OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

Which structures stain a deep greenish blue in the Pap stain?

1. Nuclei

2. Cytoplasm of mature cells

3. Cytoplasm of immature cells

4. Red blood cells

The correct answer is: Cytoplasm of immature cells

In the context of the Pap stain, structures that stain a deep greenish blue are typically associated with the cytoplasm of immature cells. This staining characteristic is vital in cytopathology, as it assists in differentiating various cell types and their maturation stages. The Pap stain is specifically designed to highlight abnormalities in cellular morphology, and the deep greenish blue color indicates a particular chemical composition and state of development in these immature cells. The rich staining signifies the presence of keratinized or dysplastic changes that might be present in precancerous conditions, making it easier for pathologists to identify areas of interest during a cytological examination. Mature cells have a different staining profile, often showing a more uniform and less intense color, which helps distinguish them from immature cells. Additionally, red blood cells and nuclei typically do not exhibit the specific deep greenish blue stain seen in immature cell cytoplasm, as they are stained differently depending on their protein composition and structural characteristics.