Histology – OSMT Exam 2026 Questions
and Answers
what is the workflow for histology (7) - Correct answer-1) specimen collection
2) grossing
3) fixation
4) processing
5) embedding
6) microtomy
7) routine staining
how are specimens received? - Correct answer-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
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 1
,characteristics of a specimen container (5) - Correct answer--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) - Correct answer--pt name
-DOB
-hospital #
-collection date
-specimen type
-ordering doctor
-whmis or ghs label
what should the req match - Correct answer-the specimen container and specimen
type
do all the forms for a specimen type being received in the lab have to match ? -
Correct answer-yes all forms, container and req must match
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 2
,where do tissue reception come from - Correct answer-comes from operating room
,ER, doctor office and clinics
what is each specimen given thats unique when its being recieved into the lab -
Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-A2018-3
what are specimens called in order to remove it , it has to be done by surgery -
Correct answer-irretrievable specimen
what is grossing - Correct answer-looking at the sample in greater detail
-examining and describing
what are the 7 key components in grossing - Correct answer-1) # of pieces
2) size
3) weight
4) colour
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 3
, 5) texture/consistency
6) cut surface
7) what is being submitted for work up
what are block sections - Correct answer-sections that are cut from the tissue that
are being examined for interest
what is the thickness of an ideal block section - Correct answer-3-4 mm thick
where are block sections placed into - Correct answer-cassettes
what are some specimens (objects) that are not processed - Correct answer-bullets,
implants, impaled objects
what is fixation - Correct answer-to examine tissue thoroughly to harden and
preserve
what is the aim of fixation - Correct answer-to preserve the tissue in a lifelike
manner
what the key of fixation - Correct answer-stabilize proteins
what is the goal of fixation - Correct answer-to prevent putrefaction which is the
destruction of cells by bacterial pathogens or normal flora
what are the effects of fixation (4) - Correct answer-1) hardens tissue
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 4
and Answers
what is the workflow for histology (7) - Correct answer-1) specimen collection
2) grossing
3) fixation
4) processing
5) embedding
6) microtomy
7) routine staining
how are specimens received? - Correct answer-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
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 1
,characteristics of a specimen container (5) - Correct answer--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) - Correct answer--pt name
-DOB
-hospital #
-collection date
-specimen type
-ordering doctor
-whmis or ghs label
what should the req match - Correct answer-the specimen container and specimen
type
do all the forms for a specimen type being received in the lab have to match ? -
Correct answer-yes all forms, container and req must match
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 2
,where do tissue reception come from - Correct answer-comes from operating room
,ER, doctor office and clinics
what is each specimen given thats unique when its being recieved into the lab -
Correct answer-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 - Correct answer-A2018-3
what are specimens called in order to remove it , it has to be done by surgery -
Correct answer-irretrievable specimen
what is grossing - Correct answer-looking at the sample in greater detail
-examining and describing
what are the 7 key components in grossing - Correct answer-1) # of pieces
2) size
3) weight
4) colour
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 3
, 5) texture/consistency
6) cut surface
7) what is being submitted for work up
what are block sections - Correct answer-sections that are cut from the tissue that
are being examined for interest
what is the thickness of an ideal block section - Correct answer-3-4 mm thick
where are block sections placed into - Correct answer-cassettes
what are some specimens (objects) that are not processed - Correct answer-bullets,
implants, impaled objects
what is fixation - Correct answer-to examine tissue thoroughly to harden and
preserve
what is the aim of fixation - Correct answer-to preserve the tissue in a lifelike
manner
what the key of fixation - Correct answer-stabilize proteins
what is the goal of fixation - Correct answer-to prevent putrefaction which is the
destruction of cells by bacterial pathogens or normal flora
what are the effects of fixation (4) - Correct answer-1) hardens tissue
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVE 4
