Decalcification Flashcards
Step in tissue processing that involves removal of calcium (e.g. bones, teeth, etc.).
Decalcification
True or False. Decalcification is a routine procedure.
False, not all specimens will undergo decalcification because it is not a routine step
Why is decalcification done?
For specimens with calcium and other salts, they need to undergo decalcification first to soften hard tissues to facilitate easy cutting.
What is the main purpose of decalcification?
Soften hard tissue to facilitate easy cutting
True or False. Calcified tissue may damage disposable blades and microtome knives.
True
What will you do if decalcification is done but the the tissue is still hard?
Use tissue softeners like Molliflex-Pereyni’s
How long does decalcification take to be done?
24 to 48 hours
Temperature range for decalcification (room temperature).
18-30degC
Ratio of decalcifying agent to tissue volume.
20:1
What are the factors that affect decalcification time?
Degree of mineralization, Concentration and volume of the decalcifying agent, Heating & agitation
True or False. If calcium content is high or heavy-mineralized, the process will be shorter.
False, it will be longer
If a specimen is bone from an osteoporotic patient, it will have _________(low/high) calcium content, so the process will be _________ (shorter/longer).
Low; shorter
Increasing the concentration and volume of the decalcifying agent, the __________(shorter/longer) the decalcification time.
Longer
The ratio of decalcifying agent to tissue is ______.
20:1
Heating and agitation _______ (accelerates/ retards) the process.
Accelerates
Temperature required when performing decalcification.
18-30 degrees Celsius (room temperature)
True or False. Decalcification can be done through an autotech.
False, there is no special equipment to perform decalcification, it must be done manually
What are the 4 methods of decalcification?
Use of acids, Use of chelating agent, Ion Exchange Resin, Electric Ionization
Decalcification method that is commonly used in the laboratory.
Use of acids
Example of chelating agent that can be used to decalcify.
EDTA
How long does it take to decalcify when using Ion Exchange Resin method?
1-14 days or longer
Decalcification method that is not suited for urgent biopsies
Ion exchange resin
Considered as the most rapid method of decalcification because it is thru electric current.
Electric Ionization
Enumerate the methods to measure the extent of decalcification.
Xray/Radiologic, Mechanical/Physical, Bubble test, Chemical Method
Most reliable and accurate method of detecting the extent of decalcification.
Xray/Radiologic
Can detect the smallest calcium.
Xray/Radiologic
Done by bending the tissue, probing or pricking the tissue with a needle.
Mechanical/Physical
Method of testing for the completeness of decalcification that uses calcium carbonate.
Bubble test
What reagent is being used in bubble test to detect the completeness of decalcification?
Calcium carbonate
What does the presence of tiny bubbles signify when CaCO3 is added after decalcification?
specimen is not yet decalcified (EXTEND DECALCIFICATION)
Method of measuring completeness of decalcification by using 5mL or 0.5mL decalcifying agent.
Chemical method
In chemical method of checking the completeness of decalcification, how is the acidic decalcification agent be converted into alkaline?
By adding strong ammonia.
What result signals that decalcification is not yet done when chemical method is utilized?
Turbidity
