Lec 6: Decalcification Flashcards
Enumerate the steps for Conventional Tissue Processing
- Fixation
- Decalcification
- Dehydration
- Clearing
- Infiltration
- Embedding
- Trimming/Cleaning
- Sectioning
- Staining
- Mounting
- Labeling
The removal of calcium ions from a bone or calcified tissue through a histological process.
Decalcification
The process which makes the bone or calcified tissue flexible and easy to cut.
Decalcification
Tissues that include Decalcification
- bones
- teeth
- calcified tumor
- calcified heart valve
The substance that makes the bone hard
Calcium
- It forms soluble calcium salts in anion exchange which moves calcium from the bone into the decalcifying solution.
- It sequesters metallic ions including calcium in aqueous solutions.
- Strong Mineral Acid or Weak Organic Acid
- Chelating agent
Criteria of a good Decalcifying Agent
- Complete removal of calcium
- absence of damage to tissue cells or fibers
- Non impairment of subsequent staining technique
- Reasonable speed of the calcification
What are the factors affecting the rate of decalcification (5)
- concentration
- fluid access
- size & consistency
- agitation
- temperature
Factors affecting Decalcification Rate:
[TRUE or FALSE]
1. Increased temperature = slows down Decalcification = increases tissue damage
2. The bigger the tissue, the longer the decalcifying period.
3. The denser the tissue, the faster the decalcifying period.
4. Higher concentration = slower Decalcification
- FALSE
- TRUE
- FALSE
- FALSE
Factors affecting Decalcification Rate:
- Higher concentration does what to the tissue?
- The optimum temperature recommended.
- Recommended Fluid to Tissue ratio
- How does gentle agitation & low-speed stirring/rocking affect Decalcification Rate?
- How long do dense bone tissues usually take to complete Decalcification?
- Decalcifies rapidly, but more harm to tissue
- RT (18–30°C)
- 20:1
- Increase Decalcification Rate
- 14 days +
Procedure of Decalcification
- Selection of tissue
- Fixation
- Decalcification
- Acid Neutralization
- Thorough washing
In tissue selection, what is the ideal thickness for:
a.) dense bone
b.) soft bone
a.) 2 to 5 mm
b.) 4 to 6 mm
When cutting large specimen:
1.) What saw is used?
2.) What saw is NOT advisable to use?
- Large fine-toothed bone saw
- Coarse Saw
When cutting a small specimen, what is used?
Geological cutting machine with diamond impregnated cutting disc
It protects the cellular elements of the bone from damage caused by acids in decalcifying agents.
Fixation