Why is a specimen obtained for frozen section removed from the sterile field during surgery?

When a specimen is obtained for frozen section during surgery, it is crucial that it is sent to pathology immediately for rapid evaluation. This process allows the pathologist to examine the tissue under a microscope while the surgery is still ongoing. The quick results from a frozen section help the surgical team make real-time decisions about the further course of action, such as whether to continue with the surgery, alter the approach, or make additional excisions based on the findings.

In this context, the timely transfer of the specimen to pathology is essential and is the primary reason for its removal from the sterile field. This ensures that the specimen can be processed without delay and that the surgical procedure can proceed efficiently based on the findings.