What is the most appropriate container to send a biopsy specimen for frozen section diagnosis?

The most appropriate choice for sending a biopsy specimen for frozen section diagnosis is a dry specimen container. Frozen section analysis is a rapid diagnosis procedure performed during surgery to determine the nature of a tissue sample. For this process, the specimen needs to be preserved in a manner that allows it to be sliced very thinly and processed quickly.

Using a dry specimen container is ideal because it prevents moisture contamination, which can affect the quality of the frozen section. When specimens are kept dry, they maintain their cellular integrity and allow for clearer examination under the microscope. The absence of fluids also prevents artifacts that could interfere with the diagnosis.

Other options, such as a container with normal saline or ice, may introduce unnecessary liquid that could compromise the integrity of the tissue sample. A container for permanent sections is not appropriate because the preservation method for permanent sections typically involves formalin or similar fixatives, which are not suitable for immediate frozen processing. Therefore, using a dry specimen container ensures that the integrity of the biopsy is preserved, facilitating accurate and timely diagnosis during surgical procedures.