10 free, exam-style ASCP BOC Histotechnician (HT) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free HT practice test to study every exam domain.
A frozen section is requested to demonstrate fat within a tissue specimen. Which combination of techniques is required to obtain a valid result?
Correct answer: A - Cryostat sectioning of unprocessed tissue, then an Oil Red O stain
A pathologist suspects amyloid in a renal biopsy and asks for confirmation. A Congo red stain is performed. Which finding confirms the presence of amyloid?
Correct answer: B - Apple-green birefringence under polarized light
A Harris hematoxylin is used in a regressive H&E protocol. Which step is ESSENTIAL to a regressive method but NOT required when using a progressive hematoxylin such as Mayer's?
Correct answer: C - Differentiation in acid alcohol
A gastric biopsy is submitted to rule out Helicobacter pylori infection. Which special stain is the MOST appropriate to demonstrate this organism?
Correct answer: D - Warthin-Starry
A specimen fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin shows brown-black granular pigment scattered throughout the tissue, heaviest where blood is abundant. What is the MOST likely cause and the correct removal method?
Correct answer: A - Formalin pigment; remove with alcoholic picric acid
Tissue is being fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for routine paraffin sections. Which set of conditions provides the MOST appropriate fixation?
Correct answer: C - Sections about 4 mm thick with a 10:1 ratio of fixative to tissue
While sectioning a paraffin block on a rotary microtome, the technician observes alternating thick and thin sections (chatter) in the ribbon. Which corrective action addresses the MOST common cause?
Correct answer: A - Tighten the block holder and knife to eliminate vibration
A renal biopsy is received with a request to evaluate glomerular basement membranes in fine detail. Compared with a routine 4-5 micron section, how should the sections be cut?
Correct answer: C - Thinner, at approximately 2 microns
A batch of processed blocks is soft, crumbly, and difficult to section, and the tissue appears poorly infiltrated with paraffin. Which processing error is the MOST likely cause?
Correct answer: D - Incomplete dehydration leaving water in the tissue
Under the OSHA formaldehyde standard (29 CFR 1910.1048), what is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)?
Correct answer: B - 0.75 ppm
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