Quiz on Staining Techniques

What is the purpose of heat-fixing the smear? (State two reasons.)

Which part of the specimen (cell or background) is stained in a Simple Stain?

Explain why the cell is stained in a Simple Stain.

Would you have gotten the same result if you used an anionic (- charged) stain?

• True

• False

Explain the rationale for your answer about using an anionic (- charged) stain.

Do you obtain an accurate estimate of cell size with a simple stain?

• True

• False

Explain the rationale for your answer about obtaining an accurate estimate of cell size with a simple stain.

What is the purpose of heat-fixing the smear?

Explain the appearance (color) of the cells at each step.

For which step is the timing most critical? Why?