HT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the common temperature used for paraffin embedding? → 60-65°C
2. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Specimen Handling & Fixation for HT professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
3. Chatter artifact in paraffin sections most commonly results from which of the following? → Loose knife or block clamp causing vibration
4. What is the standard method for transferring a frozen section from the cryostat stage to a glass slide? → Placing a room-temperature slide directly onto the section so it thaws and adheres
5. Which special consideration applies when handling a testicular biopsy for fertility evaluation? → Submit entirely fresh for sperm analysis and fix a small portion in Bouin's
6. Which instrument setting on a rotary microtome controls the thickness of each section? → Section thickness micrometer
7. When a skin punch biopsy for direct immunofluorescence (DIF) arrives, the CORRECT action is to: → Place in Zeus or Michel's transport medium
8. A cryostat section is BEST suited for which of the following applications? → Intraoperative frozen section diagnosis
9. When developing a laboratory's chemical hygiene plan, which element is MANDATORY under OSHA's Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450)? → Designation of a chemical hygiene officer
10. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Routine & Special Staining Methods? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
11. Which fixative is specifically recommended for tissue intended to demonstrate lipids in frozen sections? → Calcium-formalin (Baker's fixative)
12. What is the purpose of special staining techniques in histology? → To visualize specific tissue components or microorganisms.
13. The process of tissue shrinkage during fixation is MOST associated with which type of fixative? → Coagulative fixatives such as ethanol
14. Which staining method is most commonly used for rapid staining of intraoperative frozen sections? → Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
15. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Specimen Handling & Fixation, what should a HT professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
16. A histotechnician is asked to dispose of used formalin fixative. Which regulation primarily governs proper disposal of this chemical? → Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as a hazardous waste
17. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Safety & Chemical Hazards for HT professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
18. What is the purpose of microtomy in histology? → To cut tissue into thin slices for viewing under a microscope.
19. What is the purpose of a proficiency testing (PT) program for a histology laboratory? → To externally verify laboratory performance and ensure accurate results
20. Under CAP accreditation standards, how frequently must a histology laboratory perform and document calibration of its microtome blade-thickness settings? → According to manufacturer recommendations and laboratory policy, with documentation
21. When calibrating a laboratory pH meter before use, how many buffer standards are typically required for a two-point calibration? → Two buffers bracketing the expected sample pH
22. A specimen is received in formalin but appears to have been fixed for only 2 hours. What is the MOST appropriate action? → Continue fixation to achieve adequate penetration before processing
23. Automated tissue processors in the histology lab are most commonly operated using which processing mode to prevent overnight tissue damage? → Timed or continuous carousel with vacuum/pressure cycles
24. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Immunohistochemistry Procedures for HT professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
25. What does a 'six-sigma' quality metric measure in a laboratory process? → The process variation relative to acceptable limits, expressed as standard deviations
26. What is the function of the objective lens in a compound light microscope? → To form the initial magnified image of the specimen
27. What is a common cause of thick, uneven, or 'chattering' frozen sections in the cryostat? → A dull or nicked cryostat knife
28. What does the abbreviation 'OCT' stand for in the context of cryostat embedding media? → Optimal Cutting Temperature
29. What is the purpose of clearing in tissue processing? → To make tissue transparent.
30. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Quality Control & Assurance? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances