Laboratory pathology: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Laboratory pathology

Sample item

Why is tissue fixation used before histological examination?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Preserve tissue architecture and cellular detail

Fixation preserves tissue structure and cellular components, limiting autolysis and decomposition so histological sections can be examined accurately.

Option by option

  • A. Preserve tissue architecture and cellular detail (correct)

    Correct: fixation maintains morphology for microscopy.

  • B. Increase bacterial growth in the sample

    Fixation inhibits rather than promotes decomposition.

  • C. Dissolve all proteins immediately

    It preserves proteins rather than simply dissolving them.

  • D. Replace the need for microscopy

    Microscopy remains necessary to inspect the prepared tissue.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Preserve tissue architecture and cellular detail. Fixation preserves tissue structure and cellular components, limiting autolysis and decomposition so histological sections can be examined accurately.

Why is "Increase bacterial growth in the sample" not the answer?

Fixation inhibits rather than promotes decomposition.

Why is "Dissolve all proteins immediately" not the answer?

It preserves proteins rather than simply dissolving them.

Why is "Replace the need for microscopy" not the answer?

Microscopy remains necessary to inspect the prepared tissue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Laboratory pathology in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: fixation maintains morphology for microscopy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Laboratory pathology?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.