When tissue is processed on a short cycle, what must be done during grossing?

• A. Cut thin
• B. Cut thick
• C. Frozen
• D. Stained

Answer: (A)

When tissue is processed on a short cycle, fixative and reagent penetration becomes the limiting factor because the cycle time is shortened. To ensure rapid and uniform penetration, you should cut the tissue into thin pieces during grossing. Thin cuts increase surface area and shorten diffusion distances, allowing fixation and processing reagents to reach all parts of the specimen, reducing autolysis and artifacts.

Cutting thick would hinder penetration and compromise fixation, staining happens later, and freezing is a separate rapid-diagnosis method not part of routine paraffin processing.