What is a potential risk of using excessively high temperatures during staining?

Using excessively high temperatures during staining can lead to the formation of artifacts, which are misleading structures or patterns that can obscure the true morphology of the tissue being examined. High temperatures may cause denaturation of proteins or damage cellular structures, leading to changes in staining characteristics and resulting in inaccurate diagnostic interpretations.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the implications of high-temperature staining. Improvements in resolution or intensified color retention are typically achieved through optimal temperature, not excessive heat. Additionally, increased temperatures can negatively impact cell viability, particularly during the preparation stages, rather than enhance it. Thus, the formation of artifacts is a significant concern that highlights the importance of adhering to recommended protocols for staining procedures.