HT Specimen Handling & Fixation 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Mercury toxicity and disposal requirements

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Bouin's fixative

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

To preserve nucleic acids and prevent chromosome shrinkage

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Michel's transport medium

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Coagulative fixatives such as ethanol

Answer

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

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

HT Specimen Handling & Fixation 3