffin-embedded sections, which are processed over a longer period. Artifacts and freezing artifacts can sometimes obscure details, making it challenging to interpret the results accurately.
What are the Clinical Applications?
Real time processing is widely used in oncological surgeries to determine whether a tumor has been completely excised. It is also employed in
biopsies to quickly identify the nature of a lesion or abnormal tissue.
How Does It Impact Patient Care?
The ability to make real-time decisions during surgery can have a profound impact on patient care. It reduces the need for multiple surgeries, minimizes the time a patient spends under anesthesia, and can lead to better overall treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Real time processing in histology is an invaluable tool in modern medical practice, offering rapid diagnostic capabilities that can significantly influence surgical and treatment decisions. While it does come with some limitations, ongoing advancements in technology continue to enhance its effectiveness and reliability, ultimately leading to improved patient care.
