Histology Special Stains Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of fixation in histotechnology?

To kill the tissue

To prevent enzyme attack

To increase tissue volume

To alter tissue by stabilizing the protein (correct)

Which type of fixation involves the use of fixative reagents like 10% Neutral buffered formalin (NBF)?

Physical fixation

Osmium tetroxide fixation

Heat fixation

Chemical fixation (correct)

What is autolysis in histotechnology?

Physical fixation method

Prevention of enzyme attack

Enzyme attack on tissues (correct)

Increase in tissue volume

Which fixative is most commonly used in histotechnology?

Formaldehyde Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if tissues are not fixed promptly to prevent autolysis?

Formation of black acid hematin pigment Signup and view all the answers

What should be maintained to prevent the formation of formalin pigment during fixation?

pH levels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following stains is used to demonstrate the presence of argyrophil (silver-loving) granules in neurosecretory tumors?

Grimelius Stain Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Fontana-Masson stain in histology?

To demonstrate the presence of melanin and other argentaffin substances Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the automated staining process described for the Multistainer with CV5030 Glass Coverslipper and TS5025 Transfer Station?

Manually apply coverslips to each slide Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the HistoCore PEGASUS Tissue Processor?

To process and embed tissue samples in paraffin wax Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the barcodes used on slides and cassettes in the automated system?

To provide information about the fixative used Signup and view all the answers

Which stain is used to demonstrate the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease?

Bielschowsky stain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between progressive and regressive staining techniques?

The presence or absence of a differentiation phase using alcohol Signup and view all the answers

Which stain is used for the detection of Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy?

Fite acid-fast stain Signup and view all the answers

Which stain is used for the identification of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with gastric ulcers?

Giemsa stain Signup and view all the answers

Which stain is used for the demonstration of fungal organisms in tissue samples?

Methenamine-silver nitrate Signup and view all the answers

Which stain is used for the demonstration of spirochetes, a group of spiral-shaped bacteria?

Warthin-Starry stain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fixation

Alters tissue by stabilizing protein, making it resistant to further changes
Can occur physically or chemically using fixative reagents or heat
Autolysis is a common problem, especially in tissues rich in enzymes, and should be prevented by fixing tissues as soon as possible
Two factors to consider:
Size: tissues should not be more than 3 mm thick, and 1 mm for osmium tetroxide
Volume ratio: 15-20 times greater than the tissue volume

Fixatives

Formaldehyde: most commonly used fixative, may produce a pigment, and maintenance of pH, appropriate volume ratio, and removal techniques can prevent it
Prussian blue: detects Ferric ion in tissues
Fontana-Masson: demonstrates argentaffin substances such as melanin
Grimelius Stain: demonstrates argyrophil (silver-loving) granules in neurosecretory tumors

Automation

Barcode labeling on slides and cassettes
Multistainer with CV5030 Glass Coverslipper and TS5025 Transfer Station: automated staining and coverslip process
HistoCore PEGASUS Tissue Processor: can hold up to 200 cassettes and takes pictures

Stains

Mayer Mucicarmine: useful for demonstrating Cryptococcus neoformans
Alcian blue: used for acid mucopolysaccharides (pH 2.5) and sulfated mucosubstances (pH 1.0)
Congo red: demonstrates amyloid in tissues with green birefringence under a polarized microscope
Masson Trichrome Stain: differentiates between collagen and smooth muscle
Sudan black B: most sensitive of all lipid dyes
Bielschowsky stain: demonstrates neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease
Cajal stain: demonstrates astrocytes (now replaced by immunohistochemical techniques)

Embedding

Also referred to as casting or blocking
Specimen orientation is the most critical step in embedding

Staining

Progressive vs Regressive staining: differentiated by the differentiation phase, where regressive stain uses an alcohol solvent

Microorganisms

Acid-fast stain: Ziehl-Neelsen (hot method) and Kinyoun (cold method) for detection of Mycobacterium
Fite acid-fast stain: detection of Mycobacterium leprae
Giemsa Stain: identification of Helicobacter pylori
Methenamine-Silver Nitrate: demonstration of fungal organisms
Warthin-Starry: demonstration of spirochetes

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Description

Test your knowledge on special stains used in histology for demonstrating specific tissue components like Cryptococcus neoformans, acid mucopolysaccharides, sulfated mucosubstances, amyloid, collagen, and smooth muscle. Learn about techniques like Mayer Mucicarmine, Alcian blue, Congo red, and Masson Trichrome Stain.

Special Stains in Histology

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