Decalcification of Bone: Literature Review and Practical Study of Various Decalcifying Agents. Methods, and Their Effects on Bone Histology

Abstract

A literature search of decalcifying techniques was done to review and compare the older methods to the modern ones used today. The search led to a study in which we evaluated the different decalcifying agents and methods: immersion, electrolytic, microwave, sonication, and resin decalcification methods. Eight different acid decalcifiers and 3 chelating solutions were used in conjunction with several methods for evaluation of their ability to decalcify with minimal amount of time, cellular damage, and interference with staining. (The J Histotechnol 21:49, 1998)

Keywords:

• bone
• cartilage
• decalcification
• endpoint determination