Histology Techniques & Technology Flashcards
7 cards from real HT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Histology Techniques & Technology flashcards as text
What is the function of the objective lens in a compound light microscope?
Answer: To form the initial magnified image of the specimen
The objective lens is positioned closest to the specimen and produces the primary magnified real image that is then further enlarged by the eyepiece.
Which type of microscopy is most useful for visualizing unstained living cells without altering contrast by staining?
Answer: Phase-contrast microscopy
Phase-contrast microscopy converts differences in refractive index into differences in light amplitude (contrast), allowing visualization of unstained living cells.
In digital pathology, what is the term for the high-resolution digital image file created by scanning an entire glass slide?
Answer: Whole slide image (WSI)
A whole slide image (WSI) is the complete high-resolution digital scan of a glass slide that enables remote viewing, archiving, and computational analysis.
What is the primary advantage of using positively charged (plus) slides in immunohistochemistry?
Answer: They improve tissue adhesion and prevent section loss during antigen retrieval
Positively charged slides attract the negatively charged tissue sections, providing superior adhesion especially through the harsh conditions of antigen retrieval.
Which quality control measure should be run alongside every immunohistochemical staining batch?
Answer: Positive and negative tissue controls
Running positive and negative tissue controls with every IHC batch ensures that the antibody and detection system are performing as expected and that results are valid.
A 4-micron paraffin section is being cut but sections are fragmenting. The MOST likely cause is:
Answer: The tissue is over-processed and brittle
Over-processing removes water and lipids excessively, making tissues brittle and prone to fragmentation during sectioning.
When calibrating a laboratory pH meter before use, how many buffer standards are typically required for a two-point calibration?
Answer: Two buffers bracketing the expected sample pH
A two-point calibration uses two buffer standards that bracket the expected pH range of the samples, ensuring accuracy across that range.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- ascp.org — Renewal, score validity, score release, retake policy, test dates, registration deadline, test delivery, exam format, passing score, fees · verified Oct 2026