Free CSMLS Histotechnology and Microbiology Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following actions should be taken when the hematoxylin and eosin stain lacks three distinct shades of pink?

Accepted Answer

Check the pH of eosin

Answer

Explanation:
In histotechnology, the quality of staining is crucial for accurate tissue examination. Checking the pH of eosin is important because an incorrect pH level can affect the staining process and result in inadequate differentiation of tissue components, such as lacking distinct shades of pink in the eosin stain. Adjusting the pH can help ensure proper staining and interpretation of tissue samples.

Question 2

A dark brown pigment is noted on formalin-fixed, hematoxylin, and eosin-stained sections. What action can prevent this from occurring?

Accepted Answer

Maintain formalin at a neutral pH

Answer

Explanation:
Maintaining formalin at a neutral pH helps prevent the formation of dark brown pigment on tissue sections during fixation. Acidic formalin can lead to excessive pigment formation, affecting the quality of staining and tissue interpretation. Therefore, ensuring the formalin solution remains at a neutral pH is essential for optimal tissue preservation and staining in histotechnology.

Question 3

Which of the following actions should be taken when tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin show pale cytoplasmic staining?

Accepted Answer

Check the pH of eosin and adjust with acetic acid if necessary

Answer

Explanation:
Eosin is an acidic dye, and its pH affects the staining quality. If tissue sections show pale cytoplasmic staining, it indicates potential issues with eosin staining. Checking the pH of eosin and adjusting it with acetic acid if necessary can help restore optimal staining conditions, leading to improved cytoplasmic staining in histological specimens.

Question 4

Where should a tissue specimen for the frozen section be sent?

Accepted Answer

Histology

Answer

Explanation:
Tissue specimens for frozen section analysis are typically sent to the histology department. Frozen section analysis involves the rapid processing of tissue specimens for immediate examination by a pathologist, often during surgery, to guide surgical decision-making. Histology technicians prepare frozen sections for examination using specialized techniques, making histology the appropriate department for handling such specimens.

Question 5

Which of the following staining problems results from the omission of 1% periodic acid solution in the Jones Methenamine silver technique?

Accepted Answer

Failure to stain the basement membrane

Answer

Explanation:
The Jones Methenamine silver technique is used to visualize basement membranes in tissue sections. Omitting the 1% periodic acid solution in this technique prevents oxidation of the methenamine silver, resulting in a failure to stain the basement membrane.

CSMLS - Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science Practice Test

CSMLS - Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science Practice Test

Free CSMLS Histotechnology and Microbiology Questions and Answers