ASCP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ASCP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is NOT a standard step in automated tissue processing? → Decalcification
2. Which endpoint test is used to determine if decalcification is complete? → X-ray examination or chemical endpoint test
3. Which regulatory body sets standards for quality systems in US clinical laboratories, including histology? → CLIA (administered by CMS), with accreditation from CAP or Joint Commission
4. What temperature is paraffin wax typically maintained at during infiltration? → 60°C
5. According to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, what must be present on all chemical containers in the histology laboratory? → GHS-compliant labels with hazard pictograms, signal word, and hazard statements
6. When is formic acid decalcification preferred over hydrochloric acid? → When nuclear morphology and DNA preservation for molecular studies are important
7. Which heat-based antigen retrieval method is most commonly used in routine IHC? → Microwave in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0)
8. What is the purpose of a Levey-Jennings chart in histology laboratory quality control? → Visually monitor control values over time to detect trends and shifts
9. What cellular component is primarily stained by hematoxylin in an H&E stain? → Nuclei (DNA/RNA)
10. Which reagent is used for decalcification of bone specimens? → EDTA or nitric acid
11. Before H&E staining, paraffin sections must be deparaffinized using which reagent? → Xylene
12. What does CAP checklist item require regarding the turnaround time (TAT) for surgical pathology specimens? → Laboratories must establish, monitor, and document TAT goals for different specimen types
13. What processing artifact results from inadequate fixation before processing? → Autolysis
14. What staining result indicates that sections were not completely deparaffinized before H&E staining? → Unstained or poorly stained areas with paraffin residue
15. What is a common cause of eosin staining appearing too pale in H&E sections? → Insufficient eosin concentration or exhausted eosin solution
16. What is the purpose of antigen retrieval in immunohistochemistry (IHC)? → To unmask epitopes altered by formalin fixation
17. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when handling formalin-fixed specimens in the histology laboratory? → Gloves, lab coat, and eye protection at minimum
18. What is the embedding medium used for frozen sections in a cryostat? → OCT (Optimal Cutting Temperature) compound
19. What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde established by OSHA? → 0.75 ppm (8-hour TWA)
20. The Warthin-Starry stain is used to identify which organisms in tissue? → Spirochetes and Helicobacter pylori
21. Zenker's fixative contains which hazardous heavy metal component? → Mercuric chloride
22. What is the primary advantage of frozen sections over paraffin sections during intraoperative consultation? → Rapid turnaround time for immediate surgical decisions
23. What is the purpose of the anti-roll plate in a cryostat? → To prevent the cut section from rolling up
24. Why is endogenous peroxidase activity blocked in IHC protocols using HRP-based detection? → To eliminate background staining from naturally occurring peroxidases (e.g., in RBCs)
25. When should an autoclave (steam sterilization) be used in the histology laboratory? → To decontaminate biohazardous waste and instruments
26. What IHC marker is used to confirm the presence of muscle differentiation in a tumor? → Desmin or smooth muscle actin (SMA)
27. What is the purpose of rehydration after deparaffinization before H&E staining? → To remove residual xylene and prepare tissue for aqueous dyes
28. What is the primary purpose of fixation in tissue processing? → To prevent autolysis and preserve tissue morphology
29. Which stain is most commonly used for rapid intraoperative frozen section evaluation? → Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
30. Which stain is used to identify fungi and mucin simultaneously in tissue sections? → Both GMS and PAS