Histology – OSMT Exam Questions
and Answers 100% Pass
what is the workflow for histology (7) - ✔✔1) specimen collection
2) grossing
3) fixation
4) processing
5) embedding
6) microtomy
7) routine staining
how are specimens received? - ✔✔they are removed from the body and sent to
receiving area of the lab
-in specimen container
-if the specimen is sent fresh and no fixed they are in saline or saline gauze
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,characteristics of a specimen container (5) - ✔✔-leak proof, screw cap lid
-fixative or saline inside
-wide mouth
-WHMIS label
-patient id label
what is on a specimen container label have on it (7) - ✔✔-pt name
-DOB
-hospital #
-collection date
-specimen type
-ordering doctor
-whmis or ghs label
what should the req match - ✔✔the specimen container and specimen type
do all the forms for a specimen type being received in the lab have to match ? - ✔✔yes
all forms, container and req must match
where do tissue reception come from - ✔✔comes from operating room ,ER, doctor office
and clinics
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,what is each specimen given thats unique when its being recieved into the lab -
✔✔given an unique assesion #
each specimen is checked to make sure it all confirms
what would be an example of an unique assesion number for a specimen coming from
autopsy - ✔✔A2018-3
what are specimens called in order to remove it , it has to be done by surgery -
✔✔irretrievable specimen
what is grossing - ✔✔looking at the sample in greater detail
-examining and describing
what are the 7 key components in grossing - ✔✔1) # of pieces
2) size
3) weight
4) colour
5) texture/consistency
6) cut surface
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, 7) what is being submitted for work up
what are block sections - ✔✔sections that are cut from the tissue that are being
examined for interest
what is the thickness of an ideal block section - ✔✔3-4 mm thick
where are block sections placed into - ✔✔cassettes
what are some specimens (objects) that are not processed - ✔✔bullets, implants,
impaled objects
what is fixation - ✔✔to examine tissue thoroughly to harden and preserve
what is the aim of fixation - ✔✔to preserve the tissue in a lifelike manner
what the key of fixation - ✔✔stabilize proteins
what is the goal of fixation - ✔✔to prevent putrefaction which is the destruction of cells
by bacterial pathogens or normal flora
what are the effects of fixation (4) - ✔✔1) hardens tissue
2) makes tissue easier to work with
3) protects tissue from hard chemicals
4) enhances staining by making the tissue more receptive to dyes
what happens if the tissue over hardens - ✔✔the tissue shrinks and becomes brittle
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and Answers 100% Pass
what is the workflow for histology (7) - ✔✔1) specimen collection
2) grossing
3) fixation
4) processing
5) embedding
6) microtomy
7) routine staining
how are specimens received? - ✔✔they are removed from the body and sent to
receiving area of the lab
-in specimen container
-if the specimen is sent fresh and no fixed they are in saline or saline gauze
100% Pass Guarantee Sophia Bennett, All Rights Reserved © 2025 1
,characteristics of a specimen container (5) - ✔✔-leak proof, screw cap lid
-fixative or saline inside
-wide mouth
-WHMIS label
-patient id label
what is on a specimen container label have on it (7) - ✔✔-pt name
-DOB
-hospital #
-collection date
-specimen type
-ordering doctor
-whmis or ghs label
what should the req match - ✔✔the specimen container and specimen type
do all the forms for a specimen type being received in the lab have to match ? - ✔✔yes
all forms, container and req must match
where do tissue reception come from - ✔✔comes from operating room ,ER, doctor office
and clinics
100% Pass Guarantee Sophia Bennett, All Rights Reserved © 2025 2
,what is each specimen given thats unique when its being recieved into the lab -
✔✔given an unique assesion #
each specimen is checked to make sure it all confirms
what would be an example of an unique assesion number for a specimen coming from
autopsy - ✔✔A2018-3
what are specimens called in order to remove it , it has to be done by surgery -
✔✔irretrievable specimen
what is grossing - ✔✔looking at the sample in greater detail
-examining and describing
what are the 7 key components in grossing - ✔✔1) # of pieces
2) size
3) weight
4) colour
5) texture/consistency
6) cut surface
100% Pass Guarantee Sophia Bennett, All Rights Reserved © 2025 3
, 7) what is being submitted for work up
what are block sections - ✔✔sections that are cut from the tissue that are being
examined for interest
what is the thickness of an ideal block section - ✔✔3-4 mm thick
where are block sections placed into - ✔✔cassettes
what are some specimens (objects) that are not processed - ✔✔bullets, implants,
impaled objects
what is fixation - ✔✔to examine tissue thoroughly to harden and preserve
what is the aim of fixation - ✔✔to preserve the tissue in a lifelike manner
what the key of fixation - ✔✔stabilize proteins
what is the goal of fixation - ✔✔to prevent putrefaction which is the destruction of cells
by bacterial pathogens or normal flora
what are the effects of fixation (4) - ✔✔1) hardens tissue
2) makes tissue easier to work with
3) protects tissue from hard chemicals
4) enhances staining by making the tissue more receptive to dyes
what happens if the tissue over hardens - ✔✔the tissue shrinks and becomes brittle
100% Pass Guarantee Sophia Bennett, All Rights Reserved © 2025 4
