HTL Laboratory Instrumentation & Equipment 2

Question 1

Which type of microtome is most commonly used for cutting frozen sections in a cryostat?

Accepted Answer

Rotary microtome

Answer

The cryostat houses a rotary microtome inside a refrigerated cabinet to cut frozen tissue sections.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the knife angle (clearance angle) on a microtome knife?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the knife heel from dragging on the tissue block

Answer

The clearance angle prevents the back (heel) of the blade from contacting the block face after the cutting edge passes through.

Question 3

A tissue processor that uses a closed system with vapor-phase infiltration is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Vacuum infiltration processor

Answer

Vacuum infiltration processors use reduced pressure and vapor-phase reagents to enhance penetration, reducing processing time and fume exposure.

Question 4

Which component of a brightfield microscope controls the angle and diameter of the illuminating cone of light?

Accepted Answer

Substage condenser

Answer

The substage condenser focuses and shapes the cone of light directed onto the specimen to optimize resolution and contrast.

Question 5

When a water bath used for section flotation is contaminated with mold, the FIRST corrective action should be:

Accepted Answer

Drain, clean with dilute bleach solution, and refill with distilled water

Answer

The bath must be drained and decontaminated with dilute bleach before refilling to eliminate contamination without damaging sections.

(HTL) Histotechnology Certification Practice Test