HT Tissue Processing 3

Question 1

Microwave-assisted tissue processing reduces processing time primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Elevating tissue temperature to speed molecular diffusion

Answer

Microwave energy rapidly heats tissue, which accelerates the diffusion kinetics of all processing reagents.

Question 2

When processing fatty tissue such as breast, which modification is most appropriate to prevent incomplete dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Adding additional alcohol dehydration steps or extending times

Answer

Adipose tissue resists dehydration; extended or additional alcohol steps ensure all water is removed before clearing.

Question 3

Which embedding medium is preferred when enzyme histochemistry must be performed on frozen sections?

Accepted Answer

OCT compound

Answer

OCT (optimal cutting temperature) compound supports fresh-frozen tissue for cryostat sectioning without heat or chemical fixation that would denature enzymes.

Question 4

What is the recommended maximum tissue thickness for routine overnight paraffin processing on an automated processor?

Accepted Answer

3–4 mm

Answer

Tissues up to 3–4 mm thick allow adequate reagent penetration during standard overnight cycles; thicker pieces risk incomplete processing.

Question 5

Prolonged exposure to xylene before paraffin infiltration causes tissue to become excessively brittle primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Xylene removes too much lipid and water, desiccating tissue

Answer

Extended xylene exposure continues to extract lipids and residual water, desiccating the tissue matrix and making it fragile.

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

HT Tissue Processing 3