Abstract When part of a parathyroid gland is excised for biopsy, the cut surface remaining becomes diffusely red from microscopic bleeding in one to three seconds, the “parathyroid blush.” By this simple observation the surgeon can distinguish grossly similar structures such as lobular fat from parathyroid tissue. Advantages include consistency, shortened operating time, fewer frozen section confirmations needed, reliability as a teaching aid, and safety, especially in avoiding postoperative tetany.