Chrome pigment can be prevented by washing the tissue with water following fixation.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not enough information
• D. Always

Answer: (A)

Chrome pigment is an artifact that can form when tissue retains chromium from fixatives containing chromic salts. If residual chromium salts remain after fixation, they can react during processing and appear as brown to black granules that may mimic pigment like melanin. Thoroughly washing the tissue with water after fixation removes these chromium residues, preventing the formation of chrome pigment during dehydration and staining. Therefore, washing after fixation can prevent chrome pigment.