CET Specimen Handling & Processing

Question 1

Which fixative solution is most commonly used to preserve endoscopic biopsy specimens for histological examination?

Accepted Answer

10% neutral buffered formalin

Answer

Normal saline

Answer

70% ethanol

Answer

Glutaraldehyde

Question 2

When labeling a biopsy specimen container, which information is MOST critical to include?

Accepted Answer

Patient name, date of birth, and anatomical site

Answer

The endoscopist's license number

Answer

The technician's initials only

Answer

Procedure start time only

Question 3

A gastric biopsy specimen should be placed into formalin within how many minutes of collection to ensure adequate fixation?

Accepted Answer

Within 1 hour, ideally immediately

Answer

30 minutes

Answer

60 minutes

Answer

Up to 4 hours is acceptable

Question 4

Which type of specimen requires a dry container (no formalin) and must be kept at room temperature for microbiological culture?

Accepted Answer

Tissue for H. pylori culture

Answer

Colon polyp for histology

Answer

Barrett's esophagus biopsy

Answer

Colorectal adenoma

Question 5

When multiple biopsy specimens are collected from different sites during the same endoscopy, what is the safest handling practice?

Accepted Answer

Place each site's specimens in a separately labeled container

Answer

Place all specimens in one container to save time

Answer

Label containers after the procedure is complete

Answer

Only separate specimens if the physician requests it

Question 6

What is the correct tissue-to-formalin volume ratio recommended for adequate fixation?

Accepted Answer

1:10 (tissue to formalin)

Answer

1:1 (equal parts)

Answer

1:5 (tissue to formalin)

Answer

1:20 (tissue to formalin)

Question 7

A technician notices a biopsy specimen container is cracked and leaking formalin. What is the FIRST action to take?

Accepted Answer

Don protective gloves and a mask, contain the spill, and transfer the specimen to a new container

Answer

Continue with the procedure and fix later

Answer

Dispose of the container and specimen immediately

Answer

Notify the pathology lab only after the procedure