American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnologist Practice Test

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Study for the ASCP Histotechnologist Test. Review with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam!

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Which solution potentially substitutes mercury in histopathology?

EDTA
Formaldehyde
Zinc salts
Glyoxal

The correct answer is: Zinc salts

In histopathology, zinc salts can serve as a substitute for mercury in tissue fixation. Mercury-based fixatives, while effective for preserving tissue morphology, pose significant health and environmental risks due to mercury's toxicity. Zinc salts, such as zinc sulfate or zinc chloride, are less hazardous alternatives that maintain good tissue preservation and morphology. They also help to enhance nuclear detail, which is important for various histological examinations. Zinc fixatives act by precipitating proteins in a manner similar to mercury, without the associated dangers. This makes zinc salts a preferred option among pathologists looking to minimize health risks while maintaining high-quality tissue preservation. Other substances mentioned, such as EDTA, formaldehyde, and glyoxal, may be used in different contexts within histopathology but do not serve as direct substitutes for mercury. For example, formaldehyde is a commonly used fixative due to its effective tissue penetration and preservation qualities, but it does not have the same properties or performance as zinc salts in substituting mercury directly.