Raising the formalin pH to above which value helps prevent brown formalin pigment on H&E sections?

Prepare for the Histotechnologist Certification Exam with our comprehensive study material. Use flashcards, detailed explanations, and intuitive multiple-choice questions. Boost your test readiness and achieve certification success!

Multiple Choice

Raising the formalin pH to above which value helps prevent brown formalin pigment on H&E sections?

Explanation:
Formalin pigment forms when the fixative is acidic. Under acidic conditions, formaldehyde can decompose and react with tissue components to produce a brown pigment that can appear on H&E sections. Keeping the fixative at a neutral to slightly basic pH slows or stops this pigment formation. Using neutral buffered formalin, which is around pH 7, is standard practice to prevent the pigment. Therefore, raising the pH to above 6.0 prevents the brown formalin pigment, with the ideal aiming around pH 7.0.

Formalin pigment forms when the fixative is acidic. Under acidic conditions, formaldehyde can decompose and react with tissue components to produce a brown pigment that can appear on H&E sections. Keeping the fixative at a neutral to slightly basic pH slows or stops this pigment formation. Using neutral buffered formalin, which is around pH 7, is standard practice to prevent the pigment. Therefore, raising the pH to above 6.0 prevents the brown formalin pigment, with the ideal aiming around pH 7.0.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy