Practice Test Geeks(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test
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Specimen Handling & Fixation Flashcards

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  1. Which of the following is a MAJOR safety concern when working with Zenker's fixative?

    Answer: Mercury toxicity and disposal requirements

    Zenker's fixative contains mercuric chloride, a heavy metal that is highly toxic and requires special disposal procedures per environmental regulations.

  2. A specimen is received in Hollande's fixative. This fixative is MOST similar in composition to:

    Answer: Bouin's fixative

    Hollande's fixative is a modified Bouin's solution that substitutes copper acetate for some picric acid, offering similar preservation properties.

  3. What is the purpose of adding acetic acid to a fixative such as Carnoy's solution?

    Answer: To preserve nucleic acids and prevent chromosome shrinkage

    Acetic acid in Carnoy's fixative penetrates rapidly and fixes nucleic acids, counteracting the tissue shrinkage caused by ethanol.

  4. Which fixative is recommended for preserving tissue intended for immunofluorescence studies of renal biopsies?

    Answer: Michel's transport medium

    Michel's medium preserves antigens for immunofluorescence at room temperature, allowing transport of renal biopsies without freezing.

  5. The process of tissue shrinkage during fixation is MOST associated with which type of fixative?

    Answer: Coagulative fixatives such as ethanol

    Coagulative fixatives like alcohols precipitate proteins and cause significant cellular shrinkage, unlike cross-linking fixatives such as formalin.

  6. When a skin punch biopsy for direct immunofluorescence (DIF) arrives, the CORRECT action is to:

    Answer: Place in Zeus or Michel's transport medium

    DIF requires unfixed tissue transported in Zeus or Michel's medium to preserve immunoglobulin and complement antigens at the dermal-epidermal junction.

  7. What is the role of sodium phosphate buffer in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF)?

    Answer: To maintain pH near 7.0 and prevent formic acid formation

    Phosphate buffer maintains the pH of NBF near neutrality, preventing autoxidation of formaldehyde to formic acid which would create an acidic fixative.

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