Module 9: Mineral Staining

Question 1

Hemosiderin is normally found in small amounts in what organs?

Answer 1

Liver, spleen, bone marrow

Question 2

What type of stain can Prussian blue be classified as?

Answer 2

Histochemical

Question 3

To prepare the reagent used to demonstrate hemosiderin in the Prussian blue stain, what two things need to be added in equal parts?

Answer 3

HCl, potassium ferrocyanide

Question 4

Two conditions where demonstrating hemosiderin may aid in diagnosis

Answer 4

Hemosiderosis (liver storage disease and cirrhosis), hemochromatosis

Question 5

Four potential sources or iron contamination which could result in false positive staining by Prussian blue

Answer 5

Tap water, metal containers or forceps, HCl, glassware

Question 6

Expected results after Prussian blue staining

Answer 6

Hemosiderin - blue

Nuclei and background - red

Question 7

By what mode is calcium demonstrated using Alizarin Red S?

Answer 7

Formation of a chelation complex

Question 8

What staining mechanism is used when demonstrating calcium by the Von Kossa technique?

Answer 8

Metallic substitution

Question 9

What is used in the Von Kossa technique to reduce the silver ions?

Answer 9

Strong light

Question 10

What reagent is used to provide silver ions in the Von Kossa method?

Answer 10

Silver nitrate

Question 11

Expected results for the Von Kossa method

Answer 11

Mineralized bone and calcium deposits - black

Other tissue - red