ASCP Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining 3

Question 1

In a well-stained H&E section, red blood cells (RBCs) should appear what color?

Accepted Answer

Bright red/orange

Answer

RBCs lack nuclei and stain brightly eosinophilic (bright red to orange) due to their hemoglobin content.

Question 2

What is the purpose of rehydration after deparaffinization before H&E staining?

Accepted Answer

To remove residual xylene and prepare tissue for aqueous dyes

Answer

After xylene deparaffinization, tissue must be rehydrated through descending grades of alcohol to prepare it for aqueous hematoxylin and eosin solutions.

Question 3

What does basophilic staining indicate in H&E histology?

Accepted Answer

Affinity for hematoxylin (basic dye)

Answer

Basophilic structures have a negative charge that attracts the basic dye hematoxylin, staining them blue-purple.

Question 4

What color does mucin typically stain in a routine H&E preparation?

Accepted Answer

Pale blue or clear

Answer

Mucin stains pale blue or is nearly clear in routine H&E, which is why special stains like PAS or Alcian blue are used to highlight it.

Question 5

What is the function of Scott's tap water (or ammonia water) in the H&E staining process?

Accepted Answer

Bluing agent to convert hematoxylin complex to blue

Answer

Scott's tap water (magnesium sulfate and sodium bicarbonate) raises the pH, converting the brownish-red hematoxylin complex to its characteristic blue color.

ASCP - Histotechnician Test Practice Test

ASCP - Histotechnician Test Practice Test

ASCP Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining 3