Abstract
The major goal during tissue transport and initial processing is to maintain specimen orientation. Once the specimen is removed from the surgical site and hemostasis is achieved, the Mohs map can be drawn. Then the specimen is transported to the histopathology laboratory. The specimen should be cut into as few sections as possible in order to avoid orientation error, while still producing high-quality slides. Colored ink is used to assist in maintaining orientation. Optimum cutting temperature (OCT) is used to facilitate specimen adhesion to the microtome chuck. Following microtome sectioning, the specimen is stained, most commonly with hematoxylin and eosin. After application of the coverslip, the slides are ready to be analyzed by the Mohs surgeon.