Certification Examination Practice

Illinois Histology Technician Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of fixation in histology?
• To remove lipids
• To enhance staining
• To preserve tissue structure
• To dehydrate tissue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fixation stabilizes proteins and prevents autolysis, preserving

tissue morphology for microscopic study.

• Which fixative is most commonly used in routine histopathology? 1 / 4

• Bouin solution
• Zenker solution
• Acetone
• 10% neutral buffered formalin

Rationale: NBF is the standard fixative due to penetration, stability, and

compatibility with most stains.

3. Formalin pigment can be removed using:

• Methanol
• Picric acid
• Acetic acid
• Ammonia

Rationale: Picric acid dissolves acid hematin (formalin pigment).

• What is the recommended thickness for routine paraffin tissue sections?
• 2 µm
• 4–6 µm
• 3–5 µm
• 10 µm

Rationale: Most diagnostic sections are cut at 3–5 µm to show optimal

structural detail.

• / 4

5. A tissue processor primarily performs:

• Fixation
• Dehydration, clearing, and infiltration
• Decalcification
• Staining

Rationale: Automatic processors perform alcohol dehydration, xylene

clearing, and paraffin infiltration.

• Which reagent is used for dehydration during processing?
• Xylene
• Paraffin
• Ethanol
• Distilled water

Rationale: Alcohols remove water before clearing.

7. Xylene is primarily used during processing for:

• Fixation
• Embedding
• Clearing
• Decalcification

Rationale: Clearing replaces alcohol and prepares tissue for paraffin

infiltration. 3 / 4

8. Paraffin embedding must occur at approximately:

A. 20°C

B. 37°C

C. 56–60°C

D. 80°C

Rationale: Paraffin must be melted but not overheated to avoid tissue

damage.

9. The microtome part that holds the knife is the:

• Clamp plate
• Knife holder
• Chuck
• Block stage

Rationale: The knife holder secures the blade for sectioning.

10. Wrinkled sections in the water bath occur due to:

• Too cold water
• Water bath too hot
• Dull knife
• Hard tissue

Rationale: Excess heat expands paraffin unevenly, creating wrinkles.

• / 4