HT Routine & Special Staining Methods 3

Question 1

In the Alcian blue stain performed at pH 2.5, which tissue component is demonstrated?

Accepted Answer

Acidic mucopolysaccharides (acid mucins)

Answer

Alcian blue at pH 2.5 stains acidic mucopolysaccharides blue by ionic bonding to negatively charged sulfate and carboxylate groups.

Question 2

Which stain best demonstrates reticular fibers (type III collagen) in lymph node architecture?

Accepted Answer

Gordon and Sweet's reticulin silver stain

Answer

Gordon and Sweet's silver impregnation method selectively coats reticular fibers black, making them distinct from other connective tissue elements.

Question 3

The Luxol fast blue (LFB) stain is used in neuropathology to demonstrate:

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheaths

Answer

Luxol fast blue binds to lipoproteins in myelin sheaths, staining them blue-green, and is often combined with cresyl violet or H&E for counterstaining.

Question 4

When performing the Giemsa stain on bone marrow, what is the purpose of the methanol fixation step?

Accepted Answer

Fix cells to the slide and prevent washing off during staining

Answer

Methanol fixation adheres cells to the glass slide and preserves cellular morphology before the aqueous Giemsa solution is applied.

Question 5

In the von Kossa stain, calcium is demonstrated indirectly because the stain actually deposits:

Accepted Answer

Silver on phosphate or carbonate anions associated with calcium

Answer

Von Kossa silver nitrate is reduced in the presence of phosphate and carbonate salts co-located with calcium, depositing metallic silver that appears black.

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

HT Routine & Special Staining Methods 3