American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnologist Practice Test

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Prepare for the ASCP Histotechnologist Test. Study with focused flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Arm yourself for success in your exam!

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What is the role of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in histotechnology?

It is a primary fixative
It decalcifies tissues by binding calcium ions
It serves as a clearing agent
It aids in embedding tissue specimens

The correct answer is: It decalcifies tissues by binding calcium ions

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, commonly referred to as EDTA, plays a crucial role in histotechnology primarily as a decalcifying agent. In the context of histology, decalcification is necessary when dealing with calcified tissues, such as bone, to facilitate the preparation of specimens for sectioning. EDTA functions by chelating calcium ions; it binds to these ions and effectively removes calcium from the tissue. This process softens the tissue and makes it amenable to further processing techniques like embedding and sectioning. The use of EDTA is particularly favorable because it does so without causing significant tissue distortion or damage, which is essential for maintaining histological integrity. This characteristic makes EDTA a preferred choice in laboratories when decalcifying tissue samples compared to other more aggressive decalcifying agents that may compromise cellular detail. In summary, EDTA's ability to bind calcium ions makes it an effective tool for decalcifying tissues in histotechnology, facilitating accurate tissue analysis and diagnosis.