Special stain including interpretation and report; histochemical stain on frozen tissue block (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Special Stain (Histochemical Stain on Frozen Tissue Block)
Summary
A special stain is a laboratory process used to enhance the visibility of cells and tissues in a frozen tissue block. By applying various stains, medical professionals can better observe the morphology and structure of cells, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions.
Purpose
The purpose of special staining is to assist in the diagnosis of specific diseases or conditions by highlighting particular cellular components or structures that are not easily seen with standard staining techniques. The goal is to provide more precise and detailed information about tissue composition and pathology.
Indications
- Suspicious tissue lesions or masses.
- Inconclusive results from standard histopathological analysis.
- Conditions requiring detailed tissue architecture examination, such as certain cancers, infections, or inflammatory diseases.
Preparation
- Patients do not typically need to prepare for this procedure as it is performed on a tissue sample previously obtained through biopsy.
- Ensure that the tissue sample is appropriately labeled and stored according to laboratory protocols.
Procedure Description
- The frozen tissue block is carefully sectioned using a microtome.
- Thin tissue sections are mounted onto microscope slides.
- Special histochemical stains are applied to the tissue sections.
Stained slides are examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
Tools/Equipment:
- Microtome
- Glass microscope slides
- Various histochemical stains
No anesthesia or sedation is required as this is a laboratory procedure involving pre-collected tissue samples.
Duration
The staining process typically takes a few hours, with the overall process (including examination and interpretation) potentially taking one to two days, depending on the complexity.
Setting
This procedure is performed in a pathology or histology laboratory within a hospital or specialized diagnostic center.
Personnel
- Medical Laboratory Technologists
- Pathologists
Risks and Complications
- Misinterpretation due to improper staining.
- Potential for sample contamination.
- Insufficient staining leading to inconclusive results.
Benefits
- Enhanced diagnostic accuracy by providing detailed information on tissue structure and composition.
- Faster and more precise identification of conditions such as infections, inflammation, or cancer.
Recovery
No recovery process is necessary since the procedure is done on a pre-collected tissue sample.
Alternatives
- Standard Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, though it may not provide the same level of detail for specific conditions.
- Immunohistochemistry, which uses antibodies to detect specific antigens in the tissue but may be more time-consuming and expensive.
Patient Experience
Patients are not present during the staining process. The only discomfort or inconvenience would be related to the initial biopsy procedure, which varies depending on the tissue being sampled.