TEST methods of sampling and staining

Question 1

What are the primary safety features involved in microtomy operation?

Answer 1

proper blade angle adjustment, ensuring the clamping mechanism is tight, and maintaining the clearance angle
+ PPE - personal protective equiptment

Question 2

What are the potential artifacts that can occur due to sectioning at too great a speed?

Answer 2

fine cracks
micro-chatter

Question 3

Explain the role of hematoxylin in histological staining.

Answer 3

purple/blue color to the nuclei

Question 4

How does the differentiation process work in histological staining?

Answer 4

acidic solutions remove excess background staining, particularly in regressive staining techniques.
Strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid in alcohol, are commonly used for this purpose.

Over differentiation can lead to the removal of desired staining from the nuclei, affecting the clarity of the histological slides.

Question 5

what can over-differentiation do?

Answer 5

removal of desired staining from the nuclei

Question 6

What are the bluing agents used in histological staining, and how do they function?

Answer 6

Bluing agents such as:
tap water,
Scott’s tap water,
ammonia water,
lithium carbonate,
and buffered solutions

adjust the pH of solution, stabilising the haematoxylin and so converting the nuclear coloration from reddish purple to blue/purple

Question 7

Describe the staining process involving eosin in histology.