CSMLS Histotechnology and Cytology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A histotechnologist is cutting paraffin sections of a kidney block and observes regularly spaced parallel lines, or 'chatter', across the tissue.
What is the most likely cause of this microtomy artifact?

Accepted Answer

The block or knife was not securely clamped in the microtome.

Answer

The block was too warm during sectioning.

Answer

The clearance angle of the knife was too small.

Answer

The paraffin wax was contaminated with clearing agent.

Question 2

A gynecological smear is stained using the Papanicolaou method. Which cellular component is specifically highlighted by the Orange G (OG-6) solution?

Accepted Answer

Cytoplasm of mature, keratinized squamous cells.

Answer

Nuclei of immature parabasal cells.

Answer

Cytoplasm of metabolically active cells like intermediate cells.

Answer

Cilia and red blood cells.

Question 3

A lymph node biopsy is submitted for routine H&E staining and may also require future immunohistochemistry (IHC). Which of the following is the most appropriate and widely used fixative for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (NBF)

Answer

Zenker's fluid

Answer

Bouin's solution

Answer

Carnoy's fixative

Question 4

After automated tissue processing, a batch of cassettes feels soft and the tissue is greasy to the touch. During microtomy, the tissue crumbles and fails to form a ribbon. This is most likely due to incomplete action by which reagent?

Accepted Answer

Clearing agent (e.g., xylene)

Answer

Fixative (e.g., formalin)

Answer

Dehydrating alcohol

Answer

Infiltrating paraffin

Question 5

The Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain is fundamentally based on the oxidation of which chemical group to form aldehydes, which then react with the Schiff reagent?

Accepted Answer

1,2-Glycols

Answer

Amino groups

Answer

Sulfhydryl groups

Answer

Phosphate groups

Question 6

A cervical cytology report describes squamous cells with significant nuclear enlargement, perinuclear halos, and nuclear membrane irregularities (koilocytotic atypia). According to the Bethesda System, this finding is characteristic of which interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL)

Answer

High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL)

Answer

Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy (NILM)

Answer

Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASC-US)

A histotechnologist is cutting paraffin sections of a kidney block and observes regularly spaced parallel lines, or 'chatter', across the tissue.What is the most likely cause of this microtomy artifact?

A histotechnologist is cutting paraffin sections of a kidney block and observes regularly spaced parallel lines, or 'chatter', across the tissue.
What is the most likely cause of this microtomy artifact?