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. 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
4. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Routine & Special Staining Methods? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
5. Which fixative is specifically recommended for tissue intended to demonstrate lipids in frozen sections? → Calcium-formalin (Baker's fixative)
6. What is the purpose of special staining techniques in histology? → To visualize specific tissue components or microorganisms.
7. Which staining method is most commonly used for rapid staining of intraoperative frozen sections? → Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
8. 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
9. 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
10. What is the purpose of microtomy in histology? → To cut tissue into thin slices for viewing under a microscope.
11. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Immunohistochemistry Procedures for HT professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
12. What is a common cause of thick, uneven, or 'chattering' frozen sections in the cryostat? → A dull or nicked cryostat knife
13. What does the abbreviation 'OCT' stand for in the context of cryostat embedding media? → Optimal Cutting Temperature
14. What is the purpose of clearing in tissue processing? → To make tissue transparent.
15. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Quality Control & Assurance? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
16. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Quality Control & Assurance, what should a HT professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
17. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Safety & Chemical Hazards, what should a HT professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
18. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Microscopy & Image Analysis for HT professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
19. What is the significance of maintaining accurate records in a histology lab? → To comply with regulatory standards and ensure traceability.
20. What is the primary advantage of frozen sections over routine paraffin-embedded sections? → Rapid preparation time enabling intraoperative diagnosis
21. Why is it essential to monitor the maintenance of laboratory equipment? → To prevent equipment malfunctions and ensure precise results.
22. What is the role of dehydration in tissue processing? → To prepare tissues for embedding by removing water.
23. What is the role of a histology laboratory manager in inventory management? → To order supplies and track usage.
24. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Microscopy & Image Analysis, what should a HT professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
25. What does over-dehydration of tissue lead to? → Distortion of tissue structure.
26. Which fixative would cause LOSS of lipids from tissue intended for frozen section lipid staining and should therefore be avoided? → Absolute ethanol
27. In Tissue Processing & Embedding, what is the FIRST step a HT professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
28. What is the purpose of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in histology? → To detect specific proteins and antigens in tissues.
29. What is the role of the laboratory manager in managing laboratory workflow? → To coordinate and prioritize tasks within the lab.
30. What is the purpose of 'quenching' tissue in liquid nitrogen vapor before cryostat sectioning for enzyme histochemistry? → To achieve rapid freezing that preserves labile enzyme activity