At what temperature are frozen sections typically stored?

• A. -70 C
• B. 4 C
• C. -20 C
• D. 25 C

Answer: (A)

Ultra-low temperatures are used to preserve frozen sections because they dramatically slow enzymatic activity and minimize ice-crystal damage to cell structures, keeping tissue morphology intact until analysis. Storing at -70°C is a common standard for long-term preservation in many histology settings, providing reliable stability with typical ultra-low freezers. Higher temperatures like -20°C or 4°C can allow gradual degradation or artifact formation over time, and room temperature would lead to rapid deterioration. So, -70°C offers a practical balance for maintaining sample integrity during storage.