ASCP Special Stains and Histochemistry 3

Question 1

The Warthin-Starry stain is used to identify which organisms in tissue?

Accepted Answer

Spirochetes and Helicobacter pylori

Answer

Warthin-Starry is a silver-based stain that demonstrates spirochetes (e.g., Treponema) and Helicobacter pylori as black organisms on a yellow background.

Question 2

Which histochemical stain is used to demonstrate calcium deposits in tissue?

Accepted Answer

Von Kossa stain

Answer

Von Kossa stain reacts phosphates and carbonates associated with calcium deposits, turning them black-brown.

Question 3

What does Oil Red O stain identify in tissue sections?

Accepted Answer

Neutral lipids and triglycerides

Answer

Oil Red O is a lysochrome dye that stains neutral fats and lipids bright red; it requires frozen sections as lipids are removed during paraffin processing.

Question 4

In the Prussian blue stain, what positive control tissue is typically used?

Accepted Answer

Liver with hemosiderosis or spleen with iron deposits

Answer

Liver or spleen from a case with known hemosiderosis or iron overload serves as a reliable positive control for Perl's Prussian blue stain.

Question 5

Which stain differentiates hyaline cartilage from fibrocartilage in musculoskeletal histology?

Accepted Answer

Safranin O/Fast Green

Answer

Safranin O stains proteoglycans (found in hyaline cartilage matrix) red-orange, while fibrocartilage with less proteoglycan appears green with Fast Green counterstain.

ASCP - Histotechnician Test Practice Test

ASCP - Histotechnician Test Practice Test

ASCP Special Stains and Histochemistry 3