Histology Certification Quality Control and Quality Assurance 2

Question 1

A negative control in immunohistochemistry staining is used to:

Accepted Answer

Verify that non-specific background staining is absent

Answer

Confirm that a known antigen is detectable by the antibody

Answer

Test the effectiveness of the hematoxylin counterstain

Answer

Assess the adequacy of tissue fixation time

Question 2

In histology QC, a 'reagent blank' control is used to detect:

Accepted Answer

Contamination or non-specific staining produced by reagents alone

Answer

Variation in the thickness of tissue sections cut on the microtome

Answer

Inadequate fixation of the tissue specimen

Answer

Miscalibration of the automated stainer temperature

Question 3

According to CAP accreditation requirements, histology QC records must be retained for a minimum of:

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

1 year

Answer

5 years

Answer

10 years

Question 4

Which of the following best describes 'intralaboratory QC' in histology?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring and controlling analytical processes within the same laboratory

Answer

Sending samples to an external reference laboratory for comparison testing

Answer

Reviewing QC benchmark data submitted by peer laboratories nationally

Answer

Submitting stained slides to CAP for external proficiency evaluation

Question 5

What is a primary advantage of using a tissue microarray (TMA) for IHC quality control?

Accepted Answer

It allows simultaneous testing of multiple tissues and antibodies on a single section

Answer

It replaces the need for routine H&E staining controls

Answer

It measures the exact pH of staining solutions during the run

Answer

It calibrates the cryostat to maintain consistent section temperature

Question 6

A complete corrective action record in histology QC documentation must include:

Accepted Answer

The root cause, corrective action taken, and verification that the problem was resolved

Answer

Only the date and technician name associated with the problem

Answer

Only a list of all reagents used during the failed staining run

Answer

The pathologist's signature approving the corrective action plan

Question 7

CLIA regulations require laboratories performing moderate- or high-complexity testing to:

Accepted Answer

Establish and follow written quality control procedures

Answer

Use only CAP-approved reagents and antibody clones for all tests

Answer

Submit daily QC results electronically to the FDA for review

Answer

Perform external proficiency testing at least once per week