American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

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Which section thickness is standard for routine histological sections?

2-3 micrometers

4-5 micrometers

The standard section thickness for routine histological sections is typically around 4 to 5 micrometers. This thickness strikes a balance that allows for adequate cellular detail and morphology while ensuring that the sections are not so thick that they obscure features or make the staining process less effective. When sections are cut within this range, they provide enough cellular context for pathologists to make diagnoses while still allowing for the penetration of reagents during processing and staining.

Thinner sections may not provide enough cellular detail, while thicker sections can lead to overlapping structures and exacerbate difficulty in interpretation. Thus, the 4 to 5 micrometer range is widely accepted as optimal for achieving clear views of tissue architecture and cellular characteristics in a variety of staining techniques used in histopathology.

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6-7 micrometers

8-10 micrometers

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