Cytopathology Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge of Cell Pathology

Question 1

In cytopathology, which technique is crucial for maintaining both cell structure and biochemical integrity?

Accepted Answer

Cell Fixation

Answer

Cell Division

Answer

Cell Staining

Question 2

Which technique is NOT commonly used in cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

Blood smear

Answer

Fine-needle aspiration

Answer

Pap smear

Answer

Sputum cytology

Question 3

The Papanicolaou (Pap) test is primarily used to screen for which type of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Cervical cancer

Answer

Ovarian cancer

Answer

Breast cancer

Answer

Prostate cancer

Question 4

Which cell type is commonly observed in reactive cytology?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation

Answer

Atypia

Answer

Dysplasia

Answer

Metaplasia

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of the Bethesda System in cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

To standardize the reporting of cervical cytology results

Answer

To grade thyroid cytology results

Answer

To classify lung cytology results

Answer

To stage bladder cytology results

Question 6

What is the primary responsibility of a cytopathologist?

Accepted Answer

To examine cells and tissues for microscopic abnormalities

Answer

To perform biopsies and other diagnostic procedures

Answer

To interpret laboratory results

Answer

To provide direct patient care

Question 7

Which technique is NOT employed in cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

Western blotting

Answer

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy

Answer

Exfoliative cytology

Answer

Immunocytochemistry

Question 8

In cytopathology, which staining method visualizes nuclear DNA?

Accepted Answer

Hematoxylin and eosin stain

Answer

Papanicolaou stain

Answer

Wright-Giemsa stain

Answer

Periodic acid-Schiff stain

Question 9

How do cytomorphological features assist in distinguishing neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions in cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

They differentiate neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions based on cellular abnormalities and structural disorganization.

Answer

They are only useful for diagnosing neoplastic lesions, as non-neoplastic lesions lack distinctive cellular changes.

Answer

They are subjective and unreliable for disease diagnosis.

Answer

They are only useful for diagnosing infectious diseases.

Question 10

Which of the following is a specimen type NOT commonly used in cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

Blood

Answer

Fine needle aspiration

Answer

Sputum

Answer

Ultrasound-guided biopsy

Question 11

What is the primary stain used in Papanicolaou (Pap) testing?

Accepted Answer

Papanicolaou stain

Answer

Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)

Answer

Wright-Giemsa stain

Answer

Oil Red O stain

Question 12

What is the primary purpose of the Bethesda System in cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

Classifying cervical cytological findings

Answer

Performing quality control in cytopathology laboratories

Answer

Grading prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)

Answer

Interpreting fine-needle aspiration results

Question 13

Which technique is primarily used to separate cells from a specimen for cytopathological examination?

Accepted Answer

Cytocentrifugation

Answer

Centrifugation

Answer

Filtration

Answer

Microscopy

Question 14

What is the term for a cytopathological finding that suggests a malignant process but requires further evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Atypical cells of undetermined significance (ACUS)

Answer

Benign

Answer

Malignant

Answer

Suspicious for malignancy

Question 15

In conventional cytopathology, what is the primary staining method utilized?

Accepted Answer

Papanicolaou (Pap) stain

Answer

Sudan IV stain

Answer

Wright-Giemsa stain

Answer

Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain

Question 16

What term describes a collection of abnormal cells found in a cytopathological specimen?

Accepted Answer

Atypical cluster of cells

Answer

Hyperplasia

Answer

Carcinoma in situ

Answer

Dysplasia

Question 17

Which system is employed for categorizing cervical cytological findings?

Accepted Answer

Bethesda System

Answer

Glasgow System

Answer

Paris System

Question 18

What is the term for the process of meticulously examining cytopathological slides under a microscope?

Accepted Answer

Microscopy

Answer

Cytology

Answer

Histopathology

Answer

Image analysis

Question 19

Which of the following techniques is not employed in cytopathology to prepare cells for examination?

Accepted Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Answer

Papanicolaou staining

Answer

Cytocentrifugation

Answer

Fine needle aspiration biopsy

Question 20

A patient presents with a concerning nodule in their thyroid. Which cytopathology technique would be most appropriate for obtaining a precise diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Fine needle aspiration biopsy

Answer

Bronchoalveolar lavage

Answer

Cervical cytology

Answer

Urine cytology

Question 21

What is the primary objective of cervical cytology?

Accepted Answer

Early detection of cervical cancer

Answer

Monitoring of bacterial pneumonia

Answer

Assessment of liver function

Answer

Diagnosis of urinary tract infections

Question 22

Which of the following cellular characteristics is not typically associated with malignancy in cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

Increased cytoplasm-to-nucleus ratio

Answer

Hyperchromasia

Answer

Abnormal mitotic figures

Answer

Nuclear pleomorphism

Question 23

Which statement accurately describes the role of a cytopathologist?

Accepted Answer

They analyze cells from various sources to diagnose and characterize diseases.

Answer

They develop new drugs for treating cancer.

Answer

They perform surgical procedures to remove tissue samples.

Question 24

What is the main advantage of utilizing cytocentrifugation in cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

Concentrating cells for improved visualization and analysis

Answer

Removing cellular debris for enhanced diagnostic accuracy

Answer

Preserving cellular DNA for potential genetic analysis

Answer

Enhancing cellular staining for more precise microscopic examination

Question 25

A Pap smear is a type of:

Accepted Answer

Cervical cytology

Answer

Bronchoalveolar lavage

Answer

Fine needle aspiration biopsy

Answer

Urine cytology

Question 26

What is the significance of identifying atypical cells in a cytopathology report?

Accepted Answer

It suggests potential for malignancy, requiring further investigation.

Answer

It implies a viral infection that will resolve on its own.

Answer

It indicates a benign condition that does not require treatment.

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

It provides a definitive diagnosis in all cases.

Answer

It may miss small or subtle abnormalities.

Answer

It can be affected by the quality of the sample.

Answer

It is not always a substitute for tissue biopsy.

Question 28

What is the role of immunocytochemistry in cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

To identify specific cellular markers for diagnosis and prognosis.

Answer

To measure the size and shape of cells.

Answer

To determine the genetic makeup of cells.