Histology Decalcification Process

A weak organic acid used for decalcification in histology.

Material that moves calcium into decalcifying solution, forming soluble calcium salts.

The procedure to remove calcium from specimens after fixation and before embedding.

Elements that influence the quality of tissue decalcification, like fixation and specimen quality.

Usually does not require decalcification unless calcified areas are present.

The process of removing calcium ions from bone or calcified tissue to soften it for cutting.

Substances used to remove calcium from tissues, facilitating section cutting.

Three main types: strong mineral acids, weak organic acids, chelating agents.

Powerful acids like nitric and hydrochloric acid, used for aggressive decalcification.

Milder acids like formic acid and trichloroacetic acid, used for softer decalcification.

Compounds that bind to calcium ions, helping in their removal without strong acids.

To enable normal cutting of tissue sections and preserve anatomical detail.

Select an agent capable of efficiently removing calcium salts, affordable and available.

EDTA disodium salt (250g) dissolved in distilled water, pH=7.0.

Facilitates nuclear staining and requires no washing out after use.

Inactivates alkaline phosphatase activity unless magnesium chloride is added.

Takes 4 to 8 days for effective decalcification.

Solution of chromic acid (15mL), osmium tetroxide (4mL), and glacial acetic acid (1mL).

Serves as both a fixative and a decalcifying agent for bone spicules.

A strong acid used for tissue decalcification with advantages and disadvantages.

Specimens could remain in solution for 1-14 days, slowing the process.

Degree of decalcification can be assessed physically or through X-ray methods.

The time required to decalcify tissue, typically 12 - 24 hours with hydrochloric acid.

Includes minimum distortion, good nuclear staining, and easy removal by alcohol.

Imparts yellow color and can damage tissue enzymes; prolonged use leads to distortion.

A decalcifying solution made of NaCl, HCl, and distilled water, useful in rapid staining.

A decalcifying solution mixing nitric acid and formaldehyde, taking 1 - 3 days to decalcify tissues.

Refers to Formol-Nitric Acid, which decalcifies at a moderate speed compared to others.

A technique helped by Von Ebner's Fluid, used to analyze cells from tissues.

A process using electric fields to move charged particles, like calcium ions, from a decalcifying solution.

A corrosive and carcinogenic chemical hazardous to skin and mucous membranes.

Higher concentration of acid increases the decalcification rate but harms tissues.

A reliable method to test calcium in solutions via precipitation of calcium salts.

Good histology details may be lost during the decalcification process due to chemical effects.

The process of removing acid from tissue after decalcification, typically using alcohols or buffers.

The recommended ratio of decalcifying solution to tissue, ideally 20:1, to ensure effective decalcification.

Suspending tissue in decalcifying solution allows better access for fluids, making decalcification faster.

The size of the tissue specimen inversely affects the rate of decalcification; larger specimens take longer.

Higher concentrations of decalcifying solutions accelerate the decalcification process.

It's crucial to rinse decalcified tissues with tap water to remove any remaining acid quickly.

Enhancing tissue exposure to the decalcifying solution can help expedite decalcification.