Which of the following describes potassium dichromate as a fixative?

Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Potassium dichromate works as an additive, acid-fixed reagent. The chromium in chromic acid binds to tissue components and adds to the tissue mass, helping to preserve structure beyond what simple precipitation would do. This makes it an additive fixative rather than a purely coagulating or solvent-based one. Because chromic acid is strongly acidic, the fixation process is highly pH-dependent; maintaining an acidic environment is essential for optimal fixation and staining outcomes. It’s considered tolerant across a range of tissue types, which is why it’s described this way. It does not stain or preserve lipids—that role is associated with osmium-containing fixatives—so that option isn’t applicable.