Which stage is usually performed after embedding in tissue processing?

The stage that occurs after embedding in tissue processing is section-cutting. This step involves using a microtome to create thin slices of the embedded tissue blocks, allowing for microscopic examination. The thickness of the sections is crucial because it determines how well the tissue can be visualized under the microscope and influences diagnostic accuracy. Proper section-cutting enables the pathologist to assess cellular morphology, the architecture of the tissue, and the presence of any abnormalities or diseases.

The other stages mentioned occur prior to embedding. Fixation, for example, is the initial step that preserves tissue structure and composition. Dehydration follows fixation and prepares the tissue for embedding by removing water. Mounting, while essential for preparing the slides for viewing, occurs after section-cutting when the thin tissue sections are placed onto slides for further staining and examination. Thus, section-cutting is the definitive stage immediately subsequent to embedding in the tissue processing sequence.