Differential color coding of surgical margins in mastectomy specimens

Application of suture marks or clips for specimen orientation is routine for operating surgeons. However, it is impossible for a pathologist to reproduce these in the final sections. In most laboratories a single dye is employed to paint the surgical margins. It helps to assess complete/incomplete excision of a tumor. However, many times, several margins need to be studied together, especially in larger resection specimens. This study was undertaken to assess fabric dyes, which can be employed for marking surgical margins, for their reproducibility, safety, reliability, ease of application and cost. Multiple color coding was done on 24 mastectomy specimens and the results recorded and compared.