What is the appropriate temperature for using a hot plate to dry slides?

Using a hot plate to dry slides is most appropriately done at temperatures ranging from 45 to 55 degrees Celsius. This temperature range provides effective drying while minimizing the risk of damaging the slides or affecting the integrity of the tissue samples. At this temperature, moisture evaporates efficiently without causing potential artifacts or overheating of sensitive biological materials.

Maintaining the temperature within this range also aligns with optimal conditions for fixing and staining processes, making it advisable for routine histopathologic procedures. If the temperature is set lower, as in the other options, it might not dry the slides adequately, leading to longer processing times and potential contamination risks. Conversely, higher temperatures could pose a risk to the samples, potentially resulting in degradation or loss of cellular structures that are critical for accurate diagnosis. Thus, the selected answer reflects the safe and effective use of a hot plate in histopathologic techniques.