Intermediate
Technical
IVT
smear preparation
Rapid intraoperative diagnostic technique involving crushing and spreading tissue on slides for immediate microscopic examination.
Full Definition
Smear preparation, also known as crush preparation or squash preparation, is a rapid intraoperative diagnostic technique used in neuropathology to provide immediate tissue diagnosis during surgery. The technique involves crushing a small tissue sample between two glass slides and immediately staining with methylene blue or toluidine blue. This method allows visualization of cellular morphology and can help distinguish between tumor types, reactive changes, and normal tissue within minutes of tissue removal.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from frozen section; specify staining method when relevant.
In Context
- "The smear preparation revealed malignant glial cells with nuclear pleomorphism and mitotic activity." — Intraoperative consultation
- "Smear preparation provided rapid confirmation of residual tumor at the resection margin." — Surgical pathology report
Also known as
crush preparation
squash preparation
intraoperative smear
Contrasted with
permanent section
Don't confuse with
frozen section
cytology preparation