Histopathology and Cytology questions for the SLLE lab exam.
This section covers fixation, tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, routine and special staining, frozen sections and the preparation of cytology specimens. Candidates for the SLLE should understand the purpose and chemistry of each step and be able to troubleshoot common technical problems in histology and cytology preparations.
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449
histopathology and cytology practice questions
- 5%
- of the exam
- 8
- subtopics
- Oct 2026
- updated
Inside this topic.
The subtopics our histopathology and cytology questions cover.
- Special Stains
- Staining
- Microtomy
- Processing
- Fixation
- Techniques
- IHC
- Morphology
Key facts to remember.
High-yield histopathology and cytology points to revise before the exam.
- 1
Bone decalcification can use strong acids (fast but harmful to staining), weak acids such as formic acid, or EDTA (slow but best for morphology and molecular work).
- 2
Frozen sections are cut in a cryostat, typically at about -15°C to -25°C depending on the tissue, to provide a rapid intraoperative diagnosis.
- 3
Routine paraffin sections are usually cut at about 3-5 micrometers on a rotary microtome.
- 4
Alcian blue at pH 2.5 stains acidic mucins blue and is often combined with PAS to distinguish acidic from neutral mucins.
- 5
Liquid-based cytology suspends cells in a preservative fluid, reducing obscuring blood and debris and allowing HPV testing on the same sample.
Sample questions with answers.
10 practice questions for the SLLE Laboratory Technologist & Technician Licensing Exam - Saudi Arabia (Histopathology and Cytology). Pick an answer to see if you're right, with a full explanation.
Question 1
Congo red stain is primarily used to detect:
Question 2
The MOST critical QC step before reporting histopathology slides is:
Question 3
A histology specimen shows granulomatous inflammation. What is the next step?
Question 4
Which fixative is classically used for testicular tissue?
Question 5
“Owl-eye” cells are most classically associated with:
Question 6
The PRIMARY principle of immunohistochemistry is:
Question 7
(Image: Histology slide with “crush artifact”)Which error MOST likely produced this appearance?
Question 8
Which fixative is MOST appropriate for cytological specimens?
Question 9
The PRIMARY purpose of clearing is to:
Question 10
The SAFEST method to reduce formaldehyde exposure is:
Other topics in this exam.
Questions, answered
Learn the main fixatives with their components and best uses: neutral buffered formalin for routine work, alcohol-based fixatives for cytology smears, glutaraldehyde for electron microscopy and Bouin's solution for some biopsies and trichrome staining. Understand the difference between cross-linking fixatives such as formalin and coagulant fixatives such as alcohols. Also know that delayed or inadequate fixation affects both morphology and immunohistochemistry.
Alternating thick and thin sections often result from a loose block or blade or an incorrect clearance angle. Holes or crumbling can follow poor processing or over-dehydration, and scratches or splits along the ribbon suggest a nicked blade or hard particles in the tissue. Linking each artifact to its cause is the most reliable way to answer troubleshooting questions.
Ready to practise histopathology and cytology?
All 449 histopathology and cytology questions, with explanations and a readiness score for this topic.