Embedding Quiz

Question 1

At what point is orienting a specimen for embedding be decided?
a) Fixation
b) Grossing
c) Processing
d) Surgical removal

Answer 1

b) Grossing

Question 2

Specimens, received in the histology lab, are categorized into small and large.
Which specimen is the best example of a large specimen?
a) Appendix
b) Gallbladder
c) Products of conception
d) Breast lump with lymph nodes

Answer 2

d) Breast lump with lymph nodes

Question 3

Embedding artifacts include the following, except:
a) Banding
b) Floating
c) Wax stratification
d) Tissue not centered

Answer 3

a) Banding

Question 4

During the embedding process, at what temperature is the wax reservoir kept?
a) 10 degrees above the melting point of the wax
b) 10 degrees below the melting point of the wax
c) 2 degrees above the melting point of the wax
d) 2 degrees below the melting point of the wax

Answer 4

c) 2 degrees above the melting point of the wax

Question 5

Which orientation is a cylindrical shaped tissue embedded?
a) Flat
b) On edge
c) On end
d) Parallel

Answer 5

c) On end

Question 6

When embedding with epithelial surfaces, multiple skin sections must face which direction?
a) One direction
b) Two directions
c) Several directions
d) Any direction

Answer 6

a) One direction

Question 7

Which part is not included in an embedding center?
a) Wax reservoir
b) Forceps warmer
c) Cold plate
d) Alcohol dispensing nozzle

Answer 7

d) Alcohol dispensing nozzle

Question 8

What is the purpose of marking specimens during the Gross?

Answer 8

The purpose of marking specimens during the gross is to ensure that the tissue is
properly oriented and/or that margins of resection are identified in the tissue block.

Question 9

Which process must be done with a tissue to prevent wax stratification during
embedding?
a) Heated directly on a hot plate
b) Embedded several times
c) Handled slowly
d) Embedded quickly and neatly

Answer 9

d) Embedded quickly and neatly

Question 10

How do you describe the way the pathologist might cut an appendix or fallopian tube
during gross and how would you embed it?

Answer 10

The appendix and fallopian tube are both tubular organs. The pathologist will make
many cross-sectional slices along the length of the specimen. This exposes the hollow
lumen, which has an epithelial lining. These 2-3 mm thick cross-sections will need to
be placed down flat in the mould so that the lumen is visible. Often, a longitudinal cut
is made at the tip of the appendix to reveal the epithelial cells at this end in a different
plane. This piece, usually about 1 cm in length, should be embedded with its ‘hollow’
cut surface placed down in the mould.